Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Already a member? Sign in
Become a credit card member today!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
APPLY NOW
Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

How to give liquid medicine to a cat that won't take a syringe or food?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Bengal | Male | neutered | 2 years and 3 months old | 14.01 lbs

Hi, are there any methods of giving a cat liquid medication without using a syringe or putting it in wet food? My bengal cat has never eaten wet food, & won’t take the medication that way; and he has a ‘tail-pull’ injury due to an attack by a raccoon that got over my fence, at the sacrococcygeal area. I have tried to administer the medication from the syringe into his mouth, while avoiding placing pressure on his back; but he will not allow me to give him the medications (5ml total). Any ideas?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Claudia Fioravanti

Veterinarian

Published on April 14th, 2019

Hi, what medication are you trying to give to Rajah ? It just sounds like a large volume for a cat. There is no magic trick that you can do to give him oral liquid medications without a syringe or without food. I would suggest that you try mixing it with a strong smelling food such as tuna in water and just give it when Rajah is hungry. Hope this helps, thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

Health & Wellness

How do I give my cat liquid medication when he refuses it in food?

If the anti-diarrhea medication is measured with a syringe, you can give it directly into Monday's mouth - squirt it into his cheek while tilting his nose upwards (so gravity helps direct the medication into the back of his throat to be swallowed). Similarly, probiotics can be mixed in with a little water or broth, then drawn up and given orally via the syringe.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Help! My cat won't take liquid or pill meds for peeing issues.

Any wet or semi wet food that he likes such as liver pate, sausages, sardines and just regular wet cat food. With the syrup I would advise giving it to him directly in the mouth as it can affect the taste of the food greatly.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

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

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.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Training & Behavior

How to give medicine to a stubborn or aggressive cat easily?

I understand! Medicating cats can be very challenging in some cases. I'm not sure what type of medication he is taking, but some options would include mixing in some canned food, tuna, or other special treat. If he won't eat it this way and won't allow you to medicate him by putting the medication directly in his mouth, you could ask your vet about having it compounded into a tasty treat or liquid suspension that might be easier to give.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Food & Nutrition

How do I give my cat medicine if she won't eat or take it orally?

I think a lot of this depends on the issue needing medications. You may need to select a Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach consult so we can discuss what is wrong with your cat, the medication prescribed, the type of food recommended, and methods to help with medicating a difficult cat. You can also ask one question at a time or call your vet for recommendations.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

How to give liquid UTI medicine to my stubborn old cat who refuses?

Stubborn old girl! You can try mixing it with a wet food and see if she will eat it; either with canned food or tuna; the stronger taste (as apposed to chicken broth) might help. Otherwise you will have to just have to stick the syringe down the hatch. :( I wish I had a better solution for you! This article has some good tips for giving liquid medication to cats and you may find it helpful. https://www.petcoach.co/article/how-to-give-liquid-medications-to-cats/ Thanks for asking PetCoach!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Squirmy cat escapes blanket. How to give liquid meds safely?

Hi, Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. If the cat burrito method (wrapping in a blanket) isn't working you can try putting the liquid medication in canned cat food. Put it in a small amount then feed him the rest. Otherwise make sure he is really wrapped tightly and all legs are wrapped up and the towel is to the back of his head it doing the towel method. You could also ask the vet for a pill or injectable form of the medication if available. Good luck

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share