Pilling Your Cat
| Pilling Your CatHiding pills in food or a treat.This doesn’t work for all pills, or for all cats for that matter.For this to work, the pill can not have a strong odor or bitter taste, and the food or treat must be something that your cat likes so much that they will eat even when it is ‘tainted’ by a pill.For this, you can use any cat food or people food as long as it is not a food that will make them sick.The only people foods you need to avoid is anything with garlic or onions in them since those are toxic to cats, chocolate, or anything with lactose in it since most cats are lactose intolerant.Anything else in a small amount is okay to use.Kind of the “a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down” philosophy.Probably the easiest way to hide a pill in a treat is to purchase a “Pill Pocket” or something similar.This is a soft treat with a hole in the center.You place the pill inside the treat, smush it closed over the pill, and pretend that you are just giving a normal treat to your cat.If your cat is a big treat eater, and they don’t tend to chew their treats, this will work very well.You can also try this using a piece of cheese, lunch meat, hamburger, or anything that is small, that you can hide a pill inside of and that your cat will be likely to inhale without chewing.If this doesn’t work for your cat, then the next thing is togrind the pill up into a fine powderusing either a mortar and pestle, two spoons, a hammer, a pill grinder, or anything that will achieve the desired result.You can then mix the pill powder in a small amount of a very tasty cat or human food that your cat normally goes crazy over.Just make sure that your cat eats all of the food, or they won’t get all of their medicine, so don’t use a large amount of food. Also note that some medication do not taste very well and some cats have the ability to smell it in their food, causing them to avoid eating whatever food the medication was placed in. |
How to Give a Cat a Pill the Easy Way
Kittens are intelligent and independent creatures who are difficult to win over. Disrespecting her personal space — or going too far the other direction and entirely ignoring her — will not help your human-feline bond grow stronger. You can, on the other hand, follow the methods outlined here to gradually develop a relationship with your cat – on her terms, naturally! Having worked as a pet-parenting expert and a pet advocate for over a decade, I am fluent in all things pet-related, and I enjoy serving as a liaison between brands, veterinarians, and pet parents to ensure that you can provide your furry family members with the very best care at all stages of their lives.
In my lifetime, I’ve owned more than 30 pets, including dogs, cats, goats, donkeys, a horse, a gerbil, mice, and chickens, to name a few examples.
The New York Times, Good Housekeeping, and USA Today have all featured me in their respective news segments.
How to give a cat a pill
Detailed instructions on how to administer medicine to your cat by hand are provided below.
- Try to be as cool as possible when approaching the task, with the goal of minimizing stress for your cat. If you have never administered a pill before, it is extremely beneficial to seek a veterinarian or veterinary nurse to demonstrate how to securely provide oral medication. Avoid putting yourself in danger of being bitten, and keep a careful eye on your cat for signals that they are growing angry or disturbed. Place your cat on a level, sturdy surface, such as the floor or a countertop, to ensure that it is comfortable. Put down a towel to prevent them from slipping
- Giving the pill will be simpler if you do it from behind or next to your cat, rather than directly in front of them. Avoid, however, taking your cat by surprise, as this may cause them to get startled and may result in a defensive scratch or bit on your leg. Having a second pair of hands can be quite beneficial, but it is not required in all situations. The best position for your cat to be facing away from you is so that you can more easily hold their legs or any other movement they might make in an attempt to escape your hands. It may be beneficial to tie them tightly to your body in order to prevent them from reversing
- Take the tablet in one hand and, with the other, gently hold over the top of their head with your thumb and index fingers on either side of their jaw and tilt your cat’s head forward until the medication is completely swallowed. Use the other hand to gently open their lower jaw, which will allow them to open their mouth
- Insert the pill in the centre of their tongue, as far back as you can
- And close their lips softly. Your cat’s mouth should be closed, and their neck should be softly rubbed for a few seconds before returning their head to its regular posture and waiting for them to lick their lips while they swallow
- If you suspect your cat has swallowed anything, inspect their mouth and the corner of their lips to see if they will allow you to do so. Assuming that you are unable to detect the pill, you can be relatively certain that you have been successful. Alternatively, if you see that they haven’t swallowed it, simply try to place it at the back of their tongue again while closing their mouth and softly rubbing their throat. While squirting a tiny bit of water in their mouth to help them to take the tablet, avoid squirting excessive water because this may cause them to choke, Sometimes it’s better to just let them spit it out and start the procedure all over again. The final step is to reward your cat with their favorite food and toys once they’ve digested all of their prescription medications. This aids in the development of a positive link between obtaining medication and receiving a reward, which can make the procedure a bit simpler in the future.
Safety tips when giving a cat a tablet
- In the event that your cat scratches or does not appreciate being handled, try covering their torso and legs in a towel, leaving only their head exposed
- Maintain constant control over the top of their heads to minimize the chance of getting bitten. If your cat is very rowdy, enlist the assistance of another person to keep them under control while you deliver the tablet. If you or your cat is becoming upset, take a break, give them a few treats, and softly brush and comfort them before continuing
- If you are bitten by your cat, you should seek medical attention immediately. Cat’s teeth are a breeding ground for germs that might cause an illness.
