Fostering New Senior Cat on Medication - Sasha

[BarbaraPB]

Good Afternoon,

I'm back with a new female senior foster cat ( Sasha). Sasha had been living in a home with abused women where a relative of mine worked and the location closed. My relative was not able to take her and asked if I could help out because she know how much I love cats.

With having to give Sasha daily liquid medication I feel like I am having difficulty gaining her trust. Sasha is 17 years young tuxedo cat, about 9.5 pounds and she is deaf and on thyroid medication. I give her treats to coax her before the med. She really doesnt like it and growls and runs under the bed.

Sasha is sweet, very quiet / docile and sleeps most of the day in a bed I have for her or under my bed (I am working on blocking off under the bed so that she cant go too far under). She will occasionally venture out to other areas of my apartment although I feel like it is less and less. When she ventures she will jump on the couch or follow me around. I don't know if it is less because of the meds or because she doesnt feel as good.

Shasha eats wet food ( at this time it's about 1/2 a small can a day) and mostly overnight although I do see her at times near her food during the day.

I took her to the vet and the vet believes she has some type of abdominal inflammation or other that can be felt and was visible on a quick ultrasound that was done in the vet's office. There was also a high amalyse reading and the vet wonders if she is experiencing nausea. The cat's owner does not want any additional more advanced ultrasound testing. It also seems Sasha has lost a bit of weight.

I may try to get the thyroid prescription filled as a tablet instead of liquid and see if she will take it in a pill pocket since she likes treats.

My intent is to love Sasha as much as possible during this time and I really don't want to stress her. She likes treats and will take them from my hand. When I try to offer her playtime she watches but wont engage.

I do wonder if there are other options for the thyroid meds that would be easier for me to administer? Or what would happen if I don't give her the medication and decide it is better to love her as much as possible and not stress her at this point.

I attached Sasha's medical records too --- prior to me fostering her with the latest blood draw and would love any insight your have about thyroid, or how I can better gain her trust. Many thanks, Barbara and Sasha



@Dr. Christina @Dr. Jeff

 

[HA! Support]

@Dr. Jean Hofve @Dr. Jeff @Dr. Christina

 

[Dr. Jeff]

Hey Barbara!

Thanks so much for helping support Sasha in her senior years. And thank you, thank you, thank you for supporting the women's shelter that was forced to close.

How long has Sasha been with you?

Does she love any fresh food like a bit of cooked chicken, meat, sardines?

I do wonder if there are other options for the thyroid meds that would be easier for me to administer?

Yes! Transdermal ear gel (you gently massage it inside her ear). And a more palatable liquid also formulated by Blend Labs Rx may work:

Veterinary Compounding Pharmacy in NY - Blend Labs RX

Blend Labs Rx is a veterinary compounding pharmacy located in New York. We produce custom medications for the veterinary community and pet owners.

blendlabsrx.com

Michael (the wonderful founder) is also focused on helping pet parents and animals get the best of both worlds.

More important is to nurture her Zone of Joy. Doing so will help her body do its' job as effectively as possible.

Have you tried bringing her outside, or playing the hunt for treats game?

 

[Dr. Jeff]

Also, her 2/24/26 thyroid test and the rest of her bloods look good. Her body is doing a great job!

Keep up the good work!! And give her some time to feel safe enough to play.

Play Therapy | Little Big Cat - Dr. Jean Hofve

Updated 7/16/25 by Jackson Galaxy As you pass innocently by a doorway, your cat pounces fiercely on your ankle, gnawing and clawing until blood is drawn, and then bolting away under the bed…Two littermates, now six years old, suddenly start fighting and can’t be in the same room together...

littlebigcat.com

I also asked our Sage (the AI concierge for VIP members) for any tips, and here is what she said:

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kudos for caring so thoughtfully for Sasha. With senior, shy cats (and twice‑daily meds), the keys are trust, routine, and very low‑pressure “play” that honors her pace. Here’s a gentle plan drawn from our cat play and holistic enrichment guidance:

First, rebuild trust around meds

• Separate “care time” from “fun time”: Pick two consistent, quiet times for meds; keep them brief and neutral, then end with something she loves (a tiny high‑value treat, a warm spot, gentle praise).
• Create a positive cue: Before meds, offer a lickable treat on a spoon; give meds, then immediately resume the treat. Over days, she’ll pair handling with a reward.
• Use calm body language and voice: Slow movements, soft eyes, low, even tone. Avoid looming—sit or lie on the floor sideways to her.

Make play irresistibly easy

• Timing: Seniors are often most alert at dawn/dusk. Try 3–5 minute sessions then, and again before bedtime to help her sleep.
• Distance play first: Wand/fishing‑pole toys dragged along the floor (slow, “mouse‑like,” horizontal movement) from across the room so she can watch and choose to engage. End while she’s still interested.
• “Hunt–eat–rest” cycle: Offer a tiny food reward after a few “captures” to fulfill the hunt-catch-kill-eat pattern; then let her nap.
• Rotate toys: Try soft feathers, slow‑moving fleece lures, or crinkle tunnels left partially hidden. Swap every few days to keep novelty without overwhelming her.
• Micro‑play: Even a few head turns, ear twitches, or a single paw tap count. Celebrate small wins.

Lower the social pressure

• Choice and control: Set up a “play lane” from her safe spot (under bed/behind sofa) into the room; start the toy near her hide, then retreat. Let her approach on her terms.
• Scent and comfort: Place a cozy mat with her scent and yours gently mingled (rub a cloth on your hands/forearms, then on her bedding). Avoid strong fragrances.
• Quiet environment: Soft lighting, no sudden noises; keep other pets out during sessions.

Gentle enrichment alternatives (if she won’t chase yet)

• Food puzzles and snuffle mats: Tiny “mouse‑fuls” of food hidden in easy puzzles or a towel roll to stimulate foraging without high energy.
• Nature therapy: Open a screened window perch for bird‑watching; short sunbathing sessions.
• Massage and TTouch: Start with one or two slow strokes from cheek to shoulder; if she leans in or purrs, add Celeste’s neck massage for 10–20 seconds. Stop before she’s done to build anticipation.
• Calming points: Light fingertip pressure at ear base and a few soothing strokes over the chest center can reduce anxiety.

Progress markers to watch

• BEAM shifts: Brighter eyes, coming out sooner after meds, watching toys more, sniffing the wand tip.
• Duration: From 30 seconds of interest to a minute of gentle batting over 1–2 weeks is real progress.
• Appetite after play: A few bites post‑play signal the cycle is working.

If you’d like, tell me her favorite treats, current safe spots, and how you give the thyroid liquid now; I can suggest a step‑by‑step med routine and a 7‑day micro‑play plan. You’re doing great by meeting Sasha where she is—patience and tiny wins will add up nicely!