Page 244 - The Complete Cat Breed Book (DK)

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24 2 HEAL TH AND BREEDING

When your cat is unwell or a plastic medicine dropper. Drops for the eyes or ears
If your cat is ill or recovering from surgery or an accident, can be administered while gently immobilizing your cat’s
you must resist the temptation to stroke and cuddle him. He head. Always make sure that the dropper does not touch
will most likely not enjoy being handled in the early stages of his eyes or ears.
convalescence. Stroke or pet your cat only if he clearly wants If your cat is wholly resistant to being given any kind
attention. Provide him with a warm bed, where he can be left of medicine at home, take him to your vet each day or
in peace to recuperate. Check on your cat regularly and have him kept at the practice until the course of
change the bedding if it becomes soiled. If you have an treatment is over.
outdoor cat, make sure he is kept indoors during his recovery
and has easy access to bowls of water and a litter box. TOP TIPS
Caring for a convalescing cat:
Administering medicine ■ Give frequent small portions of food heated to body
Only give your cat medicine prescribed by a vet, and follow temperature. You may have to hand-feed him initially.
the instructions carefully. You can try hiding a pill in a ball ■ Check your cat’s wounds daily
for redness or infection.
of meat or mold a sticky treat around it, but only if your
■ Provide a cozy bed, in a quiet
cat is allowed to take food with his medicine. If not, or if
location, with a microwavable
he rejects or coughs up the pill, you will need to place it in heating pad or a hot-water
his mouth (see below). This is best done with a helper to bottle wrapped in a towel.
hold your cat while you insert the pill. If you are on your ■ Keep other pets away
own, immobilize your cat by wrapping him in a towel, leaving from your cat while
he is recuperating.
his head exposed. Liquid medicines are also widely available
■ Give medicine according
and should be placed into the mouth, between the back
to your vet’s instructions.
teeth and cheek, using a plastic syringe without a needle
HEALTH | GIVING A PILL

Massaging your
cat’s throat for
several seconds
will make him
swallow the pill
Hold your cat’s head with forefinger and
1thumb on either side of his mouth. Gently
tilt his head back and pry open his jaws. Close your cat’s
3mouth and gently
massage his throat
to make sure the pill
has been swallowed
properly. Reward
with praise and
give him a treat.

Place the pill as far back as possible on
2his tongue to trigger swallowing. Give
him gentle encouragement while doing so.