MEDICATING CATS

What medicines are available?

Medicine may come in the following formulations:

1. Tablets.

          2. Capsules - powder contained within a dissolvable gelatin container.

          3. Powder.

          4. Syrups.

          5. Injections (insulin only).

6.   Enemas/suppositories.

What additional information do I need to know?

1 .   Your vet will advise you whether it is important that the medication is given with food or on an empty stomach.

2.     Always complete any course of treatment that is prescribed and follow the instructions that you are given with respect to the dose and timing of medication.

3.     If you are concerned about your cat’s response to treatment or if any new signs develop then consult your veterinary surgeon as soon as possible.  In particular if the cat's appetite diminishes or vomiting occurs, consult the vet.

4.     Do not alter or stop therapy without consulting your veterinary surgeon since this may result in complications.

MANAGING THE SICK CAT

Follow your vet's advice and instructions very precisely.  Take your cat for reinspection if requested to do so. If your cat's condition worsens unexpectedly then contact your vet for advice.

A suitable place for your cat

Your cat should be somewhere that is warm and dry, peaceful and quiet.  There should be sufficient light for you to observe him.  It may be necessary to provide an additional heat source such as a heat pad, a heat lamp or a hot water bottle.  These should be used with care to avoid burns or overheating.  Easily washable cat friendly bedding is advisable.  A litter tray should be provided within easy walking distance of your cat's bed.

Feeding your cat

Your sick cat needs to have both food and water.  When cats are ill they will often stop eating and drinking and it is important to monitor your cats intake so that you know when intervention is necessary.

To encourage your cat to drink fresh water should be available all the time.  Normal healthy cats often do not drink very much because the food that they eat contains a high proportion of water.  If your cat stops eating he will need to have fluids.  If it is not possible for your cat to be given fluids by mouth your vet will hospitalise your cat to give him the care that he needs.  If you are trying to give fluids by mouth this most easily achieved using a syringe.  Giving little and often works best.  Your vet will advise you about what fluids to give.

To encourage your cat to eat offer palatable, high energy, highly digestible food little and often.  Choosing a favourite food will often meet these requirements.  Sometimes cats can be tempted by strong smelling foods such as pilchards.  Warming food to body heat often makes it more attractive.  Some cats can be encouraged by hand feeding.  Your vet will advise you if there are any foods that your cat should not be given.  If your cat cannot be tempted to eat voluntarily your vet may suggest giving liquid food via a syringe but this is often not well tolerated.  An alternative is to hospitalise the cat and feed it via a tube.

Grooming and cleaning your cat

Sick cats often stop grooming themselves in which case you will need to do this.  Any discharges from the eyes, nose or mouth should be gently wiped away once or twice a day using balls of cotton wool and warm previously boiled water.  If the coat becomes soiled or matted this should be combed