How to Leave Medication Instructions

If your cat receives medication, leaving clear and detailed instructions is one of the most important things you can do before traveling.

Medication routines often involve more than simply giving a pill or administering an injection. Timing, technique, food requirements, behavioral considerations, and monitoring expectations can all play a role in successful treatment.

The goal is simple:

Help your sitter administer medications safely, consistently, and with as little stress as possible for your cat.

Start With the Medication Name

Always identify medications by name.

Instead of writing:

"Give the white pill."

Write:

"Methimazole 2.5 mg tablet."

Or:

"Gabapentin 100 mg capsule."

Medication names eliminate confusion, especially when multiple medications are involved.

Include Exact Dosages

Be precise.

Examples:

• ½ tablet twice daily
• 1 mL by mouth every 12 hours
• One capsule every morning
• Two clicks of transdermal medication once daily

Avoid instructions such as:

"Give some medication."

Specific dosages are essential.

Provide Administration Times

Include the preferred schedule whenever possible.

Examples:

• 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.
• With breakfast
• Before meals
• Every 12 hours
• At bedtime

Consistent timing often helps maintain treatment effectiveness.

Explain How the Medication Is Given

Cats can be very particular about medications.

Tell your sitter what works best.

Examples:

• Hidden in wet food
• Mixed into Churu
• Administered directly by mouth
• Given in a pill pocket
• Applied to the ear
• Followed by a treat

The more specific you are, the easier the process becomes.

Share What Doesn't Work

Sometimes the most valuable information is knowing what to avoid.

Examples:

• Will not eat medicated food
• Detects pills in treats
• Becomes stressed when restrained
• Refuses medication if mixed into meals

Sharing previous challenges can save time and reduce stress.

Describe Your Cat's Routine

Many cats develop medication rituals.

Examples:

• Takes medication after breakfast
• Comes running when treats are opened
• Prefers medication in a specific room
• Accepts medication while sitting on a favorite chair

These small details often improve success.

Organize Medications Clearly

Before leaving, place medications in a dedicated location.

Consider:

• Labeling containers
• Separating medications by cat
• Keeping administration tools nearby
• Leaving measuring syringes with liquid medications

Good organization reduces the chance of errors.

Include Monitoring Information

Tell your sitter what observations are important.

Examples:

• Appetite monitoring
• Water consumption
• Energy level
• Blood glucose readings
• Urination habits

Certain medications require ongoing observation.

Explain What Is Normal

Some medications produce expected side effects.

Examples:

• Increased thirst
• Increased urination
• Mild sedation
• Increased appetite

Let your sitter know what your veterinarian considers normal.

Explain What Requires Immediate Attention

Be clear about situations that should trigger communication.

Examples:

• Refused medication
• Vomiting after administration
• Missed doses
• Significant appetite changes
• Difficulty breathing
• Signs of hypoglycemia

Providing guidance helps everyone respond appropriately.

Special Instructions for Diabetic Cats

If your cat receives insulin, include:

• Insulin name
• Dosage
• Injection schedule
• Feeding schedule
• Storage instructions
• Hypoglycemia protocol
• Emergency veterinary contacts

Diabetic care should always be documented in detail.

Create a Medication Summary Sheet

Many guardians find it helpful to leave a dedicated medication page.

A simple format might include:

This allows caregivers to quickly reference instructions during visits.

Sample Medication Instructions

Luna

• Methimazole 2.5 mg tablet
• Give ½ tablet at 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.
• Place inside a pill pocket.
• Follow with a small treat.
• Contact guardian if medication is refused twice.

Oliver

• Lantus insulin
• Administer 1 unit every 12 hours after eating.
• Confirm meal is consumed before injection.
• Contact guardian immediately if appetite is significantly reduced.

Our Philosophy

At Cats in the City, we believe medication administration is about more than delivering treatment.

It is about maintaining stability, preserving routines, and supporting the overall wellbeing of the cat.

Clear medication instructions help create consistency, reduce stress, and ensure your cat receives the same thoughtful care while you are away that they receive when you are home.

Because successful medication administration begins long before the first dose—it begins with good communication.

Related Articles

• Medication Instructions Best Practices
• Medical Cat Sitting
• Diabetic Cat Sitting
• What Information Should I Leave for My Sitter?
• Veterinary Contact Information
• Emergency Contact Information
• Creating a Cat Care Binder
• Travel Preparation Checklist