How To Give Your Cat A Pill

The first thing to try is disguising the pill in some food – either whole, or crushed. This will sometimes work, and is by far the simplest way to do it if your cat will oblige.

However, if this doesn’t work, then you’ll have to force feed him or her. It is easier if there are two of you, one to hold and one to administer, but if that is not possible, here is how to you can give your cat a pill on your own.

Preparation:
Put a large towel on a bench or table. Put the pill on the bench or table (put it into a pill plunger if you have one). Have some cat food or other cat treat handy – so that it is nearby to attract your cat, but don't give it to them yet. Talk to your cat in a soothing voice.

Administration:

1. Put your cat on the bench or table (the idea is to have the cat at a disadvantage so he or she can’t easily get away)

2. Gently wrap the towel around the cat's neck, above the shoulders

3. Snuggle the cat under your left arm, firmly against your body

4. Grab the pill or plunger with your free hand (right hand)

5. With the hand holding the cat (left hand), lift the cats head so that their eyes are looking up towards the ceiling, and gently pry open the mouth at the corners of the lips

6. Place the pill or plunger (in your right hand) into the open mouth, as far back as possible, where the back of the tongue forms a 'V'

7. Let your cat close their mouth, keeping him or her snuggled close to your body. Put your hand under your cat's chin to stop them spitting out the pill

8. Stroke the chin and neck area gently until the pill is swallowed - you can also try gently blowing in the nostrils to induce swallowing

After:
Praise and reward your cat after the pill has been administered, so the experience will be as positive as possible. Give the treat without the pill now and then, too.

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