Easy Guide to Administering Pills to Cats

Introduction

Introduction

As a pet science enthusiast and a proud cat parent myself, I’ve had my fair share of adventures in administering medication to my feline friends. It’s no secret that cats can be quite the challenge when it comes to taking pills. However, with a bit of patience, creativity, and the right techniques, you can make the process smoother for both you and your cat. In this article, I’ll share some valuable tips and tricks that I’ve picked up along the way, as well as some personal anecdotes to illustrate the points.

Giving Pills to Cats: A Step-by-Step Guide

Using Food as a Disguise

If your cat isn’t on a special diet and your vet has given the green light, hiding the pill in food is often the easiest method. Here are some food options that work well:

• A small amount of butter
• Tuna
• Cream cheese
• Liverwurst
• Canned cat food
• Semi-moist food like Pounce
• Canned cheese with a nozzle dispenser (no refrigeration needed)

To make this method more effective, offer your cat a small portion of food without the pill first to lower their suspicion. Avoid mixing the medication in an entire meal, as this could lead to an incomplete dose if your cat doesn’t finish their food.

Preparing for the Pill Administration

Before you begin, ensure your cat’s nails are trimmed to prevent any accidents. However, don’t try to trim their nails and give medication at the same time.

The Pill-Giving Process

If hiding the pill in food isn’t an option, it’s time to get down to business. Here’s how to give a pill to your cat:

1. Prepare the pill: Remove the pill from the bottle and have it ready.
2. Bring your cat to the designated spot: Talk to your cat in a happy voice to keep them calm and relaxed.
3. Wrap your cat (optional): Some cats may benefit from being wrapped in a blanket or towel, with just their head exposed. This can help prevent them from moving around too much.
4. Hold the pill: Use your dominant hand to hold the pill between your thumb and index finger.
5. Gently grasp your cat’s head: With your other hand, gently but firmly hold your cat’s head, with your thumb on one side of the jaw hinge and your fingers on the other.
6. Tilt your cat’s head back: Tilt their head back over their shoulders, causing their lower jaw to drop slightly.
7. Place the pill: Use a free finger to push down between the lower canine teeth and quickly place the pill as far back in their mouth as possible, over the tongue’s ‘hump’.
8. Close your cat’s mouth: Hold their mouth closed, lower their head to a normal position, and gently rub or blow on their nose to stimulate swallowing.
9. Reward your cat: Talk softly, stroke your cat, or offer a treat to make the experience more positive.

Breaking a Scored Tablet

If you need to break a scored tablet, follow these steps:

1. Place the tablet on a flat, hard surface.
2. Place one thumb on each side of the score.
3. Press down with both thumbs.

Personal Experience

I remember the first time I had to give a pill to my Siamese cat, Max. He was not a fan of the process, to say the least. After a few failed attempts at hiding the pill in food, I resorted to the direct approach. I wrapped Max in a large towel and placed him between my knees while sitting on the floor. This gave me the control I needed to administer the pill without any resistance.

Conclusion

Administering pills to cats can be a daunting task, but with the right techniques and a bit of patience, it can be done effectively and with minimal stress for both you and your cat. Remember to always consult your veterinarian for guidance and, if possible, ask them to demonstrate the pill-giving process. With practice, you’ll become a pro at giving pills to your feline friend.

Additional Resources

If you’re looking for more information on cat care or have specific questions about your cat’s health, I highly recommend reaching out to the Veterinary & Aquatic Services Department at Drs. Foster & Smith. Their team of experts is always ready to help.

I hope this article has provided you with valuable insights and practical tips for giving pills to your cat. Remember, every cat is unique, so don’t be afraid to experiment with different methods until you find what works best for you and your feline companion. Happy pill-giving!