Things You'll Need
Wet cat food
Spoon
Syringe or medicine dropper
Cream cheese
Newspaper
Brush
Oral medications are administered through the mouth and topical medications are applied to body surfaces such as the skin. Administering powdered cat medication is not an easy task. In general, cats don't like the taste, making it seem almost impossible to administer oral medications. In addition, cats can be very uneasy, making administering any medications time consuming and frustrating. Whether the medication needs to be administered orally or topically, the following steps can help you do so safely and accurately.
Read the label. Directions on the label will tell you the correct dosage and daily intake, as all medications are different. Contact your veterinarian if you have questions.
Mix the powder in wet cat food, if the medication needs to be taken orally. Add the powder to the cat food and mix with a spoon. Cats digest powder easier in wet food than in dry food. Use a different flavor of wet food than the usual. Some cats can tell something isn't right if you add medication to their regular food. By giving them a different kind of food, they don't notice the difference and may think they are getting a new treat. If preferred, you can also mix the powder in water.
Use a syringe or medicine dropper. Sometimes, cats won’t eat their food if it’s mixed with medication. Mix the powder with water and fill the syringe or medicine dropper. Place the tip inside the side of their mouth. Quickly squirt all of the medication into their mouth. They will then be forced to swallow and lick it up. Consult your veternarian first, as some medications don't dissolve easily in water.
Ask someone for help. Cats can be squirmy, especially if you put a syringe or medicine dropper in their mouth, which means it is easier if you have someone hold the cat. For oral medications, the Animal World Network notes, "It is important that your pet is in a sitting position whenever you administer any oral medication.” This will not only make the medication easier to administer, but prevent you from getting bitten or scratched.
Mix oral medication with cream cheese and wipe the mixture on one of the cat's front paws. Your cat will instantly lick its paw and consume the medication.
Rub the medication on the cat's skin for topical powdered medications. Cover your floor with newspaper and place your cat on it. Brush through their hair to remove all dead hairs. Separate the hair pieces so their hair stands up. Do small areas at a time. Take a small amount of powder into a cupped hand and massage the powder into the fur. Make sure to get the base of the hair shafts and skin. Do this until the entire coat is covered. When you are finished, monitor your cat to make sure it doesn't lick the medicated areas as this can make your cat sick.