How to give your cat a tablet
For anybody, administering medication to a cat may be a frightening concept. However, by taking a calm and confident approach, it is frequently lot simpler than you might expect. It is my hope that the suggestions and tactics in this brief tutorial will assist you in accomplishing this effectively and as quickly as possible.
- Prior to administering the medication, make sure you ask your veterinarian (or consult the manufacturer’s instructions) about whether the pill should be divided or crushed, and if it should be taken with food. Second, figure out the quickest and most convenient way to provide the pill to your cat. Third, have a confident approach and maintain your composure at all times. If you encounter difficulties or find yourself unable to cope, always call your veterinarian or veterinary nurse at your local office – they are available to assist you. Make certain that you do the following:
- Make sure you have everything you’ll need prepared and ready ahead of time. Make sure you have adequate time and a clear strategy for what you want to accomplish. Be patient with your cat, maintain your cool, and avoid putting yourself in danger. In the event that you are administering the pill rather than mixing it with food, always have a second person (ideally someone who is familiar with your cat) available to assist you.
Giving the tablet with food
Plan ahead of time and have everything you’ll need prepared and ready. Provide yourself with ample time and a clear strategy for what you intend to undertake. Maintain your cool when dealing with your cat, and avoid putting yourself in danger. If you are administering the pill rather than mixing it with food, always have a second person (ideally someone who is familiar with your cat) to assist you.
- Make sure your cat has something to eat! Remove all food from the house for 12 hours to ensure that your cat will desire to eat
- A number of cat-friendly pills are available, and you may experiment with feeding these to your feline companion on a regular basis. Keep in mind to hold the tablet at the tips of your fingers rather than in the palm of your hand. However, many cats will not voluntarily consume a tablet on their own since the flavor and/or texture of the tablet (even if it is made to be appealing) may be unexpected to them
- The tablet can be buried in a tiny amount of favorite food, such as soft cat food (or jelly from cat food) that your cat like, soft cheese, a small piece of soft meat or fish, or butter
- If the tablet is small, your cat may consume it by itself. You should make certain that the pill is hidden/buried fully within a tiny bit of food that you provide to your cat. As a preference, you can serve the meal in the cat’s usual dish or from your hand/fingers, depending on your preference (be sure to notice if the tablet requires any special handling precautions). It is important to ensure that your cat eats the food and that it does not leave the tablet behind or spat it out. After then, you can feed your cat the remainder of its regular food. Some cats are adept at locating the tablet buried in food and spitting it out, while others simply consume the food in the vicinity of the tablet. The pill may be crushed and thoroughly mixed in a small amount of highly appetizing food if it is safe (see your veterinarian or refer to the instructions that came with the tablets). This works best with digestible pills, as well as with a strong-flavored delectable reward that your cat will go crazy over (such as some tinned fish in oil). A pill-crusher can assist you in fully crushing the tablet.
Administering a tablet by hand – gentle restraint
Make sure your cat has something to eat! Make sure your cat is hungry by removing all food from the house for 12 hours. A number of cat-friendly pills are available, and you can experiment with feeding these to your feline companion on a limited basis. Make sure to hold the tablet at the tips of your fingers rather than in the palm of your hand. Although acceptable, many cats will not consume a tablet on their own since the flavor and/or texture of the tablet (even if it is supposed to be appealing) may be foreign to them.
You should make certain that the pill is hidden/buried fully within a tiny bit of food that you provide to your cat.
It is important to ensure that your cat eats the food and that it does not leave the tablet behind or vomit it up.
It is possible that some cats are adept at discovering the pill buried in food, either spitting it out or just eating the food surrounding it.
This works best with digestible pills, as well as with a strong-flavored delectable reward that your cat will go crazy about! (such as some tinned fish in oil). To properly smash the tablet, a pill-crusher may be useful.
Restraining your cat with your hands
- Please make sure you are placing your cat on a solid, non-slippery surface, such as the floor
- Otherwise, place your cat on a hard table or work area with a non-slip surface. Ensure that your cat is sitting erect and in front of you, but looking away from you. Hands gently push into your cat’s side while you grasp each front leg above the elbow, preventing your cat from moving away. This helps to maintain your cat sitting straight, and regulates the front legs, paw and claw movements.
Alternatively, restrain your cat with a towel
- This is especially handy if your cat is really wriggly or if you do not have a second person to assist you in holding your cat. Make use of a soft towel of medium size – not too huge or it will become unmanageable. Lie the towel on the floor or on a level sturdy surface, and then place the cat on top of the towel, with its back to you. Make a tight wrap around your cat’s neck by pulling up one side of the towel and then the other, so that the cat is completely enclosed and cannot get its front legs out of the opening. Holding your cat in the towel with gentle but firm pressure is ideal.
