Luckily, most conditions that could affect your cat's health can be effectively treated or controlled by medication prescribed by your vet. Getting that medicine into your cat, though, can be a challenge. Ask your vet to give the first dose so you can see how it's done by a pro. At home, the trick is to appear confident. If your cat senses any hesitation on your part, the game is over. Pills should be swallowed whole unless your vet tells you that they can be crushed into the cat's food. But even that solution can be a problem: Your cat's highly tuned senses may alert him to the addition, and he may refuse to eat the food.

• Before administering ear medication, use a cotton ball to remove any residue from inside the ear.
  
  
• Apply eye ointment in small amounts at a time, so that as the cat blinks the ointment spreads evenly over the eye instead of ending up as a glob on the eyelid. Avoid touching the eye with the tube or eyedropper; this can cause irritation or even injury.
  
  
• Dole out liquid medication in very small portions and make sure your cat swallows it before giving more.
  
  
• Never skimp on medication or stop administering it because your cat looks better. Use it exactly according to your vet's instructions and for the specified number of days.

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