Codeine can be prescribed to cats in a lot of pain.Make sure your cat doesn't have any conditions that would prevent it from being on the drug if you consult your vet to see if it's a viable option.There are problems with the kidneys or liver.The vets try to avoid giving the drug to cats.If the drug is prescribed, make sure you finish it as instructed.Provide the pills to your cat by hand, or hide them in treats or food.If you can cut or crush the pills, they will be easier to ingest.
Step 1: It's not a good choice for cats to use codeine.
Cats are more sensitive to the drug than other animals.Decreased appetite, seizures, and sometimes aggression are some of the common side effects.The relatively small size of most cats means that giving just a tiny bit too much can result in an overdose.There is almost always a better, safer way to treat the cat than with codeine.
Step 2: Take a look at your cat's pain level.
There are a number of reasons a cat may experience pain.An old age is defined as arthritis.There are a number of indicators that your cat may present due to its pain.If you notice signs of pain in your cat, you can relay them to your doctor.Is that meowing, growling?Evasiveness decreases in appetite and mobility.
Step 3: You should consult your doctor.
If it's a good option for your cat, ask your vet.Codeine should only be considered after other pain relief options.Meloxicam is a strong, potentially addictive drug.Codeine is not approved for use in pets by the FDA, so you have to get a prescription from a vet before you can give it to your pet.For an aging cat with severe arthritis that doesn't respond to milder pain medications, it might be best to use codeine.
Step 4: Make sure your cat doesn't react badly to the drug.
Before giving your cat a drug, make sure it doesn't have any conditions that would cause a bad reaction.If your cat has a respiratory disease, a heart condition, or a head trauma, don't give it codeine.
Step 5: Your cat needs to be given the right dose.
The proper dose for cats is between 0.25 and 1mg per pound.This should be given to cats 3 times a day.To make sure you remember, set an alarm on your phone or time each dose to coincide with other daily rituals.There are meals.
Step 6: It's important to give your cat the correct dose at the right time.
Don't try to change the dose yourself or the schedule without consulting your vet.Giving the wrong dose can result in an overdose.If you want to make it easier to give your cat pills, use a weekly medicine tray.
Step 7: Make up for missed doses.
If you can't give your cat the dose at the right time, give them the drug as soon as possible.Skip the missed dose if it is already time for the next dose.It's better to miss a dose than to give it all at once.
Step 8: If instructed otherwise, complete the full prescription.
If your vet tells you to stop, give your cat the full prescription.If your cat requires more pills after the prescription is done, you should speak with your vet.If you want to take your cat off of the medication before that point, you have to get your vet's approval.
Step 9: The side effects can be monitored.
Keep a close eye on your cat while you give it a drug to watch for side effects.If it keeps more to itself because of its illness, be sure to keep an eye on it.Common side effects can be manageable.Other symptoms may put your cat at risk for injury or illness.If you see one or more serious side effects, contact your vet immediately.
Step 10: Take the drug off.
As an abrupt stop may cause withdrawal symptoms, it is best to stop giving your cat codeine gradually.Start by giving two pills a day instead of three for a week.After two to three weeks, stop giving your cat the pill.
Step 11: The pill can be administered by hand.
Place your cat against you with its back to you.With one hand, tilt your cat's head upwards.With the other hand, open your cat's mouth with your middle finger and insert the pill as far back on his tongue as you can.
Step 12: Encourage your cat to eat the pill.
Hold your cat's mouth closed until he swallows the pill.Rub its throat under its chin if it hesitates.Give your cat a treat once it swallows the drug.
Step 13: The trick is to use three treats.
There is a brand of treat that is hollow or soft that can be molded around a pill.If you want to give your cat a treat with a pill in it, give it one without the pill.Your cat will eat the second treat quickly if you have a third treat ready.
Step 14: The pill should be divided.
If the pills are too large for your cat to swallow, consider cutting them into smaller pieces.It's a good idea to ask your doctor if you can use a pill cutter to divide them, as breaking through the coating of the pill can cause it to irritate the stomach lining.Smaller pill fragments can be hidden in treats more easily if this is allowed.
Step 15: Put the pills in a container.
It is always a good idea to ask your doctor if it is safe to crush the pills.To mask the taste and texture, mix the crushed pills into canned food.If it's not properly camouflaged, crushed medication can have bitter taste that may deter your cat from eating.