24 Alley Cat Allies © 2025 Alley Cat Allies. All rights reserved. How we medicate indoor cats versus outdoor cats can look very different. While some indoor cats can be given medications by hand (AKA pilled), community cats do not generally tolerate handling—and attempts to do so could harm both cat and caregiver. With that in mind, medicating community cats is all about the hands-off approach that is stress-free for the cat but effective. Prioritize oral medications: • Ask for liquid suspension, powder, or granule formulas of medications. These can be mixed into wet food. • Some medications can even come in treat form that a cat may eat right away! • Try a pill pocket. If need be, pull off only a small piece of the pocket and wrap the pill completely in it. A whole pill pocket may be more than a cat wants to swallow. • Some pills can be cut or crushed to make it easier to hide in food. Consult your veterinarian or pharmacist first! • BEFORE feeding the cat her full meal, hide or mix the medication into a small dollop of wet food. You can also try hiding the pill in a liquid, lickable treat to make it extra enticing! • If putting medication in food, the cat who needs medication should be monitored at all times to ensure she is the only one who eats the medicated food (and that she eats it all). Do not walk away. Medication can be harmful to cats for whom it was not intended. • Do not feed the cat who needs treatment right near other cats. Feed her from a separate plate or bowl to ensure she is eating and another cat is not taking her food. • If the cat in need of medication tends to hang out in a certain area, jump onto a bench or chair, or anything else that separates her from other cats—take advantage! Set the medicated food/treat there. If considering topical medication: • Use your best judgment. Giving topical medications (applied directly to the body) may be possible depending on the community cat and her relationship with you. Leverage your knowledge of the cats as individuals and consult with your veterinarian. • Most topicals will be applied directly to an affected area, or to the back of the cat’s neck. WASH YOUR HANDS THOROUGHLY before and after application and take note if wearing gloves is necessary to handle the medication. IMPORTANT NOTE: If possible, feed the cats the highest quality wet food that is affordable, and feed extra. They’ll need the nutrition and calories to aid in recovery! Consult with your veterinarian, as they may be able to recommend cat food that is designed for cats who are recovering from illness or injury.
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