Before attempting to give your cat a pill, it's important to consider a few factors. First, consult with your vet to understand any specific instructions or restrictions regarding the medication. Some pills can be mixed with food, while others cannot. Certain pills should not be crushed or divided as it may compromise their effectiveness or harm your cat's digestive system. Knowing these details will help you determine the best approach for administering the tablet.
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What to consider before giving your cat tablets
Once you have the necessary information, there are several methods you can try to overcome your cat's defenses and successfully give them the pill.
- Hide the pill in food: Depending on the medication type, you can easily conceal the pill in wet cat food, a small amount of tuna, or a treat. Ensure the portion is small enough to ensure consumption.
- Monitor food intake: Some cats are clever and may spit out the pill while eating. To ensure they swallow it, observe their eating behavior and stay with them during the process. If they persistently spit out the pill, consider alternative methods.
- Use a pill popper: A pill popper is a device that eliminates the need to place your fingers in the cat's mouth. However, it should only be used if you have been instructed on the safe technique by a vet or vet nurse. Place the pill in the device and gently push the plunger to release the tablet into their mouth. Familiarize your cat with the device by using it initially with treats.
- Combine medication with food: If advised by the vet, mix the medication with your cat's favorite treat. Ensure the treats are small enough to avoid chewing. Give your cat the treat, followed by the pill itself, and another treat. Avoid placing medication directly in their food bowl as it may dissolve or be spat out. This also prevents other pets from accidentally consuming the medication.
- Use a pill crusher: If the medication can be combined with food, consider using a pill crusher to turn the tablet into a powder. Mix the powder with a small portion of your cat's usual diet or a little water. This ensures they consume the medication. Take care that other pets do not consume the food containing the crushed medication.
- Explore alternatives: If your cat refuses the pill in any form, inquire about alternative options with your vet. Some medications may be available in oral liquid form or as veterinary injections. While not all medications have substitutes, it's worth discussing alternatives with your vet.
- Administer the pill by hand: As a last resort, you can attempt to give your cat the pill manually. This method requires patience as you'll need to place the pill directly in their mouth. Follow a step-by-step guide to ensure safe administration.
Remember to approach giving your cat a pill calmly and gently. If you encounter significant difficulties or concerns, consult your veterinarian for further advice or assistance.
How to give a cat a pill by hand in 10 steps
Administering medication to a cat by hand can be challenging. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you give your cat a pill safely and effectively:
Approach the task calmly and minimize stress for your cat. If you're unsure, seek guidance from a vet or vet nurse to learn the proper technique. Be cautious to avoid getting bitten and watch for signs of distress in your cat.
Place your cat on a stable surface like the floor or a tabletop. Using a towel can prevent slipping and provide stability.
Position yourself behind or beside your cat, avoiding sudden movements that may startle them and lead to defensive reactions.
While not essential, having a second person can be helpful. Make sure your cat is facing away from you to make it easier to control their movements and prevent them from escaping. Holding them against your body can provide additional security.
Hold the pill in one hand and use the other hand to gently hold your cat's head, with your thumb and index fingers on either side of their jaw. Tilt their head upwards.
Use your other hand to open their lower jaw gently, allowing access to their mouth.
Place the pill on the middle of their tongue as far back as possible, using your index finger. Be gentle but firm.
Close your cat's mouth and rub their throat gently for a few seconds. Return their head to a normal position and wait for them to lick their lips, indicating that they have swallowed.
Check inside their mouth and the corners of their lips to ensure the pill has been swallowed. If you can't locate the pill, it's likely it was successfully ingested.
If you see that the pill hasn't been swallowed, repeat the process by placing it at the back of their tongue, closing their mouth, and gently rubbing their throat. You can also try squirting a small amount of water into their mouth to encourage swallowing, but be careful not to use too much as it may cause choking. If necessary, let them spit out the pill completely and start again.
After successfully administering the medication, reward your cat with their favorite food and toys. This helps create a positive association and makes future medication administration easier.