Bickford cries when I give him meds

Bickford is on Cisapride liquid 2x per day and MiraLax syringed to him also 2x per day. He's not getting them at the same time so I have to medicate him 4x per day. He cries when he sees the syringe, and tries to run. He usually doesn't get far and I can get the meds into him. I fear there will be a day when he won't let me. He's declawed (not by me) and has thought nothing of hissing and swatting if I'm doing something he doesn't like (usually grooming). Is there any way I can make this easier on him? Cisapride is also available in a pill and I used to put MiraLax in his food. I don't do that anymore because I want to make sure he gets everything in his dose and there's nothing I can do if he walks away from his meal and one of the other cats gets it.

you mentioned that one of his medications is avaible in pill form. Have you thought about giving him that on in pill form and stick it in a pill pocket? that way he is only having to put up with the syringe 2x a day instead of 4?

my friend has a cat that takes miralax in her food to ensure that she eat it. She places it at the top of the food and then puts treats OVER the medicated part to draw the kitty's attention to it.

I prefer pills over liquid when medicating cats, anytime.

Tell him what you are doing and why. Give a treat after each dosing to help add a positive association.

He will adjust, after a while, and it will become a routine thing, the little tasty treat (I use mayonaise or yogurt, just a smaller than pea size drop on the mouth) will help with that.

I use cat bags, to restrain Bugsy, and they are a life saver!! This is the latest one, and I really really like it. Before using them, Bugsy used to run away from me every time he saw me - now he doesn't anymore - the bag took away the trauma of giving meds completely. It makes the whole process seconds long, as it holds him tight, and leaves your both hands free to squirt the meds into his mouth.
I give him a treat when he goes into the the bag, and a few treats immediately after he comes out; now I just put the bag open on the floor, and he walks right to the top and lays on it waiting for me to close... That is how used he got to it, and how not stressed about it he is. Sure, I still need to get him and take him to the bag, but he doesn't put on a fight, as he knows he is getting a treat, and the process will be quick too...
If you need to give meds all the time, like I do (I need to give daily meds for life), I highly recommend getting one.

That's good to know, Carolina. I haven't needed to use one of those cat bags so far, but if ever I do have a cat who stresses that badly I will get one. Cats do feel safe when enclosed, so, even though the med part is not fun for them, I can see how the restraining bag as part of the routine would offer comfort.

I've been lucky so far that cats I've had to medicate, even lifetime, have been able to adjust and accept it all without too much stress.

Unfortunately for me Bickford isn't treat motivated. He's also the biggest drama king I've ever seen. I was mixing the miralax into wet food before - maybe I'll just put it on the top and see what happens tonight. The vet recommended the liquid Cisapride because it would be easier to adjust the dosage until we hit on the appropriate regular dosage. This is for life so he's going to have to get used to it. I do talk to him and let him know that he's a good boy for going through all this discomfort.

Originally Posted by otto

That's good to know, Carolina. I haven't needed to use one of those cat bags so far, but if ever I do have a cat who stresses that badly I will get one. Cats do feel safe when enclosed, so, even though the med part is not fun for them, I can see how the restraining bag as part of the routine would offer comfort.

I've been lucky so far that cats I've had to medicate, even lifetime, have been able to adjust and accept it all without too much stress.

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yeah, it really does help... There is a theory, forgive me, I don't remember the name, that says that applying gentle pressure to the whole body provides comfort to the person and/or animal. The bag also works like that.
This is the third different brand I am using - I like it because the nylon is really think, and the claws don't go through. There is an excellent one too, called Klaw Kontrol Bag, which was my first one, which highly recommend, but it is too small for Bugsy - remember, Bugsy is a huge 19lb Raggie...
If it was not for these bags, our lives would be very stressful - it was before Now medication time is very easy - done in no time, no stress.

Originally Posted by Bob'sMom

Unfortunately for me Bickford isn't treat motivated. He's also the biggest drama king I've ever seen. I was mixing the miralax into wet food before - maybe I'll just put it on the top and see what happens tonight. The vet recommended the liquid Cisapride because it would be easier to adjust the dosage until we hit on the appropriate regular dosage. This is for life so he's going to have to get used to it. I do talk to him and let him know that he's a good boy for going through all this discomfort.

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It doesn't need to be teats, it can be petting too... When you put him on the bag, and after you give him him the meds, just do his favorite thing with him - give him a lot of love, have a nice play time... Reward him with what he loves most. If this is for life, I highly higly recommend you getting a cat bag - it is a life saver. Either the one I gave you the link for, or the Klaw Kontrol Bag - I don't think they have it at amazon, unfortunately, as they sell everything cheaper in there, but you can search it online... That one is an excellent bag too. It will make your life a LOT easier, and take the stress out of med time.

Oh! It's on the tip of my tongue. I know that theory too because we use it with certain special needs children. In fact we have special vests they can wear, with strategic weights sewn in, to help them. I'll have to ask the Occupational Therapist, next time I talk to her.

Anyway, your review on those bags is very interesting.

lol.. number three of ahh what is the name ...

but I second the cat bag, a wonderful person on this forum sent me one and nail trims witht he semi ferals are much nicer... I need a bigger one for the boys...

I think it may be called low pressure restraint, not positive but a check of Temple Grandin's works will produce the proper name.

As far as cats, I still wrap cats, same principle as the cat bags, but nowhere near as easy

Originally Posted by otto

Anyway, your review on those bags is very interesting.

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LOL I was so excited about it, and Still am... It really really makes a World of difference if you need to give daily meds.... I tried three different brands, Klaw Kontrol is probably one of my favorites, but Too small for Bugsy, and the Cat Sack, the one I posted the link for, it is the latest. My cleaning lady threw my klaw control bag out, and I went desperate - couldn't give his meds for about a week until I got the other one in...
I got the cat sack because it is bigger (Bugsy is HUGE), and it turns out it is much tougher too - the nylon is much thicker, so his claws don't go through it - I am sure it will be longer lasting... As far as comfort though, I think he liked the Klaw Kontrol better - He would just go right into the bag and lay on it waiting for me to close it, while this one I need to put him in; no biggie, he still doesn't give me trouble though.
I stand by it - if you ask me what is one cat product I can not live without it, aside from their food and meds, this will be it!