Q: What's the best way to give a cat a pill??

Mar 12, 2008

Two things worked great when my cat Sniper wouldn't want to take his meds.
First, try some applesauce. If you can grind the pill up, mix it in with some applesauce and the cat will lap it all up.
If that doesn't work, if there's a particular treat your cat enjoys, you can smush the pill inside the treat (as long as the treat is a soft treat) and the cat shouldn't notice that you snuck the pill in :)
(Sniper always fell for the applesauce trick!)

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Mar 12, 2008

we got a thing called a "pill popper" from our vet. you put the pill in the end, put it in the cat mouth and push down on the plunger, it basically shoots the pill into the cats throat. worked great. (although the applesauce sounds nicer).

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Mar 12, 2008

The cat probably won't like this (or taking the pill!), but try wrapping him/her in a large towel or small blanket so that only his/her head is exposed and s/he can't move. You can try chasing the cat for hours or you can pick up the cat first and then retrieve a hidden towel/blanket. Cradle the cat in one arm (upside down like a baby) and use the other hand to open the cat's mouth and insert the pill near the back of the throat. Like you mentioned, you are also supposed to gently rub the cat's neck so that it will swallow.

You obviously have access to the internet--Google something like "Cat Care Admininstering Pills" and you should be able to acquire some better instructions (and other ideas) with photos showing the steps. It isn't easy and you have to watch the cat afterwards since many throw up the pill. I find it is easier to GIVE the advice than try it; I don't have much success giving my cats pills! Good luck.

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