Tricks and Tips on How to Give a Cat a Pill

Creating Favorable Conditions

• When attempting to give the medication, talk to your kitty in a calm, soothing voice. If you seem worried or anxious, your cat will likely sense that nervous energy and become upset as well. Wrap your kitty in a towel or cloth so that her legs and paws are covered and contained. Placing your feline in a "cat burrito" will make medicinal administration a lot easier as you won't have her claws to contend with. Consider also enlisting a helper to hold your cat.

  Place your kitty on a raised, slippery surface, such as a washing machine or dryer. Your cat will likely feel less stable and therefore less confident about making a great escape. If try to give your cat her meds while on the floor, she will probably feel better about her chances of getting away and will attempt to do so.

Administering the Medication

• Have your friend hug the cat around his legs so that kitty can't jump off the table. Place your pointer finger and thumb on the bones that line the side of your kitty's face and lean his head back. With your other hand, hold the pill between your pointer finger and thumb and use your middle finger to lower your cat's jaw so that his mouth is open. Quickly pop the pill in the back of your cat's mouth and immediately shut his mouth. Blow on his nose to make him swallow, while gently rubbing his throat.

  If you are concerned your cat may bite you, purchase a pill popper. This convenient gadget prevents you from having to put your fingers in your cat's mouth to give the pill. Most poppers have a holder at one end in which to place a pill, and a plunger at the other to shoot the pill into the cat's mouth. Hold your cat's head as if you were administering meds, open her mouth and stick the popper in her mouth. Quickly engage the plunger, then shut her mouth and blow on her nose and rub her throat.

  If pilling your cat is becoming just about impossible, crush the medication into a powder and hide it in food your kitty adores. Place the tablet into a bag and use a hammer to crush it, or use a mortar and pestle. Hide the powder in a small amount of tuna juice, butter or another treat your kitty really enjoys. Avoid using a large amount of food in case your kitty won't eat it all. Furthermore, try hiding the pill in treats that are designed to mask medication. These treats are typically called "pill pockets" and have openings inside in which to store the pill. Most cats do not realize they are taking medication while they are eating the treats because they are usually so tasty.

  If you simply cannot administer the pills to your cat, consider enlisting the help of a compounding pharmacy. These pharmacies can usually turn pills into liquid and can often add cat-friendly flavors to the medication. If you feel more comfortable giving liquid instead of pills, this may be your best option.