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Cats/Feral indoor cat + medication = need help

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Expert: - 1/28/2008


Question
Hey Karen,
I have a manx/siamese, 3-year-old, male cat. I bought him from a petstore (Pets Unlimited) when he was 3 months old. Once he was home, I realized that he showed signs of abuse prior to me getting him. For the most part he's been a very good cat. Only over the years he'd some how get triggered or go through a flash back of some sort and would have little outbursts of aggression. It's gotten to the point that he'll attack my family members (parents, bro) and/or myself for whatever reason. We've had to go to the doctor a few times cause of bites that broke the skin (he's able to bite through denim). So he already has a few reports written up against him. We got him neutered a few months ago, and it has helped to calm him. It's just those random moments that he spazzes out, they're getting worse. It's to the point that we might have to put him down/to sleep. Our vet prescribed Amitriptyline for him... and we got him to take it once! Right away he was so calm, and actually slept most of the night. Only we haven't been able to get it in him since then. The only option that we have that could work would be to mix/hide it in his food. Only so far nothing's working. If we can't get him to take the medicine we'll be back to square one (putting him down). And I do not wanna lose my precious baby. Is there anything that you can think of that I could try???

Answer
Hi Kirsten,

Isn't fun to give medication to cats? :)
Here's one way to do it that I heard about. Put the pill in a raisin and then dip it in cat food juices. Give to him before he eats. He should eat it out of hand. The juices should tempt him and the raisin hides the bitter taste of the pill. See how this works. Another is to hide it in cream cheese. Or use velveeta. Good luck.

Ciao, Karen

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Karen Craft

Expertise

I can give advice on cat behavior. I can help about newborn kitten care. I can help with senior cat care. I can answer questions about cat proofing a home or making it cat friendly. I can answer diet questions. I can answer home treatments questions for cats. At present I have 13 cats in home and two ferals outside. And there's always room for one more!

Experience

I have over 40 year's experience with cats. Father was a veterinarian and I assisted him in his work. I have 15 cats at present. Most are shelter or feral rescues. I have one purebred cat. I have done cat rescues and foster care. Some thoughts to carry with you. A Cat's 10 Commandments My life is likely to last 15-20 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful. Give me time to understand what you want of me. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainments. But I have only you. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it. Before you swat me, before you strike me, remember that I have teeth that could draw blood. And claws to strike back. And yet I choose not to attack you. If I don't act right then have me checked to see what is wrong. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too will grow old. On the difficult journey, on the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there. Because I love you so. Take a moment today to thank God for your pets. Enjoy and take good care of them. Life would be a much duller, less joyful thing without God's critters. Pass this on.

Education/Credentials
I have an A.A.S.

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