How to Give a Cat a Pill

WE KNOW THAT IT'S EASIER to prescribe a pill for a cat than it is to get the cat to swallow it. Here a some hints to help you give your cat its medication.

First try the simplest method...deceit. Hide the pill in a treat such as tuna fish, but watch to be sure that your cat actually swallows the pill. Sometimes the cat will eat the treat but spit out the medicine. If the pill is not one that can be given with food, or if your cat spits it out, you will need to go to Plan B.

Wrap the cat firmly in a towel to keep it still while you administer the medicine.

Hold your cat’s head still with your thumb on one side of the cat’s face and your fingers on the other. Avoid holding the lower jaw and be careful not to squeeze your pet's throat.

Tip up the cat's nose toward the ceiling to cause its mouth to open. Holding the pill between your thumb and forefingers of your free hand, use your little finger, ring finger or middle finger to push gently on its lower front teeth to make its mouth open wider.

When the cat's mouth is open wide, put the pill as far back in the mouth as possible. Don't put your hand too far into your cat’s mouth; you don't want the cat to gag and spit the pill out. You also don't want to be get bitten.

Close your cat’s mouth and hold it closed. Gently and briefly rub your cat’s nose, or blow on it. This should stimulate kitty to lick its nose and automatically swallow the pill or stimulate swallowing by gently rubbing your cat’s throat..

Praise, pet, and treat your cat, when it swallows the pill.
This might make it easier to give your cat its medicine the next time.