Looking for help with eye drops.

sailon

sailon

TCS Member
Thread starter
Adult Cat
Joined
Aug 3, 2016
Messages
173
Purraise
67
I have to give Maxine eye drops (allergy) once or twice a day. I'm looking for tips that might make this ordeal a little easier for both Max and me. I don't have anyone to help me, so it's a whole lot harder than the vet and her assistant make it look while demonstrating the first time

 After trying several approaches, the only success I've had is flipping her over on her back, holding her between my legs while sitting, and holding her head with one hand while trying to get the drops in with the other. Of course she is squirming the whole time so it's a hit and miss affair. Max never has, and I suspect never would, bite or scratch, so that's not an issue. My main concern is that I may hurt her while holding on so tight to keep her still. 

I've got to believe there's a better way, and would really appreciate any feedback from those with more experience.  Thanks.
 
stephenq

stephenq

TCS Member
Veteran
Joined
Jun 19, 2003
Messages
5,672
Purraise
944
Location
East Coast, USA
sailon said:
 
I have to give Maxine eye drops (allergy) once or twice a day. I'm looking for tips that might make this ordeal a little easier for both Max and me. I don't have anyone to help me, so it's a whole lot harder than the vet and her assistant make it look while demonstrating the first time

 After trying several approaches, the only success I've had is flipping her over on her back, holding her between my legs while sitting, and holding her head with one hand while trying to get the drops in with the other. Of course she is squirming the whole time so it's a hit and miss affair. Max never has, and I suspect never would, bite or scratch, so that's not an issue. My main concern is that I may hurt her while holding on so tight to keep her still. 

I've got to believe there's a better way, and would really appreciate any feedback from those with more experience.  Thanks.
Click to expand...
Hi

I suggest you go to youtube and search on "giving eye drops to a cat" and "burrito wrapping a cat" which is a technique on wrapping up a cat so they can't squirm.  Every cat is different but generally my approach is to come from behind, their butt between my legs (kneeling) one hand gently restraining the head/neck the the drops coming over the cats head so they don't see the bottle.
 
  • Thread Starter Thread Starter
  • #3
sailon

sailon

TCS Member
Thread starter
Adult Cat
Joined
Aug 3, 2016
Messages
173
Purraise
67
Thanks Stephen. Will give YouTube a look.
 
Kieka

Kieka

Snowshoe Servant
Staff Member
Forum Helper
Joined
Sep 6, 2016
Messages
11,413
Purraise
20,047
Location
Southern California
I had to do eye drops at one point. I would do the same kneeling on the ground with Link trapped between my legs and body (Linda rises up so it ended up almost like I was curled around him). Force his head up some and drop them in. The good thing was when I released him there was no flipping over or squirming around with a drop to the ground. He would just take off. But Link is pretty good when it comes to medication too.

I shudder to think of having to give Rocket any. Her flea medicine is an ordeal with it taking a good hour to get her (no I don't chase but she usually sense something is up and dodges attempts, most of the time I have to trick and corner her) and she is ears back, puffed up and growling at us in the 30 seconds she is restrained. Luckily she doesn't swipe and usually is back to normal in an hour or so. But a pill or drops? Nightmare.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top