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My cat won't take liquid medicine after dental. How can I give it?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Siamese | Female | 12 years and 7 months old

My 12.5 year old Siamese just had a full mouth dental done on July 31/19. I’ve basically wasted all 3 of the metacam syringes, trying to administer them. She won’t open her mouth for me, she backs away and licks her lips. I’ve tried putting it on her food, but she stops eating as soon as it’s on there. Is there any other way I can do this? I’m really stressed out, she’s probbably in pain. First time I’ve never been able to give a cat a syringe. Idk what to do?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Linda G,  MS, DVM

Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on August 2nd, 2019

Hello. You will need to get just a little bit tough with Pookie. You need to scruff her & tilt her head back so that her nose is pointed straight up. This will actually relax her jaw a bit where you can introduce the syringe into the side of her mouth. Drip the Metacam in & then praise her well. This is sometimes the only way I can medicate my own cats. Hope this helps & thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.
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