Cats and pills

[AiryFairy1]

On Friday last week our catty had a big cat bite abscess drained on her rump, really close to her tail... it was naaasty, poor thing. Vet gave her a 5 day course of ABs (pink pills) plus a liquid anti-inflammatory.

They recommended that “easy pill” goo for the pill administration as all of us in the family are very squeamish (incl Dd who wants to be a Vet ... which worked very well until last night (so she had 3 full days, started Saturday night).

Last night she suddenly wised up and as I was off guard it became a battle which she won and missed that dose. I went to bed and looked at YouTube videos of how to pill a cat.

This morning, well rested, I wrapped her in a towel (kitty burrito) and had quick success (gently blew in her face to encourage swallowing n all!)

Today we went back to the vet and as her wound isn’t completely healed (while it is healing, there’s still a gaping hole 😒) they’ve offered a small procedure tomorrow, under sedation, to stitch it up. And the advice was 1 last pill and nil by mouth from 10pm (appt at 10am)

Thing is, I’ve tried several times and she just Will Not take the pill... I have several new scratches (on top of last night’s lacerations) and she’s very wary of me if I even enter the room, and now it’s after 10pm and she needs to have it with food ☹️

All the YouTube video catties were so docile and compliant 😤 and I had my dd weeping in bed because the “cat will die if she doesn’t take her pill” 😭

I guess my question is, will the infection not clear completely if she doesn’t complete the course of ABs?

The vet nurse was recommending the procedure, but the vet said the wound was looking clean and ok (it’s still gross but not oozing), so seemed be hinting that it might not be necessary, but I really can’t face another week of scratches and fur 2 x per day if she needs more pills!

Sorry so long, DH is out and I have no one to talk to!
Thank you!

One of mine was on 8 pills a day I her last few months. 4 in the morning and 4 at night. I put them in a special pill syringe thing. And gave them in one go. However she was an exceptionally good patient. The only time she ever spat them out was if she genuinely hadn't swallowed it first time. It was so much easier with the syringe. I knew she'd taken them and that was that. I was so proud of her.. her sister is more difficult. But if I'm firm she does take it.

You could try it crushed in lik e lix

Could the vet give her a long lasting antibiotic injection?

There is an antibiotic injection which lasts about 7-10 days. I could be wrong on the duration and can't remember which antibiotic it is either-not very helpful! Our old cat had it as she got sick of tablets and medication etc (despite being very tolerant we felt it was kinder)
I have got; it costs a little more than a course of tablets but is less stressful.
I am a big softy with cats but I am quite direct with tablets. Kind of hold cat, open mouth with fingers either side of mouth tablet in, mouth shut and stroke throat. It is a confidence thing and you get the knack.

I'm a vet - don't worry about the pill tonight, a missed dose won't do her any harm if she's in tomorrow anyway. Ask the vets tomorrow if they can give her a long acting injection (convenia) if they think she needs another week or 2 of antib's, some cats are wee buggers when it comes to tablets- especially when they get wise to what you're trying to do. Good luck!

Get the long lasting injection, so much easier on everyone involved. Hiding them in treat sticks or cheese works quite well, or crushing in yogurt or cream cheese, if she likes them. If desperate crush in something then smear it on a paw. Check it’s ok to crush them first.

As toddler tea says, get some likelix tomorrow and crush the pills in that. My cat is super fussy and she loves it.

Yes to pills crushed in likelix all three of my cats take any pill this way. Especially if it’s on a metal teaspoon weirdly enough 🤪

Our boy cat has a gash and puncture wound in the base of his tail, so is on antibiotics and pain killers. We have been crushing them and squishing them into tuna or boiled chicken.

I always want to know why vats can have a long lasting injection, but there is t want for humans. It would be so useful in my job!

Thanks for your responses! It’s definitely a confidence thing with me but I will ask about the long lasting injection, otherwise likelix sounds like the way to go!
She does loves tuna (good disguise option) and Parmesan cheese and olive oil (probably less good options!)

She’s back from the vet - still a bit groggy but her wound is neatly stitched up and looks heaps better. And she had the covenia injection, so no more pills for a while 👏
Now to endure the cone of shame!