Help! How Do I Give My Cat a Supplement?

Help! How Do I Give My Cat a Supplement?

Cats sometimes need a little extra support to maintain their health, and supplements can help! This may be temporary or long-term. Unfortunately, giving a supplement isn’t always easy with cats. They can become stressed and may grow wary of you as their owner or of their food. That’s why we’re happy to offer some tips.

What Are the Options?

Supplements come in many forms, including tablets, capsules, powders, liquids, or pastes. When choosing a supplement, it’s important to consider your cat’s personal preferences to increase your chances of success. If your cat enjoys tasty snacks or wet food, your choice will differ from that for a picky eater or a cat with food sensitivities.

Our Preference

Some supplements are palatable enough to be taken directly from your hand. Others can be hidden in your cat’s food. These methods are the least stressful for your cat and are always preferred.

When giving a supplement with food, choose an irresistible treat rather than a full meal. Wet food or a special snack works well. It’s also helpful to offer it before your cat has eaten anything else — they’ll be more motivated to eat, and your chances of success improve.

Easypill

If your cat isn’t fooled by food, you can use Easypill. This is a mouldable substance that you can wrap around a tablet or capsule easily.

Mixing with Water

Giving powders can be a challenge, as many cats refuse to eat them when sprinkled over kibble. Try mixing the powder into wet food, meat or fish, or moisten it slightly with water so it doesn’t get blown out of the bowl. If your cat still refuses it, you can dissolve the powder in a syringe with water and administer it directly into their mouth.

Some supplements should not be combined with food for optimal effect. Always check the instructions on your supplement packaging.

Liquid Supplements

Some liquid supplements contain small amounts of alcohol. If your cat reacts negatively (e.g., salivating or drooling), place the drops on a warm spoon to let the alcohol evaporate. Then mix the drops with water in a syringe and give them directly into your cat’s mouth. Alternatively, you can place the drops on the top of your cat’s paw – just make sure they lick it off.

Oral Administration

If the tips above don’t work, it may be necessary to give your cat the tablet or capsule directly into their mouth.

Approach your cat calmly and gently.

• If you have help, ask someone to gently hold your cat’s front paws while you administer the supplement. Some cats feel more secure when wrapped in a towel — just be sure to leave the head free.
• Use your hands and arms to gently hold your cat still.
• Hold the cat’s head by placing your hand over the top of the skull, with your thumb and index finger placed behind the mouth corners on each side, where the jawbone is. This method won’t hurt your cat.
• Hold the tablet or capsule between the thumb and index finger of your other hand.
• Tilt your cat’s head back slightly so the nose points upwards.
• As your cat looks up, the lower jaw will begin to relax. You can gently push the lower jaw down by pressing on the front teeth.
• When the mouth opens, quickly place the tablet or capsule as far back in the mouth as possible. The further back it goes, the more likely your cat is to swallow it. If placed too far forward, your cat may gag and spit it out.
• Release the head and allow your cat to swallow. You can gently stroke the throat to encourage swallowing.
• You might also offer a treat or a sip of water afterwards.

Pill Popper

To make the process easier, you can use a pill popper. This allows you to give the tablet or capsule without putting your fingers in your cat’s mouth.

Reactions to Supplements

Cats are sensitive to smells and tastes, and may react strongly to something they find unpleasant. Your cat may drool or foam at the mouth during or after giving a supplement. Vomiting can also occur. Don’t panic — this can be a normal reaction. However, if it happens at a different time or repeatedly, consult your vet to rule out any medical issues.