what do i do with ozzy now?? help!!

[jenluckenbach]

Find out if the medicine can be compounded into a cream that goes in the ear. I know this is done by a pharmacy but do not know if ALL medicine can be administered like this. Sasvermont has some experience with the cream in the ear type of medicine if you want to contact her.

[marysmerrycats]

i feel bad for you, because I have been where you are, have been thru the same thing... is there someone that could help you? it takes 2 people , one to hold the kitty and one to give the medicine. of course that will not cure the problem of him hiding,,, hmm then maybe the cream is the only way to go, will he let you rub cream ?

[ozzlou]

i tried using the cream for another problem a while ago.

ozzy said no.

and once he makes up his mind...that's it. it is so frustrating, i could just spit.

tara

[RedHedd]

When Goldie was sick I had to give her meds twice a day - some were liquid, one was a human drug that the pharmacist prepared in the smallest capsules possible -- still large for a little kitty mouth. I became a pro at giving her her meds -- It took LOTS and I do mean LOTS! of loving kissies. I would hold her, stroke her, position her between my legs with her head on my chest. I would gently give her the meds, very slowly, one at a time interspersed with lots of kisses (yes on her little kitty lips - they're so sweet) and lots of loving pets and huggies. She never did like taking the meds, but I think she knew they were keeping her alive. Many times the liquid would end up in my hair or all over the bathroom <sigh> but for the most part she did get most of the dosages. Good luck! I know each cat is different and each day is different. Some days she would fight me and towards the end she just let me do what I would do without too much of a fight.

[marysmerrycats]

well he has to have the meds to save his life, so then how about kitty prozac or some behavior modification med? first try feliway it really can work.

[marysmerrycats]

and once he makes up his mind...that's it. it is so frustrating, i could just spit.

oh do I know that feeling! some months back, I was having to give 4 or 5 cats eye drops, 2 kinds, 4 times a day.. wait 10 mins between one kind and the other.. so we all stayed in the bathroom waiting for 10 mins to go by, looking at watch, trying t amuse them. oh that was FUN!

[ozzlou]

ozzy says: variety is the spice of life.

i got a bunch of different flavors, and he is now enjoying the turkey giblets, spiked with rutin and prednisone.

so next time he refuses, i will know what to do.

thank you all so much, your suggestions really helped!
(not only for ozzy, but i was freaking out, i admit it. )

take care!
tara

[marysmerrycats]

ozzy
you gave your momma quite a scare! no more of that ok? be a good boy and take you med, you have to have it. were you just trying to tell your mommy you wanted new food?

[ozzlou]

...all he had to do was say so...

tara

[kimlovescats]

So glad that Ozzy is taking his meds again. One suggestion I had, if you have to deal with this again ... is to see if the drugs can be administered by injection. Sometimes vets just assume you wouldn't want or be able to give shots yourself. Trust me, it's easier than forcing meds down the throat sometimes!!!

Hope he will continue to eat his spiked food though!

[jenluckenbach]

Great news. But the injection route is something to keep in mind. (I never even thought of that)

[Cataholic]

Tara,
when I first began pilling Tex, he would pick up on my frustrations. This did nothing to the situation. So, first, you need to look at your self in the mirror, and say, " I am not going to get upset. My kitty needs these meds, and it is for his own good". Then, don't get upset. I know you can do it.

As to the pilling, I pick the exact same spot. I always let Tex see the pill first, and I think "you know you need this"...and it is nearly an effortless task anymore. I pill him twice a day, and have for awhile. Now, I will admit, Tex is a very good boy, and very smart, and I have to make sure he doesn't cheek it and spit it out..which he has done.

I read once that kitties don't like to be suprised with the meds...it makes trust an issue. As said else where on the thred....lots of love and praise afterwards...

Good luck, and stay calm. Ozzie depends on you.

[ozzlou]

hi..

my vet said that the prednisone has a similar drug that can be injected- but apparently its better and more effective to take orally- still something is better than nuthin.
but the rutin- which is major- is not available in injection form.

i completely agree, that he picks up on my frustration! i think HE knows that i'm freakin before i do! i try really hard to stay calm- but sometimes i truly don't realize it.
and that trust issue- is my worst fear. he's been cautious when i pet him- waiting for me to grab him. i hate that so much.
but unfortunately surprise is the only way to get him . and i love all over him all the time- when i figure out how to work my pictures i'll post them...he's a big fat black cat- really cuddly

he did ok this morning. he didn't eat all the meds- but i was happy that he tried it anyway...

he keeps me on my toes, that's for sure...
i will remember all of these suggestions for next time- definately!!
thanks everyone!
tara

[marysmerrycats]

Tara
try feliway... it works. it will make him calmer.

[ozzlou]

what's feliway??

tara