Giving the tablet
After you’ve gently detained your cat using one of the tactics described above, you may deliver the pill to him. Once again, having two individuals to help is far more convenient – one to hold the cat and one to hand over the iPad. Before you attempt to confine your cat, double-check that you have everything ready. Try to complete this as swiftly and quietly as possible to avoid upsetting your cat:
- The tablet should be held between the thumb and forefinger of one hand by the person who is providing it. The second hand should be placed on the top of your cat’s head (it is preferable to approach your cat from the side rather than from above – this is less intimidating for your cat)
- It is important to hold the head gently but firmly between your thumb and forefinger, with your thumb and forefinger extending downwards to each side of the jaw at the corner of the mouth. Using the middle finger of the hand holding the tablet, gently lift and open the lower jaw, allowing the lower jaw to be pulled down and the mouth to open
- Try to keep your cat’s head inclined up as you swiftly insert or drop the tablet as far back on his or her tongue as you possibly can. Attempt to place the tablet in the center of the tongue as far back as you can see – the further back the tablet goes, the more difficult it is for your cat to do anything other than swallow the tablet. Keep your cat’s jaw locked for a few seconds while you wait for him or her to swallow. It may be beneficial to gently touch the throat beneath the chin. Your cat licking his lips or nose indicates that he has consumed something. It is possible that your cat will not swallow the tablet on the first try and will spit it out instead. As long as your cat does not become agitated during the treatment, you can attempt it again and again. Always make an effort to place the pill as far back on the tongue as you possibly can. The use of a pill-giver can also be beneficial
Remember, if you are experiencing difficulties and/or your cat becomes distressed, you should contact your local veterinary clinic and speak with the veterinarian or vet nurse about how they may be able to assist you.
Tools and tricks that can help
- In some ways, it’s similar to a syringe, but with a plastic plunger (and no needle!). In this case, the tablet will fit into the soft nozzle at the end of the pill-giver, and it will be released by pressing down on the plunger (make sure to practice this before using it on your cat). You can avoid having to put your fingers into your cat’s mouth if you use a pill-giver to assist you in administering the tablet to him just at the back of his tongue. Using this method may be quite successful with a little experience, and many people find it to be relatively simple to utilize
- Prior to restricting your cat, prepare the tablet in the pill-giver by ensuring that the plunger is only in touch with the tablet before using it to ensure that the tablet is released as easily as possible at the rear of your cat’s tongue
- Additionally, gelatine capsules can be administered using the pill-giver.
Always follow the directions provided by the manufacturer.
A pill-popper
- This little gadget makes it simple to correctly split tablets into half or halves using a ruler. Using this method can be beneficial when your cat does not want the entire tablet or when delivering two smaller portions may be more convenient than offering a single large tablet. Always check to see if the pill is acceptable for dividing beforehand – certain tablets, for example, may have a specific coating that requires them to be delivered whole rather than divided. Always consult with your veterinarian if you are in question. Place the tablet in the “V” slot on the bottom part of the splitter, at the bottom of the slot. As a result of closing the lid (which has a sharp blade), the tablet is sliced in half
- Continue to keep track of all of the pieces and make certain that your cat receives the exact dose
It is simple to correctly break tablets into halves or halves with this little instrument. Using this method can be beneficial when your cat does not require the entire tablet or when delivering two smaller portions may be more convenient than giving a single entire tablet. Make that the tablet is acceptable for dividing before proceeding; some tablets, for example, may have a particular coating that requires them to be supplied whole rather than split. Always consult your veterinarian if you are in question.
As a result of closing the lid (which contains a sharp blade), the tablet is split in half.
Gelatine capsules (available from your vet)
- Filling an empty gelatine capsule (which you may obtain from your veterinarian) with two or more little pieces of a tablet(s) will allow them to be delivered all at once
- In particular, if your cat requires more than one type of tablet (for example, you may place two little parts of two distinct tablets in one capsule), or if you break a bigger tablet into smaller pieces (using a pill-splitter), this can be really beneficial. Always consult your veterinarian before administering more than one type of pill at the same time, since this can occasionally result in complications. After pulling apart the two parts of the gelatine capsule and inserting the fragments of tablet into the capsule’s interior, the two halves can be reassembled. In addition to making it simpler to give because of the form of the capsule, applying a small amount of butter or something similar to the capsule may also be beneficial. The capsules can be taken either by hand or with the assistance of a pill-giver device.
Always follow the directions provided by the manufacturer.
A pill-crusher (available from your vet)
- Always check with your veterinarian to ensure that crushing and administering a pill in this manner is safe. In certain cases, crushing a tablet to a fine powder makes it simpler to incorporate into a tiny amount of appetizing food. Mixing some crushed pills with a little water or oil is a good idea (eg, from a tin of tuna). A syringe (with no needle) can then be used to dribble your cat’s medication into the side of his or her mouth – always check with your veterinarian first before doing this, as it may not be appropriate for all pills. Making a fine powder out of a tablet without losing any of the dosage is easiest to accomplish with the help of a professional pill-crusher. To use the pill-crusher, place the tablet in the base and screw the cover down to crush the tablet. The powdered tablet can then be used when the lid has been unscrewed.
