About four years ago, I was fostering a tabby cat named Tigger. She was very traumatised at the rescue centre as she hated other cats and was literally climbing the walls (also pulling out her fur, etc.). They needed someone who could take her on as soon as possible and try to get her socialised and well (physically and mentally). I always go for the tough ones, so off home I went with a yowling cat and numerous scratches. (Tigger would lash out at anything she saw as a threat, which was most things.) One of the first things I did was to get her to the vet for a once over. She was put on tablets (can't remember why) and ear drops. The tablets were no problem, but have you every tried giving ear drops to a cat that does not want them?!

Step 1: grab the cat by the scruff of the neck.
Step 2: watch the ears flatten onto the scull.
Step 3: with free hand, lift up one ear.
Step 4: pause to decide how to proceed given all hands are now in use and several more are needed.
Step 5: move hold on scruff sufficient to allow one hand to hold ear and scruff.
Step 6: read instructions on ear drops.
Step 7: instructions say 'shake before using', so shake them.
Step 8: clean up the mess.
Step 9: repeat Step 7, but do it with the lid on.
Step 10: recapture cat.
Step 11: having adjusted the hold to allow one free hand, with ear held up, attempt to drop in ear drops.
Step 12: Take lid off ear drops bottle with teeth.
Step 13: drop first ear drop in.
Step 14: wipe ear drops off of all the splattered surfaces.
Step 15: recapture cat.
Step 16: adjust hold on cat.
Step 17: shake ear drops again with cap on.
Step 18: remove cap with teeth.
Step 19: drop one ear drop in and quickly put down the bottle, fold down the cats ear and rub it (to help the drop to go into the ear canal) before the cat has a chance to shake her head.
Step 20: clean up spilled and splattered ear drops.
Step 21: recapture cat.
Step 22: adjust hold on cat.
Step 23: discover ear drops are now out of reach.
Step 24: get ear drops bottle and a towel.
Step 25: recapture cat.
Step 26: adjust hold on cat.
Step 27: administer one drop into ear and watch cat spray it all over the room (again).
Step 28: decide to ignore spilled and splattered ear drops until correct dose is given (two drops in each ear, and the drops have to go into *and* stay in the ear).
Step 29: get some cotton wool and jam into both ears, as the ear drops are not suitable for humans; also helps to lower the volume of the cat's protest.
Step 30: recapture cat.
Step 31: adjust hold.
Step 33: check lid is on ear drops, shake.
Step 34: remove lid with teeth.
Step 35: administer ear drop, lower ear and rub ear quickly.
Step 36: give up and call for reinforcements, minimum of two recommended, preferably experienced cat people.
Step 37: recapture cat.
Step 38: Get friend 1 to hold cat by scruff.
Step 39: Get friend 2 to hold cat's ear.
Step 40: check cap is on the remaining ear drops and shake.
Step 41: administer ear drop.
Step 42: have friend 2 immediately release ear and rub vigorously before cat can shake head.
Step 43: repeat steps 41 and 42 a further three times.
Step 44: release cat (how promptly disappears).
Step 45: offer tea, coffee and profuse thank yous to friends (and start pondering who to get to help with the ear drops battle tomorrow).
Step 46: open door for friends to leave and offer thank yous again.
Step 47: return to the scene of the battle.
Step 48: clean all surfaces of ear drops and change clothes (which are also covered in ear drops).

Recommend this is done in a small, enclosed, easy to clean room, preferably by someone else.

Note: Tigger is now living the life of a queen with grandparent slaves and frequent visits by children and grandchildren slaves.

Copyright © Andrea Fuller
April 11, 2001