Cats do not like surprises — especially if the miracle is a human hand opening an open mouth to push a tasting pill. On top of that, your little one may be sick, which can make things even more difficult. And, of course, you don’t want to bring any additional pain on a sick cat or make the situation already more stressful. Unfortunately, there are few ways to help a drug get off the ground properly. Here are some ways a veterinarian has approved, how to help you successfully navigate a cat pill.
Cats are not easily deceived
It is easy to get dogs to take pills by dipping them in dog food or cloths, but cats are usually very careful about your tricks. They have a delicious taste and can often see the pill in their diet and eat it around — or at the very least, not eating the food at all. “If you treat their diet, they will never eat that food again, even if it is not contaminated with drugs,” says Bernadine Cruz, DVM, veterinarian in Laguna Hills, California. Instead, ask your veterinarian to show you how to give the cat a pill — but don’t wait until you have the medicine in hand. It is important to refine your prescription skills before a problem arises so it becomes more stressful when the time comes. Something to learn? Take your cat to the vet. But before you do, make sure you know how to get your cat carrier unattended.
Sign up for it
You will have more success in giving a pill or water solution to your cat if you do one-on-one play time. It is important that your cat is comfortable with the mouth and use. “Start by kissing your daughter calmly. Wash your head and face, and touch your mouth and lips.
It is not always painful
Good news! Some cats are getting cold and taking pills. There are many different types of cats when you are trying to cure them. DVM’s Doc Halligan, a veterinarian Cat Training at the Marina Veterinary Center in Westchester, California and author of Doc Halligan’s “What All Pet Owners Should Know,” is a simple cat. Some cats are difficult. I don’t know until I try. I have pet parents who give pills to cats every day, so it can be done with love, patience, and sometimes ingenuity!
How to give a cat a pill with both hands
Reach the situation in a relaxed and positive manner. That may be easier said than done, but when you are scared, your cat can see it, says Doc Halligan. One way to make this easier? Wrap your cat in a soft blanket. It can provide some comfort, as well as protect your cat. Then, touch the top of your cat’s head with your weak hand (your left hand if you are right hand, for example). Your hand can grip the cheekbone area well without injuring your cat. Then, Doc Halligan says to turn the head back, which helps open the jaw normally, and use your free hand to drop the pill as far back into the neck as possible. Wash the cat’s throat to encourage swallowing. Some tablets require less water, which can be provided with an eye-dropper. Be sure to provide food or snacks and plenty of praise afterwards.
A tablespoon of tuna water helps the medicine to sink
A teaspoon of sugar is not going to cut it with your cat, but tuna can. Before going this route, ask your vet if the pill could be broken. If so, if the tablet is in powder form, it can be mixed with tuna water or bouillon. Then, says Doc Halligan, put water into the cat’s mouth through a syringe of water. For non-crushing pills, try wrapping the pill in small pieces of meat or other food that your cat craves and give as a treat. You may also want to massage your cat the day before the pill with these 13 tips to make your cat like you.
Tailor-designed cat tablets
If your cat has not been deceived by your deceptive shenanigans including tuna or chicken, seek help from a veterinarian pharmacy to increase your pills with finicky feline. “The drug solution is filled with a pharmacy that has a license to mix the active ingredient (medicine) with water, or to dissolve it in a small tablet or capsule.
How to give a cat a pill with a pill bag
If you can’t afford to give your cat a pill by hand, Doc Halligan says some cats (and pet parents!) Prefer pill bags. Tablet pill is a delicious food with a built-in bag that holds the pill. As soon as the pill is inserted, press it closed and give it to your cat. Your cat may pick it up, but keep going around to make sure it doesn’t spit out. If he vomits, take a break and check out these hilarious cat memes before trying a second dose.
How to give a cat pill with a cat piller
The cat piller is not the person you hire to give your cat a pill, but a useful tool for animal parents. Doc Halligan describes it as “a stick with a hole in the end that holds the pill.
Put the pill in a little butter
Butter helps to slide down. Most pills will not stick and begin to melt with butter as they will with other foods. This lip can be combined with a number of top tips, but I recommend not putting it in the popper pill, as it can stop the smooth shooting action of the popper.
