Answer: Giving a liquid medicine in usually more difficult then giving a tablet. Have the cat restrained, laying or sitting on a table or a worktop, by another family member or friend. Your helper should stand behind the cat and hold its front leg down to prevent scratching. Or the cat can be rolled up in a towel with only the head sticking out; then it can be passed down onto the table top.
If your cat is reasonably good-tempered, hold its head so that the nose point slightly upwards. If he is more difficult to handle it will be necessary to grasp his scruff firmly, and then direct his nose upward. If you are right handed carry out this restraint with your left hand, and vice versa.
Have the medicine already measure out into a small plastic bottle, or a vial of the type used for dispensing liquids or tablets, or contained in a 5 ml. Disposable plastic syringe. A syringe is preferable because it is much easier to handle and avoids any spilling of the medicine; if a spoon knocked or you cannot pour it easily some of the liquid gets spilled. If a spoon has to be used, remember some useful tips: half-fill two spoons rather then try to manipulate one which is completely full (or else pour a teaspoonful of liquid into dessertspoon); put a small book, or similar object, under of the tip of the handle to keep the top of the bowl horizontal this will avoid spilling and facilitate picking the spoon up.
Place the end of the vial, syringe or spoon between the lips at the side of the mouth and let the liquid trickle out. Do it slowly so that the cat is able to swallow without coughing or spluttering. If there is any splitting allow pause for the cat to put his head down to recover before administering more.
A plastic eye dropper can be substituted for the syringe, but a glass eye dropper is best avoided is case it gets chewed on and splinters.
The aim is not necessarily to place the dosing implement between the teeth, though this can be done with a syringe or eye dropper and will greatly speed up administration. Otherwise let the liquid slowly trickle between the teeth. Certainly do not attempt to open the jaws and place a spoon or bottle between them, either at the side of mouth or at the front, because this invariably provokes a struggle, resulting in only partially successful dosing and great distress to all parties.
Afterwards it is often valuable to make a fuss of your cat, or to give him some favourite titbit, to reassure him that you are not trying to be unkind.
