Medication Instructions Best Practices

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

Even medications that seem straightforward can have important timing, administration, or monitoring requirements.

The more information you provide, the more consistently your cat's routine can be maintained while you are away.

Create Written Instructions

Even if you verbally review medications with your sitter, written instructions should always be provided.

Written instructions help ensure consistency and reduce the risk of misunderstandings.

Whenever possible, include:

• Medication name
• Dosage
• Administration schedule
• Method of administration
• Special instructions
• Veterinary contact information

Use Medication Names, Not Just Descriptions

Instead of writing:

"Give the white pill twice daily."

Write:

"Methimazole 2.5 mg tablet twice daily."

Medication names help eliminate confusion, particularly when multiple medications are involved.

Include Exact Dosages

Be specific.

Examples:

• ½ tablet twice daily
• 1 mL by mouth every 12 hours
• One capsule once daily
• Two pumps applied to the inner ear once daily

Avoid instructions such as:

"Give some medication."

Precision matters.

Provide Administration Times

Whenever possible, specify the preferred schedule.

Examples:

• 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.
• With breakfast
• One hour after eating
• Every 12 hours

Consistent timing helps support medication effectiveness and routine stability.

Explain How Your Cat Takes Medication Best

Many cats have highly individualized medication routines.

Helpful information may include:

• Hidden in food
• Mixed with treats
• Administered directly
• Given in a pill pocket
• Followed by water
• Given before meals

Tell your sitter what works—and what does not.

Describe Common Challenges

If your cat:

• Spits out pills
• Refuses medicated food
• Hides during medication time
• Requires special handling

please let your sitter know.

This information helps us prepare and avoid unnecessary stress.

Organize Medications Before You Leave

Whenever possible:

• Label medications clearly
• Separate medications by cat in multi-cat households
• Store medications together
• Leave measuring syringes or administration tools nearby

Good organization helps reduce errors and improve consistency.

Include Refill Information

For longer trips, consider leaving information regarding:

• Refill locations
• Prescription numbers
• Veterinary authorization requirements

This can be helpful if unexpected delays occur.

Explain What Is Normal

Some medications have expected side effects.

Examples may include:

• Increased thirst
• Increased urination
• Mild appetite changes
• Temporary lethargy

Let your sitter know what your veterinarian considers normal for your cat.

Explain What Requires Immediate Attention

Tell your sitter when you would like to be contacted.

Examples may include:

• Refused medication
• Vomiting after administration
• Missed doses
• Appetite loss
• Signs of illness
• Unexpected side effects

Clear expectations help ensure appropriate communication.

Special Considerations for Diabetic Cats

For diabetic cats, instructions should include:

• Insulin type
• Dosage
• Injection schedule
• Feeding schedule
• Blood glucose monitoring instructions (if applicable)
• Hypoglycemia protocols
• Emergency veterinary information

Diabetic care requires additional detail and planning.

Review Instructions Before Every Trip

Medication plans change.

Before traveling, verify that:

• Dosages are current
• Medication names are accurate
• Instructions reflect recent veterinary recommendations
• Expired medications have been removed

A quick review can prevent unnecessary confusion.

Our Philosophy

At Cats in the City, we believe successful medication administration begins with communication.

Clear instructions allow us to provide consistent care, reduce stress, and maintain continuity while you are away.

The more information we have about your cat's medication routine, the more effectively we can support their health and wellbeing.

Because medication management is not simply about giving medicine.

It is about helping a cat remain stable, comfortable, and supported throughout the entire process.

Related Articles

• Medical Cat Sitting
• Diabetic Cat Sitting
• What Information Should I Leave for My Sitter?
• Veterinary Contact Information for Cat Sitting
• Feeding Instructions Best Practices
• Emergency Contact Information for Cat Sitting
• What Happens During a Cat Sitting Visit?