If you’ve ever tried giving medication to a pet, especially a resistant cat or a skittish small mammal, you know how stressful it can be.
Here’s everything pet parents and veterinary pros should know, from how transdermals work, to how to apply them safely (even on hairless cat breeds), to what makes one formulation better than another.
Transdermal medication for cats is applied directly to the skin (typically the inner hairless portion of the ear flap), where it is absorbed into the bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system entirely.
Because they avoid the GI tract, these medications can help reduce vomiting, nausea, or refusal behaviors that often happen with oral medications. This makes them an especially valuable option for cats, who are known for being pill-averse.
To summarize, this form of medication is especially helpful for:
Transdermal medications can improve compliance since the cream can be pre-measured for each application. Plus, it is often a lower-stress option for caregivers, especially in multi-pet households. In the end, it can be a better bonding experience, with medication time feeling like a gentle routine instead of a struggle.
Not only that, but since transdermal creams bypass the gut and liver, it allows the drug to work faster or more effectively.
The effectiveness of transdermal medications for cats depends heavily on the cream base. Creams, patches or solutions must be carefully formulated to reliably penetrate skin, something only experienced compounding pharmacists should handle.
At Mixlab, we use advanced bases like Anhydrous Lipoderm Cream for consistent absorption and minimal residue with every formula customized in collaboration with your veterinarian.
Transdermal absorption varies by:
Using transdermal medication for cats requires careful monitoring through bloodwork or follow-up exams if symptom control doesn’t improve.
Yes, hairless breeds like Sphynx or Peterbalds don’t have the same outer barrier as fur-covered cats.
This could lead to:
That’s why working with a pet compounding pharmacy that understands how to balance efficacy and safety for hairless cats is so important.
Not every medication can safely or effectively be made into a transdermal cream. For a medication to work through the skin, it has to meet certain scientific requirements related to how it’s built and how the body absorbs it.
The most important factor is the size and structure of the molecule. Medications that are small and fat-soluble (lipophilic) are more likely to pass through the skin barrier and enter the bloodstream. That barrier exists to protect your pet, so only certain molecules can move through it efficiently. If the molecule is too large or too water-based, it simply can’t get where it needs to go.
Then there’s bioavailability, which refers to how much of the active ingredient actually reaches your pet’s system. Even if a medication can be absorbed through the skin, it must reach the right concentration in the bloodstream to be effective and safe. To help with that, Mixlab pharmacists use specialized carrier bases like Anhydrous Lipoderm Cream, which are designed to enhance absorption while keeping the medication stable and gentle on the skin.
Additionally, some medications just aren’t good candidates for transdermal use. Medications with large molecular weights, poor lipid solubility, or very narrow safety margins (like most antibiotics, corticosteroids or insulin) tend to work better as oral or injectable medications. Those routes are more predictable and allow your veterinarian to control the dose precisely.
Absorption also varies by species and application site. For example, cats generally absorb transdermal medications more readily than dogs because their skin is thinner. That’s why transdermal methimazole is such a popular choice for cats with hyperthyroidism, while some other medications don’t perform quite as well through the skin.
Compared to oral medications, transdermals can offer smoother, steadier absorption since they bypass the stomach and liver. However, they may take a little longer to reach full effect and can vary slightly from pet to pet. That’s why follow-up bloodwork and ongoing communication with your veterinarian are so important. They help make sure your pet is getting exactly what they need.
While not every medication is suitable, three of the most common and research-supported choices include:
New studies and compounding protocols continue to expand the list of viable compounds.
Not necessarily smaller, but doses are often adjusted based on how quickly your cat absorbs the medication.
This is why veterinarian oversight and pharmacist expertise are so important: the dose is individualized for your cat.
Proper application is key for both safety and effectiveness.
Here’s how to apply transdermal medications to cats:
Alternating ears is very important as it helps prevent irritation or buildup at the application site and allows the skin time to recover between doses.
Additionally, cleaning the ear before each application (using a clean, dry cloth or vet-approved wipe) removes any residual medication, oil or debris that can block absorption. If the ear isn’t clean, new medication may not absorb properly, leading to inconsistent dosing or reduced effectiveness.
For more information, read this handout from Veterinary Medicine at Illinois. You can also check out our how-to guide below.
If your pet manages to lick transdermal medication, don’t panic, but do act quickly. The first step is to gently clean the area to remove any remaining residue.
Depending on the drug, ingestion could cause stomach upset, drooling, or in some cases, signs of overdose (for example, lethargy, vomiting or unusual behavior).
Because every medication carries different risks if ingested, it’s safest to call your veterinarian right away if you notice any symptoms or if you’re unsure whether the amount ingested could be harmful.
Prevention helps a lot here: apply the cream high inside the ear flap, and distract your pet with a favorite toy, cuddle or treat right afterward so they’re less likely to scratch or groom the area immediately, and always wear gloves so you don’t transfer the medication accidentally.
Monitoring isn’t one-size-fits-all. It depends on the specific medication and your pet’s health.
For example, transdermal methimazole for cats usually only requires checking thyroid hormone bloodwork every few weeks at first, then every few months once stable.
Transdermal phenobarbital for cats typically requires blood tests to monitor therapeutic levels and liver function.
For medications like gabapentin or fluoxetine, monitoring may focus more on observing changes in behavior, mobility or anxiety levels.
As a rule of thumb:
Transdermal medications for cats are a powerful tool, especially for pets who resist oral meds or have GI sensitivity.
But they must be carefully formulated, applied and monitored. With Mixlab, you get:
Whether you’re managing chronic conditions like hyperthyroidism or occasional anxiety, our compounding pharmacists are here to make pet care simpler, safer and more compassionate.
Order transdermal medication for cats (and their other medications) by submitting your prescription online here or getting in touch with us.