Always follow the directions provided by the manufacturer.
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How to Give a Cat a Pill—And Actually Get Your Cat to Swallow It
Cats are not fond of surprises, especially when the surprise is a human hand pushing their mouth open in order to force down a foul-tasting medication. On top of that, your tiny darling may be unwell, which might make things much more tough for you both. In addition to not inflicting further pain on a sick cat or aggravating an already stressful scenario, you don’t want to make the issue worse. Fortunately, there are a few strategies that may be used to ensure that the medication is well absorbed.
Cats aren’t easily fooled
It’s quite simple to mislead dogs into taking medications by hiding them in dog food or treats, but cats are usually on to your ruse and will not fall for it. They have extremely refined taste receptors and are frequently able to detect a pill in their meal and eat around it—or, in the worst case scenario, refuse to consume the food at all. When you medicate their food, it’s possible that they may never eat that food again, even if it isn’t laced with medications, says Bernadine Cruz, DVM, a veterinary specialist in Laguna Hills, California.
It’s critical to perfect your pill-popping techniques before there is ever an issue, since this will make the situation a lot less stressful when the time comes.
Is there anything else to put into practice? It is necessary to transport your cat to the veterinarian. Ensure first that you understand how to safely transport your cat in a carrier without being bitten by its claws.
Ease into it
Doing some role-playing with your cat before administering a tablet or liquid treatment to him can increase your chances of success. It is critical for your cat to feel comfortable with having its mouth handled and manipulated throughout the grooming procedure. “Begin by caressing your cat in a gentle manner. Dr. Cruz recommends rubbing the head and face, as well as touching the muzzle and lips. “If your cat refuses to cooperate, pause, let the cat to relax, and try again later.” However, if your cat is enjoying the attention and appears comfortable, everything is in working order.
Practice opening your cat’s mouth with a toy.
Cruz suggests.
It’s not always torturous
There’s good news! There are some cats who are completely unconcerned about taking medications. “When trying to pill a cat, there might be a wide range of cat behaviors to watch out for. “Some cats are so easy, and some cats are so difficult,” says Karen “Doc” Halligan, DVM, a veterinarian who practices at the Marina Veterinary Center in Westchester, California, and the author ofDoc Halligan’s What Every Pet Owner Should Know. “Some cats are so easy, and some cats are so difficult,” she adds.
I know pet parents who give their cats medication on a regular basis, so it is possible with love, patience, and, occasionally, inventiveness!” However, before you attempt any technique, you should clip your cat’s nails to ensure that you are not injured if they attempt to scratch you.
How to give a cat a pill with your own two hands
Fortunately, the situation has improved. When it comes to swallowing medicines, some cats seem completely unconcerned. “When trying to pill a cat, there might be a broad range of cat actions.” “Some cats are so easy, and some cats are so difficult,” says Karen “Doc” Halligan, DVM, a veterinarian who practices at the Marina Veterinary Center in Westchester, California, and who is the author ofDoc Halligan’s What Every Pet Owner Should Know. “Some cats are so easy, and some cats are so difficult,” she adds.
It is important to trim your cat’s nails before attempting any technique, in order to avoid injury should they attempt to scratch you..
A spoonful of tuna water helps the medicine go down
When it comes to your cat, a teaspoon of sugar isn’t going to cut it, but tuna water may. Before taking this option, check with your veterinarian to see if the medication may be crushed. If this is the case, once the pill has been ground into powder, it can be combined with tuna water or bouillon. According to Doc Halligan, the liquid should then be injected into the cat’s mouth using a liquid medication syringe.
Rather than crushing pills, consider wrapping them in a tiny piece of pork or other food that your cat like and giving it to him as a treat. He’ll love it! You could also try to make your cat like you before pill day by using one of these 13 tactics for making your cat like you.
Tailor-made cat pills
You can seek the assistance of a veterinary pharmacy to get your fussy feline’s medicines compounded if your sly pranks with tuna or chicken aren’t successful in fooling your kitty. The active component (the medicine) is mixed with a liquid or condensed into a smaller tablet or capsule, explains Dr. Cruz. “Compounded medications are prescriptions that are filled by a pharmacy that is licensed to do so,” he says. “converted into a tasty, chewable treat or used as a transdermal—which is often administered to the inside of a pet’s ear.”
How to give a cat a pill with a pill pocket
You may seek the assistance of a veterinary pharmacy to get your fussy feline’s medications compounded if your sly pranks with tuna or chicken fail to deceive him. In Dr. Cruz’s words, “Compounded medicine” is a prescription that is filled by a pharmacy that is licensed to combine the active component (the drug) with liquid or to compress the drug to fit into a smaller tablet or capsule. “converted into a tasty, chewable treat or used as a transdermal—which is often administered to the inside of a pet’s ear”
How to give a cat a pill with a cat piller
A cat piller isn’t someone you pay to give your cat a pill, but it is a useful tool for pet parents who want to keep their cats healthy. The pill is described by Doc Halligan as “a wand with a hole at the end that holds the pill.” Some cat pillers have a dual role, dispensing pills as well as liquid medication as necessary. To attempt this, place your cat’s head in the palm of your non-dominant hand, with the cat’s ears tucked between your index finger and thumb. With your other hand, use the piller to gently nudge your cat’s jaw open just enough to allow the piller to pass through the canine teeth and into his mouth.
