You've probably already discovered that your cat somehow seems to have a "sixth sense" when it comes time to get ready for the "medicine distribution"- as he immediately takes a "deer-in-the-headlight" stance, and then magically disappears!
Surely you know that once your cat sees you with the medication in hand, whether it's a topical medication, or something else, he has an inkling of what's about to happen. Especially, if you and he have had similar rounds with the medication in the past.
They are so wise!
So when it comes time to give or to apply the medication, get a clue:
Hold your cat in the "medication stance" (whatever that is for you and him) - but don't hold him "that way" only when you give him the medication. Make it a point to regularly give him some loving by holding him "the medicine way" as well.
It takes two; things go better with two; tea for two - you get the picture. Applying salve or dropping a pill into a mouth will go much better if you have someone to help you; one to hold kitty, the other to do the medicine thing. And between the two of you, you can take turns doing the "soothing".
Get ready, get set, go! If you're going to give the medicine, apply the drops or rub on the salve, it's really best if you have the medicine applicator out and open and ready to apply BEFORE you hold your roundup and/or restrain your cat. Otherwise, you risk a "jump down, run off"!
Be cool, be calm, be collected. Move at a gentle pace and talk with your kitty as you set out to do whatever it is you're going to do at medicine time. Talk softly and be soothing; your kitty will take a "page out of your book" and not get nervous or excited as you're applying the cream or giving the pill or drops. (And cross your fingers prior to, just in case!)
Out of sight, out of mind. If your cat has to have medication in the form of a cream or an ointment, put it on her back just below her neck. It's an ideal place as she won't be able to reach there and lick it off.
I've watched "The Boys" (my three little fur "men") many times as they go about taking their baths. It seems they all have a good "stretch" to their necks and can reach around quite far and all over.
Thus, they wouldn't be thwarted by any "cool" medicine tricks to the back of their necks for long!
