How to Treat Cats With Norvasc

Norvasc is the brand name (Pfizer) of the drug Amlodipine besylate; a calcium channel blocker that is used by veterinarians to treat cats and dogs with hypertension. Though Norvasc is only registered for treatment of humans, it is prescribed by veterinarians as an extra-label drug to treat pets with high blood pressure, especially cats that also suffer from kidney disease. Dosage for cats is usually 1/4 of a 2.5 mg tablet once daily. If a dose is missed, it should not be doubled. This drug may be given with or without food.

Things You'll Need

  • Norvasc or generic amlodipine besylate, 2.5 mg pills
  • Pill cutter
  • Butter or margarine
  • Cat food, canned tuna or treat
  • Pill pocket
  • Blanket or large towel
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Instructions

  1. Administering With Food

    • 1

      Split a 2.5 mg pill into quarters with a pill cutter (or as prescribed by veterinarian).

    • 2

      Mix the pill into a small amount of cat food, tuna fish or place in a commerical pill pocket to disguise medicine's flavor so that your cat will eat it. It is important that the amount of food used is small so that you can make sure the pill is consumed.

    • 3

      Feed the pill/food combination to the cat. Pet, praise and reward cat with an additional treat if the pill is consumed with food.

    • 4

      Watch the cat for possible side effects including lethargy, dizziness, loss of appetite, vomiting. Contact a veterinarian if such symptoms occur.

    Administering By Hand

    • 5

      Coat the pill dosage in a small amount of butter or margarine and place it where you will be administering it.

    • 6

      Wrap cat in towel or blanket if your pet tends to struggle. Sit down on floor or sofa and place cat between your legs with his back towards you. Talk to your cat in a soothing voice without worry or anxiety.

    • 7

      Grab pill with your dominant hand and use other hand to tilt your cat's head back.

    • 8

      Place two free fingers of the hand holding the pill on either side of your cat's mouth between the lower canine teeth (the long front teeth) and push down gently to open jaw.

    • 9

      Place the pill quickly as far back in your cat's mouth as possible and hold it closed while lowering its head. Gently blow on or rub cat's nose to stimulate swallowing.