Make sure to follow up with a small amount of tuna water or chicken broth to help the food slide down the esophagus more easily.
Getting your cat to take a medicine is completely achievable with a little work and patience on your part.
How to Give a Cat a Pill
IStockphoto If your cat is accustomed to consuming a range of meals, introducing her to a new and delectable soft food might be an effective method of concealing medications. Cat owners are well aware that getting a kitty to swallow a medicine may be difficult. In fact, when it comes to catcare, it is likely to be one of the most difficult obstacles to overcome. Finding a low-stress technique to provide medicine to your cat is critical to her overall health and wellbeing. Fortunately, there are several basic ways for disguising medicine in foods and snacks that may be implemented.
Consult with your veterinarian before implementing any of these suggestions.
Hide it in Her Food
Prepare your cat to consume a range of foods by providing him with opportunities to do so. So long as there is no medical problem that needs your cat to be on a special diet, gradually increasing the range of cat foods available can make it simpler to discover treats and soft meals that are suitable for hiding medicines. One approach to broaden your cat’s food options is to mix in a little quantity of new cat-safe food with her regular meal in her dish, or to feed the new food at the same time as her regular food but in a separate bowl altogether.
- Your cat may become more tolerant of — and even appreciate — new meals if they are exposed to them on a regular basis.
- If your pet begins to vomit or has diarrhea, stop feeding the new food and contact your veterinarian.
- I’ve had the most success concealing pills in treats that have a strong taste and flavor that can be molded around the edges of the pill to completely hide it.
- Make use of the three-treat trick.
- The first treat is completely devoid of medicine, whilst the second treat includes the medication that has been carefully disguised.
- All three treats should be identical in appearance and should be administered in a same manner in order to prevent the cat from guessing which treat contains the medication.
The amount of goodies can be adjusted as needed — for example, if the cat requires more than one pill or just need a little more persuasion — and is determined by the veterinarian.
Change the Form
It should be cut into bits. Ideally, your cat’s medications will be tiny enough that they can be eaten whole by your cat without any difficulty. For big pills that cannot be swallowed whole, consult your veterinarian about the use of a pill cutter to split them into smaller bits that may then be divided into as many swallowable treats as needed. It should be crushed. Some medications can be pulverized, but consult with your veterinarian before attempting this. Make certain that the drug will not be harmed by crushing it, and keep in mind that crushing a tablet may cause a bitter flavor to be released.
It is also possible to dilute the crushed drug in a liquid, such as low-sodium chicken broth or the water from a tuna or clam can, to make it less potent.
Three Vet-Approved Tricks to Get Your Cat to Take Medicine
Find out the trick to getting your cat to accept medication from a veterinarian in this article. Each product that we showcase has been picked and vetted by our editorial staff after being thoroughly researched and tested. If you make a purchase after clicking on one of the links on this page, we may receive a commission. Giving medicine to cats may be a test of patience for the majority of us who care for them. But why is it proving to be so difficult? “There are a lot of reasons why cats may be resistant to medicine administration.
- Jennifer Freeman, DVM, PetSmart’s resident veterinarian and pet care expert, explains how it works.
- Freeman suggests consulting your veterinarian about the many formulations that are available and which “may work best for you and your cat.” In addition, you should get a prescription with the shortest feasible interval dosage intervals.
- Due to the fact that we are unable to inform our cats that the medicine would help them feel better, we must come up with inventive ways to get them to take the medication.
- Freeman the next time Kitty has to fill a prescription!
Hide pills in treats or food.
“There are a few different methods for giving pills or tablets to cats. The simplest method is to ‘Trojan Horse’ it and conceal the whole or crushed drug in a treat such as a Pill Pocket ($5.48, Chewy.com), tuna juice, cream cheese, or yogurt, among other things “Dr. Freeman expresses his views. The aroma of the delicious delicacy may be able to mask the smell of the medication. Your cat will happily consume the pill or tablet in addition to the goodie. “The use of moderate restraint and a pill gun, or the use of fast finger work, are two alternative options.
This may be difficult, and it requires some skill and a nice cat to avoid damage and frustration, but it is possible “As a result, you may wish to request a demonstration from your veterinarian, she suggests.
Give a taste introduction.
“Droppers or syringes for administering liquid medicine may be provided to you by your healthcare provider. You may start by allowing your cat to taste the beverage to see if they are interested in drinking it “Dr. Freeman explains more. “If they reject, you will have to adopt a technique that is identical to that used for oral pilling.” Some liquid medications are available in a variety of tastes that may be more appealing to your cat; thus, you should always inquire with your veterinarian whether this is a possibility for you.
Offering her a tuna-flavored liquid medicine may be all that is required to get her to take it readily and without any anxiety.
Apply with a gentle touch.
