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.
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:
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.
Be specific.
Examples:
Avoid instructions such as:
"Give some medication."
Precision matters.
Whenever possible, specify the preferred schedule.
Examples:
Consistent timing helps support medication effectiveness and routine stability.
Many cats have highly individualized medication routines.
Helpful information may include:
Tell your sitter what works—and what does not.
If your cat:
please let your sitter know.
This information helps us prepare and avoid unnecessary stress.
Whenever possible:
Good organization helps reduce errors and improve consistency.
For longer trips, consider leaving information regarding:
This can be helpful if unexpected delays occur.
Some medications have expected side effects.
Examples may include:
Let your sitter know what your veterinarian considers normal for your cat.
Tell your sitter when you would like to be contacted.
Examples may include:
Clear expectations help ensure appropriate communication.
For diabetic cats, instructions should include:
Diabetic care requires additional detail and planning.
Medication plans change.
Before traveling, verify that:
A quick review can prevent unnecessary confusion.
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.
Clear medication instructions help maintain consistency, reduce confusion, and support safe care while you are away. These resources explain how to organize medical information, communicate expectations, and prepare for cats with ongoing treatment needs.