Thankful Thimble Thursday

Hello, friends! Thimble is, as always, more than ready for Angel Brian's Thankful Thursday Blog Hop.

Today, Thimble is grateful for how stunning she is. Honestly, just look at this little princess.

Thimble is cute and she knows. And she uses it to her advantage. She of course always gets her way, so that's that.

***

Now, let's share the fill-in statements for tomorrow's Friendly Fill-Ins challenge. My amazing co-host Ellen of 15andmeowing came up with the first two, and I came up with the second two.

1. I can't _________ since _________.

2. _________ since _________.

3. _________ was my first ever job.

4. _________ is my best advice for _________.

We'll see you tomorrow, friends!

***

Flashback Doodle of the Day

It feels so much like spring outside, despite it still being February, that I really felt compelled to share a flashback spring doodle today. And so, here you go.

***

Tip of the Day

Yesterday, we gave a lengthy tip on administering oral medications to your kitty. Today, we're here to give a lengthy tip on the ins and outs of transdermal medications. Transdermal medications are those applied to and absorbed through the skin. A number of medications can be given this way, such as methimazole (for the treatment of hyperthyroidism) and even famotidine (Pepcid), just to name a couple. If you will be administering transdermal medication for your kitty, of course read the directions as prescribed by your veterinarian, and discuss with your veterinarian any concerns that you have.

So, transdermal medication has to be applied to, obviously, the skin. It is best applied to skin that is clean, free from as much as hair as possible, and where your kitty cannot easily lick or reach. This makes the pinna (the flap of the ear) an ideal place for applying transdermal medication.

To actually apply the transdermal medication, ensure that you are wearing gloves. As its name suggests, this type of medication does indeed absorb through the skin, and that includes your own skin as well as that of your kitty. If your kitty is on transdermal thyroid medication, for example, using your bare hand to apply it could lead to unwanted effects on your own endocrine system. So, put on disposable gloves, which are sometimes even provided with the prescription. You could also buy finger cots, which are latex coverings for a single finger.

Next, when you and your kitty are ready and you're gloved, place the medication on your gloved finger. Sometimes it is suggested that you squirt the medication onto your index finger, but, ultimately, place it on whichever digit works best for you and for effective administration. Transdermal medication is sometimes provided in pre-filled syringes, from which you can eject the prescribed dosage. Other times you might receive a transdermal medication in a container that is dosed out using a twist knob. Either way, dose out the medication as prescribed and instructed on the label.

Now, when you have the medication on your gloved finger, apply it to the upper to middle part of the pinna of the ear and rub it in. Again, this medication is easily absorbed through the skin, and so excess being left behind is not ideal. So, rub it in as thoroughly as possible, which of course will also ensure that your kitty is receiving his or her full dosage.

All of that being said, of course try to make the medication administration process as comfortable as possible for both your kitty and yourself. You can try to do apply transdermal medications when your kitty is relaxed, as long as you are prepared and are able to safely do so without getting any of the medication on yourself or anywhere else besides your kitty's ear. You can also, of course, use treats as a reward. Just as with oral medication administration, you can use a partner-in-crime if needed, or a blanket or towel to help keep your kitty still and safe. Sometimes it takes trial and error to figure out what works best for you and your kitty, and there's nothing wrong with that.