how to get salve INTO Rascal's eyes

So, Rascal, the cat who rules this planet, has an eye infection...

He's rid of the ridiculous torture device, aka e-collar! But still needs salve into his eyes 3 times a day. I try.

We follow Anitra Frazier's advice in "The Natural Cat", which tends to get esoteric sometimes, but these days I take any advice into consideration.

Anitra says applying salve to the eyes can be a pleasant experience. Rascal isn't quite there yet.

I stroke his head and throat. He likes the throat, but knows what's coming, and starts to bawl.

I got some salve on the tip of my finger. He watches, his suspicion grows. He now alternates between growls and bawling.

I indicate that I'm doing something to his right eye. (He's like, duh, he knew that all along!)

I get him to close the eye (easy). I pull the lid apart. He pulls away. There's no way I get to expose the eyeball. I get something on his lashes, at least. He bawls.

I still have to do the second eye... 

By this time I have an appreciative crowd watching.

I offer him treats afterwards, when I got some salve into the proximity of his eyes, but he's usually to upset by this humiliating treatment to take notice.

does anyone know how to do a better job here?  

@roguethecat

i find it much easier to show than to tell!  So below is a good video explaining how to do it.  The best thing this vet does is show the "come from behind" technique that keeps your cat from seeing what's about to happen.  Take note of how his hands are positioned, he doesn't describe this part but you'll see one hand under the cats head, that's the hand the helps lift, and the hand with the ointment is also bracing on the top of the head which keeps the tube steady.

Why is Rascal in an E-Collar?

Hope this helps.

I have learned the best way to give any type of meds to a resistant cat is to behave in a very business-like fashion. Quick and without emotion is the way to go, that way the cat does not pick up on your emotions or nervousness and react to it. It is also good to grab them while they are sleepy and get it over with before they are fully awake.
My Sammy is absolutely horrible about having any procedures done and will fight me tooth and nail. Now, I swoop in unexpectedly, wrap him up, and get it over with as fast as possible. Wrapping your kitty up in a towel or blanket, burrito style, might help you to get a better grip on his head. This way, you'll have both hands free to hold his head and pry the eye open. You just have to be resolved and remember the meds won't do a thing if they are not getting in there properly. It has to be done and you aren't hurting him. He may sulk for a bit afterwards, but he'll come back around once he has a chance to gather up his dignity. With Sammy, I toss a handful of treats towards the area where he has gone to brood. He'll eat the treats and then come over to see me after 30 minutes to an hour has passed, and then I'll give him lots of love and brushies. I think the sulking is unavoidable, so I just leave him alone till he gets over it.
I am wondering why the ointment is being applied with your finger? This can introduce more bacteria to the eye. Usually, eye meds are applied directly from the tube, in a long strip, so there is no contact with the tube. Your giant, scary looking finger coming directly towards his eye may be part of the problem.

thanks, everyone... Rascal is thankfully out of the collar. The vet put him in and was adamant about it after eye examinations, to make sure Rascal doesn't scratch his eyes. I don't think anyone would scratch their own eyes, but I'm no vet... 

I did the salve-on-finger thing because it's described that way in the book that promised a pleasurable experience. He's supposed to have his eye closed before I approach. As I don't get it right anyway, I'll go back using the tube tip (like I did before rummaging through cat care books).

will try the burrito style next, and come from behind like in the video. (This is the Emperor we're talking about - was hoping to avoid more humiliation, especially in front of 3 other snickering subjects, but I'll just have to tell him to get over it).

Whenever I do eye cream I use the from behind method whenever possible.

For eye ointment, I either use the "from behind" method with them wrapped in a "purrito" towel, OR (and I know this sounds awful, but bear with me) I will scruff the cat to hold him still.  Quick and easy, it even pulls the lids back slightly, put medicine in, release the kraken!

I have learned with my foster cats that the "business like" attitude works the best for meds.  They don't feel tricked or sulk about it afterwards.  I simply say "It's time for your medicine," pick them up, administer the meds, and put them back down.  I pet and praise them AFTER the meds, but medicine time is business time.  I think cats can sense your energy.  A no-nonsense, relaxed attitude makes them feel like everything is under control, IMO.

I think you should also know that it will get easier every time you do it.  You'll be an eye-ointment pro by the time this is all over, and Rascal will be healthy and happy again too.

I DID IT!

Finally.

Thanks, guys... 

from behind, not wrapped yet (because we need to protect his dignity as much as possible). Only he was facing Hannibal who was peacefully watching from 8 feet away when I sneaked salve in, so when I let him go he went and beat up a poor innocent bystander... 

again, thanks!

Good job!