Tricking a cat into taking pills

jkoch

By Dr. John Koch

Question: My cat has a health condition that requires giving it a pill once each day. I started by giving the pills directly, but that didn't work. Next, I tried mixing the pill with all kinds of different canned foods. My cat ate everything and left the pill behind. I then tried crushing the pill and mixing it, but that bozo cat of mine would not eat any of the altered food. My cat loves milk unless I put a pill into it. I have tried tuna juice, shrimp juice, and various other concoctions with no luck. Do you have any other suggestions?

Answer: There are several compounding pharmacies that specialize in mixing pills into flavored liquid that disguises the medication. They have literally dozens of flavors from which to choose. These specially mixed liquids generally negate the taste of medication better than home brewed recipes.

If liquids aren't tantalizing to your feline's palate, many medications may be transformed into pastes that can be rubbed across the roof of your cat's mouth. If your kitty prefers, medication may be put into the form of chewy treats.

One of the more recent developments for giving medication is the use of a transdermal gel. This concept has been borrowed from human medicine where it is occasionally used to treat cancer patients. The medication is incorporated into a gel and using a gloved finger, it is rubbed into the inside of the pet's earflap. The gel and medication are subsequently absorbed through the skin into the blood stream.

Medications that are specially componded are more expensive than traditional pills; however, most are still affordable. You will not be able to walk into your veterinarian's office and take these special medications home with you. Please call ahead to learn if your cat's medicine can be compounded. It may take a day or two for the pharmacy to make and deliver your prescription.

Dr. Koch is a Cape Girardeau area veterinarian.