As Dr. Freeman explains, “a transdermal formulation is administered topically to the cat’s ear skin in order to allow absorption into the circulation.” “Remember that not all drugs are easily absorbed in this manner, so check with your veterinarian to see whether this is a realistic choice. Always wear gloves or thoroughly wash your hands after administering this sort of medicine to avoid absorbing any of the drug into your body.” Wait until your cat is calm and purring before gently putting the medicine to her skin if your cat enjoys a good snuggle session with you.
How to Give Your Cat Pills & Other Medications
Illness is no fun, especially when you have to take medication in order to feel better faster. It’s no different for your four-legged companions. Medicine for cats is occasionally essential to improve their health, whether it be due to an illness or allergic reactions. To make the procedure of giving your cat a pill less unpleasant for both of you, follow these helpful guidelines. This will assist you in getting her back on track to feeling well.
Holding Your Cat
For some cats, even the act of being held can be stressful. You should gently approach your cat, speaking to her in a kind and soothing way as you pick her up. She should be completely covered with either an old towel or a blanket, with the legs well supported so they do not hang freely, which might make her feel uncomfortable and insecure. Petcha and Marilyn Krieger are best friends.
How to Give Your Cat a Pill
The majority of cat medications are taken orally in tablet form. Keep this in mind when you have your prescription in hand: cats are intelligent creatures that don’t react well to changes in their habit, and they will not make it easy on you if you try to disrupt their schedule. Your dog, on the other hand, is happy to swallow pills that have been mixed with peanut butter. You will have to approach your cat in a calm but calculated manner. In the case of a cooperative cat, you might try immediately putting the medication in her mouth.
As opposed to this, lay it in the middle of her tongue at the back of her mouth, then gently stroke her throat to help the pill to pass down, suggests the ASPCA Pet Health Insurance, which is available online. Make a new bowl of water available for her to wash it down with.
The “Meatball”
Another approach for giving your cat a pill involves making a more discrete movement than just placing the medication into her mouth. Starting with her normal meal dish, conceal the pill in the dish with her usual food. Cat food that is moist or semi-wet is the ideal option, but if your furry friend only eats kibble, you can offer her the moist food after she takes the pill to make it a fun treat. Another option is to conceal the pill within a little ball of cat chow. With a pill hidden in her wet food that you make into a ball and deliver to your cat as a delightful snack, you may play this game of hide-and-seek with your cat.
Many foods, on the other hand, might induce gastric upset in cats.
Cat Food Gravy
If you’re seeking for an alternative method of administering a tablet to your cat, you might be tempted to try crushing the pill into a powder form. However, as pointed out by Animal Planet, “Never crush or ground pills for the purpose of putting them in food or drink unless your veterinarian advises you to do so. Because crushed medicine has an unpleasant flavor, your cat will not get the whole amount.” Always seek the full consent of your veterinarian before providing medication to cats in this manner.
Because the drug is kept within the device, this instrument makes crushing a bit easier and cleaner, and they are only a few bucks.
In addition, the rich flavor of the gravy will mask the unpleasant taste of the tablet.
If she refuses to eat a tablespoon of gravy, add it into her normal meal, either as a special topping for kibble or combined with wet food, as a special topping for kibble.
Liquid Formula
When a cat refuses to take medication or is unable to eat regularly while unwell, the veterinarian may prescribe the medication in a liquid mix that must be supplied by a syringe to get the desired results. However, cats are more likely to accept medicine that is served at ambient temperature than they are to accept medicine that is served at refrigeration temperature. Never heat medicine in the microwave. Heat the syringe by holding it in your hand for a few minutes or by soaking it in a cup of warm (not hot) water until it is comfortable to use.
Allow your cat to lick the tip of the syringe so she may get a taste of the medicine, then slowly depress the plunger to administer the medication.
Petful.
Maintaining her mouth closed for a short period of time will ensure that she consumes the medication. a. Do not be concerned if she vomits any of the medication – this is usual. Even if some of it ends up on your lap, refrain from rehabilitating her and instead wait until her next dose is scheduled.
Eye and Ear Drops
A cat may require the use of eye or ear drops from time to time, particularly if she suffers from allergies. You’ll need to hold your cat firmly when administering these medications, just as you would when administering pills or liquid formulations. When it comes to eye drops, suggests Ernest Ward, DVM, of the Newport Harbor Animal Hospital, is a veterinarian. Placing your hand on the top of the cat’s head (it’s typically advisable to approach them from above or below their head rather than directly at their face, as this will ensure that they don’t see you coming) “Pulling back the upper eyelid with the last two fingers of the same hand is a good technique.
The lower eyelid will function as a bag to hold the drops while they are being applied.” Never put your fingers or the tip of your eye dropper near the cat’s eye.
Ward recommends the following ear drops: “Using a gentle circular motion, gently massage the base of the ear.
This is normal.” Both of these ways will be unpleasant for your cat, but they are necessary for her health, as is the case with any cat treatment.
