How To Give Tricyclic Antidepressants to a Cat

There are a number of ways in which tricyclic antidepressants can be administered to your cat.The easiest way to hide medicine is in your cat's food.The traditional method is to place the pill in the back of your cat's mouth with your hand.If your cat has a hard time swallowing pills, you can have a pharmacy compound put into a liquid or a gel that is applied to the skin.

Step 1: There is a pill pocket.

A pill pocket is a treat.There is a space in a pill pocket for you to put the pill inside.Put the pill in the pocket for your cat to eat.Break up the pill pocket if it's too large for your cat to eat.Wrap the dough around the pill and give it to your cat.

Step 2: There is a pill in canned food.

Its canned food should be put on a platter.Place the pill in the middle of canned food with a spoon.The pill needs to be submerged in the food.Give your cat a platter of food.If your cat won't eat the pill this way, you will need to try a different method.

Step 3: You can make a meatballs.

You can make a small treat-sized meatballs out of your cat's favorite food.A small ball can be formed by packing the food around the pill.You can use cheese, peanut butter, or meat in baby food.Try to use foods that are very strong to mask the medicine's flavor.Foods that are toxic to cats include grapes, chocolate, raisins, onion, garlic, and macadamia nuts.

Step 4: If it's okay to crush the pill, ask your vet.

Some cats don't like the sensation of swallowing a pill.If the pill is crushed, your cat will be more willing to take it, but you should ask your vet if it is safe.The coating on some pills is designed to help release medication after the pill has been swallowed.It's a bad idea to crush a pill for your cat.Before changing your cat's medication, check with your vet.

Step 5: Put your cat on top of a towel.

Hold it steady with one or both hands.Talking to your cat in a soothing voice will calm it.If your cat is prone to scratching or resists you, wrap it in a towel and make sure its head is sticking out.

Step 6: From the top, hold the cat's head.

When your cat is calm, place your non-dominant hand on top of its head.You can use your fingers to leverage it.

Step 7: It should tilt its head back a bit.

Your cat's mouth should openvoluntarily.Pick up the pill with one hand.The pill should be held between your thumb and index finger.To keep its jaw open, place your middle or ring finger on its lower teeth.Don't put your finger on the canine tooth to keep it open.If your cat won't open its mouth, you will need to pry it open.The middle finger of the same hand is used to hold the pill.Place your middle finger over the small incisor teeth in the front of your cat's mouth.Push your cat's jaw open with gentle pressure.

Step 8: The pill should be placed on its tongue.

The base of the cat's tongue is where the pill should be dropped.To push the pill over the cat's tongue, use your index finger and thumb.If you do it this way, you have to act fast to prevent your fingers from getting bitten.The pill can be placed at the base of the cat's tongue.You don't have to put your fingers in your cat's mouth.It is easier to swallow the pill if it is coated with butter.

Step 9: Close the cat's mouth.

Once you have placed the pill at the base of the tongue, use your hands to keep its mouth closed.Re-positioning your cat's head will make it easier for him to swallow the pill.Blow in the cat's nose or rub its throat to make it swallow the pill.It is important that your cat's tongue, cheeks, or lips are not caught in its teeth before you close its mouth.Don't let your cat go until he swallows the pill.Put water on its nose.If your cat licks the water off, it means that it swallowed the pill.

Step 10: Feed the cat.

It is recommended to give tricyclic antidepressants with food to decrease side effects.Feed your cat after it receives its medication.Feed your cat cheese or give it a treat if it won't eat.Provide your cat with some water as well.You can give your cat water that tastes like juice from a tuna can.

Step 11: The medication should be put into the needle.

The liquid medication should be put into the tip of the syringe.To get the medicine in, pull the plunger.When you are ready to administer the medication, place the needle nearby so it is easy to retrieve.It's important to follow the instructions on the bottle.The best way to get the best results is to use a 1 liter needle.

Step 12: There is a cat on your lap.

On your lap, put your cat on top of a towel.Hold your cat with one or both of your hands.Talking to your cat in a soothing voice will calm it down.If you think your cat will scratch you or resist, wrap the towel around its body so that its head is sticking out.

Step 13: For two to three minutes, hold the needle with your dominant hand.

The medication will be warm in the room.To get the medication out of the cat's mouth, push the plunger.Put the needle in front of your cat's face and let it lick it.If your cat won't lick the medicine, grab it by the scruff with your other hand.The mouth will open slightly so you can administer the medicine.

Step 14: Place the needle in its mouth.

At a 45 degree angle, place the needle at the back of its mouth between its teeth and cheek.Make sure to put the needle behind the canine tooth.Push the tip between the cat's teeth.Try to keep the needle out of the cat's mouth.This can cause your cat to panic.

Step 15: Give the medication slowly.

The medication should be pushed by little.You should wait a few seconds between each dose.This will give your cat time to take the medication.If you want your cat to breathe in the medication, try not to give it all at once.Your cat may spit out some of the medicine after you have finished it.If your cat does this, you should not give it more medication unless you are certain that no medication was swallowed.

Step 16: Praise and feed your cat.

You should give the medication with food to avoid side effects.Provide your cat with food and treats to entice it to eat.Talking to your cat in a soothing voice is a good way to praise it for good behavior.Provide your cat with fresh, clean water.

Step 17: Your cat has an ear.

Wrap a paper towel around your head.If you have excess water, squeeze it out.Remove the outer surface of your cat's ear.This will be used to prepare the skin for the transdermal gel.Don't stick the gauze into the cat's ear canal.

Step 18: Put your cat on a surface.

You can put it on your lap, bed, couch, or chair.Stabilize your cat with one hand.If your cat is anxious, pet and talk to it in a calm voice.

Step 19: Gloves are worn.

It is possible to prevent the medication from entering your body.You can use latex gloves or a finger glove.If you are using a finger cot, make sure you put it on your thumb and index finger.

Step 20: Put the medicine on your finger.

Make sure to give the correct dose.In order to get the correct dose, follow the directions on the bottle.

Step 21: The gel should be applied.

The area that you wiped clean is the inner surface of your cat's ear.Use your index finger to massage the gel into the ear.If you want it to be completely absorbed, massage it in.Don't use the gel on a broken or abraded skin.Each time you apply the gel, use a different ear.

Step 22: You need to remove your gloves.

If you want to avoid getting any medication on your skin, use a paper towel.Place the gloves in the trashcan after you discard them.Warm water and soap can be used to wash your hands.Put your cat in a separate room for 15 minutes if you have other pets or children.It is possible for your cat to spread the medication to your pets and/or children.