Tiger is very sick today

[AmberLee]

Wayne,

Are they liquid antibiotics or pills or other?

[wayne0214]

Amberlee, pardon me for forgetting that. The meds are a liquid which is given with an eye-dropper. The med's rather pleasant odor reminds me of mint. But she refuses to have anything to do with it. I placed some drops of the stuff in her food about a half-hour ago. She only lapped up part of it. But I suppose that part of it is better than none.

............wayne

[AvaJoy]

Wayne, maybe you could ask the vet to dispense the antibiotic in pill form . . . if she is not a good pill taker here is my method:

Take 2 Whisker Lickins cat treats, sandwich the pill between them and gently press the pliable treats between both thumbs and forefingers so that the warmth of your fingertips allows you to press and mold the treats around the pill . . . then I just put the rounded treat (with pill hidden in the middle . . . ) down and my cats will eat it.

I'm glad the vet has her on medication which should relieve your mind, but getting cats to TAKE their meds is such a task! Hope this helps and that Tiger is feeling better soon.

[tatsxxx11]

My Mr. B and Oliver have both just recovered from a bout with URI. One was given pills, the other liquid medic. Oliver absolutely refused the liquid via dropper. Mr. B is very good with "pilling." For Oliver, I warmed a small bit of human tuna in the microwave, and added the liquid medic. to the tuna. The strong smell of the tuna masked the medic. and he took it fine. But if Tiger is not eating well, this may still pose a problem. Still, it is worth a try. Have you ever pilled her before? If she totally refuses the liquid in any form, ask the vet to give you pills. I have found that it actually is easier to pill them then coax them to take liquid medic. It is a bit tricky at first, but one gulp and it's down. Try the liquid first; the tuna just might work. There are available "pill poppers" for kitties available at pet centers. Let us know Wayne. What a good patient sweet Tiger is!! Please give her hugs from me and snuggles from Mr. B and Oliver. They know how she feels! Sandra

[tatsxxx11]

AvaJoy...Have used that method myself with the pills, that is! Good thinking!

[AvaJoy]

I have an aversion to liquid antibiotics, because years ago Lily was given a pink (Flagil??) med that made her very sick to her stomach. The vet I was using at the time said she had an allergic reaction and to discontinue treatment . . . he substituted a pill form instead.

Sandra, I have a pill popper that the vet gave me, but never tried using it . . . you will have to give us pointers . . . it seemed so awkward and I thought it would only create additional stress especially if the cat is not accustomed to being pilled; I figured if I could devise a way to coax the patient to take the pill on their own accord, that would be preferable. I've also tried just crouching on the floor, cat backed between my knees, opening the mouth and shoving the pill down, but that method is also forcing the issue and a high strung cat will put up a valiant fight, despite feeling poorly . . . I've had the best results with concealing the pill in a treat, but maybe my furkids are just easily fooled!

[Sara luvs her Tinky]

LIQUID MEDICINE ADVICE...........
When Tinky was taking medicine for her worms (it was a liquid) the vet just told me to take a small handfull of the scruff of her neck (like the momma cat does to carry her kittens) and that automatically open their mouths a little,,,, and stick the dropper im the crack of the mouth and squirt. Let go of the scruff after you squeeze the medicine in so it can swallow.
I never had a problem givin Tinky her medicine that way! and I always gave her a treat or two afterward. I had to give her, her medecine on a schedule and I would always give it to her on the couch and whenever I would pull out her medicine bottle and her treats she would get on the couch voluntarily and take her medicine like such a good little girl
I LOOOVE HER SOOO MUCH!!!!!!!!

Good luck!!

[krazyaboutkatz]

I'm sorry to hear about Tiger. I hope she continues to get better soon. Fingers and paws are crossed here.

[lynnestankard]

Wayne so pleased you know what the problem is. When we've had to give liquid meds., I've actually found it easier than tablets - all three of mine were the roll models for the dissertation on 'How to administer Pills to Cats' (sorry can't remember who posted that - so funny LOL!!)
I've found that a towel draped over the cat and a quick cuddle has them completley enveloped apart from their little face so the dropper can be gently insinuated into the side of their mouth and one squeeze and - Jobs Done!!
I think the kitties could be in shock and just swallow as a reflex!! LOL
Give Tiger nose kisses please {{{tiger}}} and a cuddle.

Lynne

[sasvermont]

Wayne, I am so happy that you took the kitty to the Vet. I am glad the results were not bad and that the kitty is on the road to recovery.

Wayne, this method worked for me: Get a heavy weight sweatshirt or shirt and cut off the sleeve at the sholder.

Take the kitty and stuff it in the sleeve (wide end) and shove its head through to the other end (narrow end) ... Now you have its legs encased and its head exposed, yes? Then you tighten your grip on the small end (the cuff), holding the head still....

They can flail all they want with their legs, cause the long sleeve is encasing them.... You should have one hand free at this point....

What I do, is put the cat on the counter, hold it down with my arm and body and then use both hands to work on the head. Then pry open the mouth..... and drop in the medication. You can hold on to the kitty until it swallows the meds.

I used a soft/heavy sweatshirt from those college days.....

My cats caught on eventually, but I could put the sleeve on them in any room, then carry them to the counter area. I actually cut off both sleeves and kept one washed and clean for the next day....

Good luck. And again, I am happy to hear that your kitty is recovering!!!!

[wayne0214]

Lynne and sas vt., thanks for the uniqe ideas. Last night Tiger woke me up as she changed positions next to me on the bed. I felt her and she was "cold". Fearing for her safety, I got up at 1:30 am. and had her eat some more of the canned cat food. She also started to drink water again. Then I literally fought her to take one full dose of the prescribed meds. Afterwards, she began to eat more of the canned food, and returned to bed with me. When I got up for the morning she jumped up, started running around and is playing outside now while I'm writing this. The meds are doing their job but the problem is getting her to take them twice a day. However it is a relief for me to know that she is feeling better and is eating more normally now without the hacking and barfing.

Thanks all, for your sincere concern for my furkids. Everytime I post something like this on the Pet Talk site, I can expect, as in the past, to receive a sincere wish for their health and well being and with help to show me how to take better care of my furkids. Thanks again to and for all of you

...........wayne.

[lynnestankard]

Wow S'mont what a really good idea - guess who's going searching hubbies wardrobe for old sweatshirts?!!

Lynne

[Gio]

What an original idea. I'll have to try it next time!

[Tubby & Peanut's Mom]

Wayne, I'm so glad to hear little Tiger is doing so much better. I have advice on pilling, but have never dealt with liquids, but it sounds like everyone has some great ideas here.

Here's hoping she continues her progress and everything and everyone is well again.

[yorkster]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by AvaJoy


Take 2 Whisker Lickins cat treats, sandwich the pill between them and gently press the pliable treats between both thumbs and forefingers so that the warmth of your fingertips allows you to press and mold the treats around the pill . . . then I just put the rounded treat (with pill hidden in the middle . . . ) down and my cats will eat it.



Avajoy..........that's what I have found works on one of my kitties too. the Whisker licken treats that I have found that work the best are the salmon flavor "fishys" they call them--they seem to be softer and squishier. It helps that my kitty is a bit of a piggy, so he does not even know he is geeting a pill. my other cat is a very picky eater, and it does not work so well.


Wayne- sorry to hear about Tiger being sick. Hope that it all turns out well- we will be sending good thoughts to you and Tiger. Keep us posted on what goes on. Take care.