The best way to give your cat a pill is by hiding it in a small amount of soft food or a treat that your cat loves. Some good options include cream cheese, canned tuna or chicken, or a small piece of cheese. It’s important to ensure that your cat eats the food containing the pill, so you may want to offer a small taste first to ensure they like it.
You can also use other methods, such as using a pill pocket, crushing the pill before mixing it in food, and giving it with the help of a pill syringe. However, note that it’s important to consult with your veterinarian before giving your cat any medication and to follow their instructions carefully. If you’re still having trouble giving your cat a pill, consider asking your veterinarian or a veterinary technician for help.
Ways to Give Your Cat a Pill
Hiding the Pill in Food
Hiding the pill in food is one of the most common and easiest methods of giving a pill to a cat. The basic idea is to wrap the pill in a little food your cat enjoys, making it palatable and easier to swallow.
First, choose a portion of food your cat likes that is easy to swallow. Some good options include soft, moist foods like canned tuna, chicken, or baby food. You can also try using a small piece of cheese or a bit of cream cheese as a “wrapper” for the pill.
Once you have your food selected, it’s time to prepare the pill. Depending on the size and shape of the pill, you may need to cut it into smaller pieces or crush it into a fine powder. It’s important to follow your veterinarian’s instructions for giving medication to your cat, including the dosage and any specific preparation instructions.
Next, you’ll want to place the pill in the center of a small amount of your chosen food. Use your fingers to gently mold the food around the pill, creating a small “pocket” that your cat can easily swallow. You may want to offer your cat a small taste of the food first to ensure they like it and are willing to eat it.
When it’s time to give the medication, offer the food to your cat and watch carefully to ensure they eat the whole thing. If your cat is hesitant or suspicious, you may need to break the food into smaller pieces or try a different type of food.
It’s important to note that not all medications can be given with food, so be sure to consult with your veterinarian before trying this method. Additionally, some cats may be able to detect the medication even when it’s hidden in food. So you may need to try a different method if your cat consistently refuses to take their medication this way.
Using a Pill Pocket
Using a pill pocket is a method of giving medication to cats that involves hiding the pill inside a soft, chewy treat. The pill pocket is specifically designed to hold a pill or capsule, making it easier to administer medication to cats who are reluctant to take medication.
To use a pill pocket, you’ll need to select a flavor that your cat likes. Pill pockets come in various flavors, including chicken, salmon, and beef. Check the ingredients list to ensure the pill pocket is safe for your cat to eat and won’t interact with any other medications they may be taking.
Once you have your pill pocket, you’ll need to insert the pill or capsule into the center of the treat. Follow the instructions on the packaging to ensure the pill is properly inserted and won’t fall out. It’s important to ensure the pill pocket is completely sealed around the medication, as this will prevent your cat from spitting out the pill.
When it’s time to give the medication, offer the pill pocket to your cat and watch carefully to ensure they eat the whole thing. Some cats may be suspicious of the treat at first, so you may need to break it into smaller pieces or offer a small taste before inserting the pill.
One advantage of using a pill pocket is that it masks the smell and taste of the medication, making it easier for cats to swallow. However, some cats may still be able to detect the medication and may refuse to eat the pill pocket. If this happens, you may need to try a different method of administering medication or speak with your veterinarian for additional guidance.
Using a Pill Syringe
Using a pill syringe is a method of administering medication to cats that involves placing the pill directly into the back of the cat’s mouth using a small plastic device. This method is typically used for cats who are difficult to pill or who cannot swallow pills easily.
You’ll need to purchase a syringe specifically designed for administering medication to cats to use a pill syringe. These syringes are usually small and have a soft, pliable tip that makes placing the medication in the cat’s mouth easier without injuring its throat or causing discomfort.
To begin, prepare the medication according to your veterinarian’s instructions. Depending on the type of medication, you may need to crush it or dissolve it in water before administering it with the syringe. Next, fill the syringe with the medication. Then, pull back on the plunger until the syringe is filled with the appropriate amount of medication to do this. Finally, make sure to check the dosage carefully.
When it’s time to administer the medication, hold your cat gently but securely. Place the syringe tip in the corner of your cat’s mouth, behind its canine teeth. Then, slowly depress the plunger, pushing the medication to the back of the cat’s mouth.
After administering the medication, hold your cat’s mouth closed for a few seconds to ensure they swallow it. You can also offer a small treat or water to help the medicine go down more easily.
It’s important to note that some cats may resist this method of medication administration, and it’s possible to accidentally injure your cat’s mouth or throat if you’re not careful. However, if you’re unsure about using a pill syringe or your cat is particularly difficult to medicate, consult your veterinarian for guidance.