Injections
Certain disorders, like as diabetes, necessitate the administration of medication via the skin by pet owners. A second pair of hands will come in handy while administering injections, so ask the assistance of a friend or family member to hold your pet in position with a towel or firm but gentle grasp. Depending on the prescription, a cat may require an injection in the hip, neck, or another location; thus, ask your veterinarian to demonstrate how and where the injection should be administered.
- Always use a fresh needle for each dose, and make a note of the time and date of each injection.
- She may also require some alone time, so provide her the time and space she requires if she wishes to withdraw for a short period of time.
- Put it in a sharps container that has been approved for disposal, or bring it to your local pharmacy or veterinarian’s office.
- Only give your cat the medication suggested by the doctor after the checkup is completed.
- Many of these treatments are toxic to cats.
- You should always consult with your veterinarian about the most effective method of delivering medication to your cat.
Medicine for cats is occasionally essential, whether it’s a brief course of antibiotics or a long-term treatment plan for a chronic illness or disease. Your kitten may not express gratitude, but she will be grateful for her good health!
Contributor Bio
Christine O’Brien is a writer and actress. The author, mother, and long-time cat parent Christine O’Brien lives with her two Russian Blue cats, who are the rulers of the household. Care.com, What to Expect, and Fit Pregnancy are just a few of the publications where she contributes articles about pets, pregnancy, and family life. Follow her on Instagram and Twitter, where she goes by the handle @brovelliobrien.
How to Give Your Cat a Pill without Losing an Eye
Before you begin, make a list of the medications you will be administering to your cat.
- Is it possible to smash it? Is it possible to take it with food? In what proportion does the needed dose need to be administered
- How frequently will you be need to administer it
Getting these aspects worked out before physically prepping your pet for medicine may save you time and stress in the long run!
Gather Your Supplies Before Administering the Pill
To prepare for bringing your cat home, make sure you have a towel on hand, and that you have removed his or her medication from the container and placed it in a pet pill dispenser if you have one. Ask for assistance if another individual is accessible to help you out.
Prepare Your Pet to Take the Pill
To preparation for bringing your cat home, make sure you have a towel on hand, and that you have removed his or her pill from the bottle and placed it in a pet pill dispenser if you have one. You can also ask someone else to assist you if they happen to be available.
Give Your Cat the Pill
The following are five simple methods to administering a medication to your cat:
How to Give a Cat a Pill Without Bleeding – Do It Yourself Way!
Here are the four methods I use to give my cat a tablet on my own — without bleeding or weeping! Every personality type, including challenging cats, may be approached in a different way. You’re at the veterinarian’s office, and they inform you that your cats need to be put on medication. Nothing to worry about; I’ll just put it into their meals. Then they inform you that the medication is only available in tablet form. I’m going to die!” you scream as you collapse to the floor, screaming and crying out in agony.
It’s quite uncommon that a cat will gladly accept a medicine in exchange for a purr, so you have to come up with a backup plan…
Take a Deep Breath
Here are the four methods I use to give my cat a medication on my own – without bleeding or weeping. Every personality type, including challenging cats, has a unique approach. The vet tells you that your cats must be put on medication while you’re waiting in line. Nothing to worry about; I’ll simply incorporate it into their meal. Afterwards, they inform you that the medication is only available as a tablet. I’m going to die!” you exclaim as you collapse to the floor, wailing and screaming. Those of you who have ever had to pill a cat will be able to identify with this circumstance.
However, this is occasionally necessary…
4 Ways To Give a Cat a Pill
- Here are the four different methods I feed my cat a medication on my own — without bleeding or weeping! Every personality type, including challenging cats, has a distinct approach. You’re in the vet’s office, and the doctor tells you that your cats need to be put on medication. Okay, that’s not a huge problem
- I’ll simply mix it with their meal. Then they tell you that the medication is only available in tablet form. You begin to sob and scream, “I’m going to die!” as you fall to the floor. Anyone who has ever had to pill a cat will be able to relate to this circumstance. It’s quite uncommon that a cat will happily swallow a medication while purring, so you have to come up with a backup plan… After that, if all else fails, there’s always Plan C, Plan D, and Plan E.
Many of you commented how difficult pilling was for you in a recent article, so I thought it would be a good time to discuss the procedures I use for our four cats, which you can read about here. Every single one of them requires a particular method of pilling since, like people, they have a variety of personality traits to consider. I’ve done a great deal of personal research, using a variety of various approaches, and I’ve shed many tears along the way. The Diary of a Cat Mother (or Father)!
I’m going to go over all four of the methods we employ in the hopes that one of them may resonate with your cat and be of use to you. Let’s start with the most straightforward options. The truth is that both of them are deceptive, so congratulations for catching your cat out.
1: Hide the pill in cat food – EASY
This approach is categorized as simple. If a cat sees or smells a pill, it may be reluctant to consume the food, even if the pill is placed on top of delicious soft food. However, if you have a cat who adores wet food and you can conceal it in some strongly scented wet food, you have a good chance of success. Place the tablet (or pills) in a soft food container and cover with a small amount of the soft food to conceal it from view. Alternatively, you might split the pill into pieces or even smash it and mix it into the dish before serving.
