The Easiest Way to Give Your Cat a Pill
Even the most seasoned veterinarian may find it difficult to provide medications to cats! In this article, we’ll show you the best way to give your cat a pill.
The simplest approach to giving your cat a pill to your cat is to bury it in food. Wet food works best because it’s harder to pick out the pill. In most cases, hiding the pill in a little bit of wet cat food, tuna, or a soft treat that can be shaped to fit the pill (such as Pill PocketsTM) works the best.
Put the tablet in a tiny amount of food that your cat is guaranteed to consume, rather than a large portion that she might not finish. This will help ensure that your cat swallows the medication. It is crucial to keep an eye on your cat while it is eating pharmaceutical food, as well as immediately thereafter, since some cats may spit out the pill.
How to Give Your Cat a Pill Without Food
- To make the pill easier to take and to prevent it from sticking in your cat’s mouth or throat, lubricate or “grease” it with a tiny bit of tinned food gravy or a piece of a soft treat. This makes administering pills much easier.
- Place the tablet between the thumb and index finger of your dominant hand.
- With your other hand, gently grab your cat’s head from above by positioning your fingers and thumbs on either side of the top jaw. Your cat should have her head tilted back and her nose pointed upward. Her jaw needs to be slightly open. By gently applying pressure to the lower lip and front teeth with your pilling hand, your little finger and ring finger can help your cat’s mouth open even further.
- Put the tablet as far back over the tongue as you can quickly. To trigger an automatic swallowing reaction, try placing it on the back third of the tongue. Next, close your cat’s mouth and hold it shut as you raise her head back to its natural posture.
- You can lightly blow on your cat’s nose or rub her neck. Swallowing should be encouraged by this. If a cat swallows the pill, it will typically lick its nose with its tongue. In rare instances, following the pill with a little bit of tuna juice, flavored broth, or water and gently squirting it into the mouth with a syringe, or offering the tuna juice or flavored broth in a teaspoon or bowl, may help the cat swallow the pill more easily.
- After pilling your cat, immediately reward her with some affection (e.g., treats, brushing, petting, or playing). Make certain that your cat will appreciate it.
What if My Cat Spits Out the Pill?
Try giving the pill directly into your cat’s mouth if they continue to spit out the pills or if dietary restrictions prevent you from disguising the pills in enticing food or treats. Make sure you have read the prescription label completely and comprehend the dosage directions. Although administering medication to your cat can be frightening, try to stay confident and at ease because your cat will probably sense your fear.
Before you start, have the following in mind:
- Set up a distraction-free space where you can handle your cat safely. Put the tablet where it will be easy to find and have it ready.
- Never give your cat a pill when it is eating, using the litter box, or grooming.
- You might find it most convenient to hold your cat in your lap while giving the medication on your own. You might find it easier to secure your cat in a blanket or towel, leaving only her head exposed.
What if Nothing Works?
If you still experience problems, you could choose to invest in a “pet piller” gadget or seek guidance from your veterinarian. It could be possible to have the prescription compounded into a flavored liquid if you feel that feeding your cat a tablet is a frustrating experience (for both you and your cat). Many drugs can be made into liquid form or into tasty treat formulae with flavors like tuna, chicken, or salmon at veterinary pharmacy. Even a gel version of some medicines is available for application to the ear flap.
