Choosing cat medication that your cat will readily take can be a challenge. If your vet has prescribed medication for your cat due to illness or parasitic infestation, it is important to follow the dosing and duration instructions carefully. Working with your vet to choose cat medications that are conducive to your situation can help you succeed in this challenge.

Flavored liquid medications are among the easiest to administer to a cat. Companies that add flavors to human prescriptions are now expanding this service to pet medications as well. Giving a cat a “dose” of tuna or liver flavored medicine is much easier than getting him to swallow something that doesn’t taste good.

For cat medication in pill form, consider breaking the pill up into pieces to make swallowing easier. Always discuss this with your vet first. Some medications may have coatings to help the cat better digest them or to allow the medication to slowly absorb over time, and breaking them apart can make swallowing more difficult or even make the medication dangerous. There are also commercially available treats that are designed to hold pills, making it easier to administer them to cats. Be aware, though, that many cats will quickly figure this out and may swallow the treat but reject the pill.

Not all cat medicines are prescribed by the vet for illness. Cat vitamins and supplements can help felines the same way they help humans: by causing chemical reactions within the body and assisting in the proper absorption of fats and carbohydrates. Most cats get all their nutritional needs met through their everyday diets. Not all cats need vitamins and supplements, and not all cats that do need them require them in the same dosages. It is important to know which vitamins are needed for your cat, and which he is not already getting in sufficient amounts through his daily diet. If there are vitamins and minerals your cat needs that he is not receiving through his diet, consider changing his diet before choosing cat medication such as cat vitamins and supplements.

Some cat medications, such as many flea and tick products, are applied topically. Always be sure you are choosing cat medication, not using simply dog products on a cat. Many flea and tick control products contain pyrethrums, which are natural extracts derived from chrysanthemum plants. Pyrethrum-based products are usually used topically and are considered among the safest to use on your cat. Some products that are available for use on dogs or other animals are not safe for cats. Pyrethroids are synthetic pyrethrum products which are safe for dogs but should not be used on cats. Organophosphates and organocarbamates are also not appropriate for use on cats. Amitraz is used both in collars and dips for dogs as a protection against ticks, but this product is not safe for use on cats.

Choosing a cat medication that you can successfully administer to your cat is important. Be sure to check with your vet for any recommendations, such as adding flavorings, or any restrictions, such as not giving a medication with food.