Medicating cats can be a challenge, but it doesn’t always need to be. Thankfully, for many medications, your veterinarian may be able to prescribe a formulation that is easier for you to get into your cat. Training a cat to use an inhaler or giving them a pill may seem challenging so your vet may suggest a topical medication as an alternative.
Of course, not every cat will love having a topical medication applied. In these cases, you may need to do some work to help them get used to topical medications. Here are a few hints at how you can make the process easier for both you and your cat.
Start Early
The easiest way to make applying topical medications to your cat easy is to prepare them ahead of time. While this may seem like extra work, if you prepare early, it will take less time when you actually need to apply the medication. Plus, it ultimately will be less difficult than having to constantly chase your cat down later. You can use a similar process for things like clipping your cat’s nails.
Honestly, this concept applies to many aspects of cat behavior. Even if you don’t think you need to give your cat other types of medication, you’ll want to get them used to it before they need it.
Find Something They Love
The first step in getting a cat used to topical medications is finding something your cat loves. Ideally, you’ll want something that is more than just a short, singular event. A tube of Churu or another lickable treat is often used, but if your cat for some reason isn’t a Churu cat, brushing or a lick mat with wet food are some other solutions.
Regardless of what it is, you need to make sure your cat loves it. It shouldn’t be something you want them to like or you feel like they should like. It’s up to your cat.
Start Far Away
Once you have plenty of the thing your cat loves ready, you can begin working with them to get them used to having the part of their body the medication will be applied to handled. In some cases this may be their ears, but for other medications like flea and tick medicine, it could be the back of their neck. Your veterinarian will give you specifics.
Regardless of where you need to apply the topical medication to your cat, start by initiating touch someplace further away that your cat is okay with being petted. You can figure this out by asking your cat if they’re okay with you petting them. They’ll likely show you where they prefer being touched by rubbing against you.
Without lifting your hand, start slowly moving it toward the location and gradually adding distance until you get closer to the final location. You should be bored if this is going correctly because you cat shouldn’t display any tense body language. Ideally, they won’t react at all. They’ll be too busy being distracted by their special treat!
Not sure how to read your cat’s body language? I recommend every cat parent grab a copy of Kitty Language by Lili Chin. It really is the best, easiest to understand resource for reading your cat’s body language.
Use Caution When You Arrive At Your Destination
Once your cat is cool with you touching near the location you’ll need to apply the topical medication, don’t just dive in to rubbing all over that location. Go slowly and get them used to the location being touched.
If you need to use an applicator to apply the medication, you can begin getting them used to something that feels similar to it touching that part of their body. For example, for flea and tick medicine, you can use a pen to get them used to the medication applicator touching the back of their neck. An empty syringe may also work or you could even used the capped medication applicator. Whatever you do, do it briefly, lightly, and without causing fear. Repeat this A LOT before going live.
Final Preparations
Once your cat is used to having that part of their body handled, you can go live, right? Well, maybe not. Depending on how exactly the medication is being applied, you may want to do a few quick extra steps. Consider doing the following:
- For flea and tick medication, using a syringe with a very, very small amount of warm water may help them get used to the liquid on their skin. Only apply a drop at first. and increase it very gradually. You usually don’t need to use much water because most flea and tick medications only have a small amount of liquid.
- For creams, use disposable gloves so they get used to the feeling of being touched by the glove. Chances are you won’t want to apply a topical medication that can be absorbed through the skin using your bare skin.
- Try rubbing a very small amount of a lotion (approved by your vet) in the area to get them used to the sensation. You can wipe it off with a soft cloth after.
How To Tell Your Cat Is Ready
After all is said and done, your cat should be much more comfortable being handled and be used to a lot of the strange interactions from you. They should be calm and not try to run away when you bring out anything associated with the handling. If your cat is still skittish, slow down and give them some more time.
You may need to go back and repeat parts of this. If you aren’t positive your cat is ready, it’s better to redo part than to have to constantly fight your cat.
If you’re still struggling? I can help you get your cat used to topical medications. Set up a session and we’ll come up with a personalized plan.
