How to Pill Your Cat
Many cat owners are apprehensive about giving their pet tablet medications. It can be done, and it really is not as hard as you think. Two people can pill a cat with the minimum of hassle.
Have a helper hold the cat upright. That person’s hands should be around the cat’s upper paws and chest to keep it from raising its paws. If the cat squirms excessively, wrap it in a towel.
Have your helper stand behind the cat, holding it firmly. Put your hand on top of the cat’s head and tip its nose up. Often this will cause the mouth to open.
Push down on the cat’s bottom from teeth to fully open the mouth. While the cat’s mouth is open, drop the pill in the back of the mouth. Then push the pill behind the cat’s tongue with your finger.
Rub the cat’s nose. The cat will want to lick its nose after you have rubbed it. This action helps the pill do down and stay down. Also, lightly blowing in the cat’s face will cause it to swallow.
If at first, you don’t succeed…
Dip the tablet lightly in mineral oil to reduce sticking to the surface of the mouth.
Disguise the tablet by coating it with peanut butter or burying it in a piece of meat or cheese and feed it to your pet.
Crush the tablet in food and feed it to your pet normally.
If you are alone
Remember, cats will back up if you try to open their mouth
On the floor, put your back to a corner with your cat seated in front of you facing outward
Reach around to the left to open the mouth while popping the pill with the right hand
This can also be done while standing with your cat on a counter
What not to do
Do not deviate from your veterinarian’s dosing instructions.
Do not give a drug prescribed for one pet to another pet.
Never assume that two tablets from different prescriptions are the same, even though they may look alike.
For liquid medications
Place your cat on the counter or kneel on the floor next to him.
Grasp your cat’s scruff gently but firmly and point his nose upward. This puts him in a freeze mode and will cause his mouth to open slightly.
Place the dropper between the lips and teeth or directly in the mouth and squeeze.