The cats can tell when you’re attempting to be stealthy, believe it or not!
And, even better, by providing it with soft food, it will believe that you are really lovely, resulting in cat licks on the cheek.
2 Hide the pill in a Pill Pocket
This approach is categorized as simple. Pill Pockets have proven to be effective for many humans, however our cats find them to be disgusting. Have you ever had the pleasure of smelling a Pill Pocket? “No thanks,” your cat could say after taking one sniff of it, which is unfortunate because it smells horrible and does not smell like food. Miss FiFi Bofinkles is a treat-obsessed cat who will ravish you for treats and push other cats out of the way for goodies, so the pill pocket/treat strategy is a perfect fit for her.
- It is necessary to have Cat Pill Pockets, tasty snacks (like as Friskies), and your medication.
- If your cat consumes the treat in this manner, that is fantastic!
- Second, because the pill pocket is soft and sticky, stuff goodies into the opening at the top of the pocket.
- If your cat enjoys rewards, this may be the most effective method for you.
3 Turn a pill into powder and rub onto fur
‘Easy’ is how this strategy is described. Pill Pockets have proven to be effective for many humans, however our cats find them to be revoltingly unpleasant. Ever get a whiff of the scent emanating from a Pill Pocket? “No thanks,” your cat could say after taking one sniff of it, which is awful because it smells bad and doesn’t smell at all like food. Miss FiFi Bofinkles is a treat-obsessed cat who will ravish you for treats and push other cats out of the way for rewards, so the pill pocket/treat strategy is a perfect fit for her needs.
Your feline pill pocket, some tasty goodies (like as Friskies), and your medication are all you’ll require.
This is an excellent result if your cat consumes the treat in this manner.
Because the pill pocket is soft and sticky, the second step is to stuff sweets into the top of it.
The best method for you may be to use treats if your cat like them. As soon as FiFi Bofinkles finishes her huge treat, she gives her approval!!
How To Give a Difficult Cat a Pill
Let’s start with a discussion. Brother, he’s a massive Maine coon, complete with enormous claws and abs of pure steel. The fact that no one (but me!) can cut his nails is a testament to his tenacity. He’s made many vets bleed and flung their needles across the room. Putting all of that aside, Brother Bear is a gigantic darling, a kind giant, but he just does not enjoy being made to do things, and he despises going to the veterinarian. It’s something she despises to no end. When a cat is upset, it’s quite remarkable how powerful it can be.
- The first time I attempted it, I believed Matthew would be able to hold him and that I would be able to open his mouth with my hands and place the pill right into his mouth.
- This is how it appears a week later; such a love bite, don’t you think?
- This is by far the messiest approach, but it is the only one that we have found that allows us to pill Brother.
- You have to be very sly with this approach since he can smell it even when we smash his tablets and mix them into soft food.
- I understand that this photo appears to show that we live in a drug den, but Officer, I promise this is for my cat!
- Depending on how many tablets you are administering and the size of the pills, you may need to repeat this procedure many times.
- Vaseline is commonly used to treat hairballs, so it is safe to use on your cats.
- Then locate your cat, which may be standing or laying down at this point.
- It’s common for me to have to repeat this process several times since after you apply the initial smear, your cat will be aware of what’s going on.
- Instantaneously, your cat will feel the desire to clean themselves up and will begin licking the powder off their fur.
You may also apply powder on the other leg while they are wiping their other leg if you have any extra powder. You’ll get some dirty looks, but your cat will make sure to clean up the rest of the trash as soon as possible. And with that, your tough cat will be coerced into taking its medication.
4 Insert Pill By Hand Into Mouth
This strategy is medium-difficult to master, but once you do, it is unquestionably the most effective! You will need your cat’s trust in order to use this strategy. Although the first time the cat is taken by surprise, after a number of visits, the cat will figure out what’s going on when it sees the pill jar and may chase you around the house. It’s all right, it will get better with time. Xanadu is our Siamese cat, and she is quite nervous about the outside world and extremely careful, so we have to handle everything by hand and by hand only.
- In fact, I do this to Xanadu all by myself, which has resulted in a great deal of trust between the two of us.
- She doesn’t like it, but she has learned to accept it without chasing after me around the flat.
- You can hold the pill in your hand, but I think that using an apill gunso is much more convenient because it is skinnier and hence easier to slip into your cat’s mouth.
- This eliminates the need to fiddle with the pill that is in the cat’s mouth at the time of administration.
- Step 2.
- So, while keeping her between my legs, I reach around with one hand to open the mouth of the pill gun while holding her between my thighs with the other.
- I insert the pill gun into her mouth and shot the pill into the back of her throat, causing her to vomit.
- I then drop the pistol to the ground and walk away.
- Both the blowing and the stroking will force your cat to swallow, which will cause the medication to be swallowed along with him or her.
- That is followed by kisses, cuddles and sweets as well as promises that we would never do that again (I lie, I am a bad mother, believe me).
- I hope this has been of use to you in the future!
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