Whether they are deworming drugs or antibiotics, there are several pills that sometimes need to be given to a cat. Unfortunately, many cats are masters at expelling them from the mouth or may categorically refuse to take them. However, there are a few strategies you can use to help give a cat a pill, causing less stress for the cat and for yourself.
Steps
Part 1 of 6: Getting to know the drug
Step 1. Read the dosage instructions carefully
Follow the instructions printed in the package insert. Take into account the amount to be administered at once, how often and for how long.
Consult your veterinarian if you are concerned about the dosage or the procedure for administering the drug
Step 2. Do not split the drug if it is slow release
Some pills are formulated in such a way that the active ingredient is released gradually over several hours, so if you squeeze them, you risk canceling their action. Follow the instructions your vet gave you in the prescription.
Step 3. Check if the drug should not be accompanied by the consumption of food
Some drugs must be given on an empty stomach, so mixing them in food could interfere with their effectiveness. In these cases, it is necessary to give the drug in isolation.
Part 2 of 6: Keeping the Cat
Step 1. Get a large towel or cloth
There are several ways to keep the cat, depending on whether you do it yourself or have someone to help you. Most methods, however, work best if you get a large towel or sheet in which to wrap or rest the animal.
Step 2. Ask a friend to help you hold the cat still
It can be much easier to counter his reactions if you have another pair of hands at your disposal.
Step 3. Spread the towel or sheet over a table or countertop
This way, you will be able to move at a comfortable height and it will be easier to administer the pill. The towel will allow the cat to feel comfortable and not slip on the table.
Step 4. Place the cat on the table or counter
Take it gently and place it on the shelf of your choice. Ask your helper to take the animal by the shoulders, with its head facing you.
Step 5. Wrap the cat in the towel
If your cat scratches very easily, it is best to wrap him in a towel. Then, spread out a large towel or cloth and place the cat on top of it. Roll the towel around the animal so that it is snugly wrapped with its paws close to the body. Make sure you stick your head out. This method is called the "burrito technique" and avoids the cat from using paws and claws to scratch.
The "burrito technique" resembles the way babies are swaddled: the animal's limbs remain adherent to the body, so that it cannot use paws and claws to scratch
Step 6. Place the towel-wrapped cat on a table
If you have help, put the bandaged cat on the table. Ask your helper to hold him still as you prepare to open your mouth to introduce the pill.
Step 7. Kneel to contain the cat
If you are alone, wrap your cat in a towel. Kneel on the floor. Place the animal between the thighs, with the head facing the knees.
Make sure you have both hands free and able to administer the pill
Part 3 of 6: Opening the Cat's Mouth
Step 1. Tilt the cat's head
Once you have managed to contain it, you will have to open its mouth.
If you are right handed, use your left hand to hold your head. This will give you your dominant hand to give him the pill
Step 2. Place your index finger and thumb on the cat's forehead
Form a U in reverse using the index and thumb of your left hand. Place it on the cat's forehead.
The fingers should be placed on both sides of the animal's muzzle, along the cheeks
Step 3. Place the tip of your index finger and thumb on the cat's upper lip
Place the tips of your thumb and fingers on the upper lip so that your thumb rests on one side of the cat's muzzle and the tip of your index finger on the opposite side.
Once the head is raised and the nose tilted upward, the jaw will open slightly
Step 4. Gently press your thumb and finger into your mouth
When the cat's jaw has opened slightly, push your thumb and fingertips down into the mouth. Try to keep the cat's lips between your fingers and teeth. He will feel a slight pressure of the lip against the dental arch and, consequently, will open his mouth to avoid biting it.
If you have to administer liquid medicine with a syringe, you only need to open your mouth slightly. If you have to give him a pill, he will need to open it more
Part 4 of 6: Give the Pill
Step 1. Hold the pill between two fingers
If you use your dominant hand, take the pill between the tip of your thumb and middle finger.
Step 2. Press your index finger to open the cat's mouth
Place the tip of the index finger on the cat's chin, between the two lower canines (the longer, fang-like teeth). Apply gentle downward pressure and your mouth will open fully.
Step 3. Put the pill in the cat's mouth
Try to put it on the back of your tongue. If you put it back far enough and the cat attempts to spit it out, the tongue twitching will push the tablet towards the throat where it will be swallowed.
If you place it on the tip of your tongue when introducing the pill, continue to keep the cat's mouth open and use the middle finger of your dominant hand to push the tablet further
Step 4. Leave the cat's mouth
Once the pill is in, make sure she swallows it. As soon as it is in the right place, remove your fingers. Let the animal close it again and swallow the tablet while lowering the jaw.
If you are not sure if you have introduced the pill far enough, keep the cat's mouth closed until you are sure that he has swallowed it
Step 5. Gently blow into the cat's nostrils
Some cats can be stubborn and refuse to swallow. In these cases, blow gently into the nostrils to cause the swallowing reflex. When the tablet drops, the cat will start swallowing. Let go of your mouth and check that you do not spit the tablet.
Step 6. Give him some water after the pill
Once the tablet has swallowed, give the cat a drink and something to eat. This will ensure that the tablet travels down the esophagus into the stomach.
Step 7. Use a pill dispenser if needed
If you don't like putting your fingers in the cat's mouth, you could use a pill dispenser. It is a plastic tool equipped with a pincer that grasps the pill.
- Load the tool with the pill.
- Open the cat's mouth.
- Very gently insert the end of the feeder into the back of the cat's mouth.
- Push the plunger to deposit the tablet in the cat's throat.
Part 5 of 6: Giving Liquid Medicines
Step 1. Open the cat's mouth
It does not need to be fully open for liquid medication to be administered. Open it just enough to put the syringe inside.
Do not tilt the cat's head back. Doing so will increase the risk of the liquid entering the animal's windpipe
Step 2. Insert the nozzle of the syringe into the space that forms between the cheek and teeth
Place it on your teeth. Pass the tip of the syringe into the bulge between your teeth and cheek on one side of your mouth.
Step 3. Slowly push the plunger to release the liquid
Introduce it into the cat's mouth. Give it intermittently so your cat can swallow the medicine regularly and without discomfort.
If you are using a bulb syringe, press the bulb slowly and gently to squeeze the liquid into the cat's mouth. Go slow and take a few breaks
Step 4. Do not fill the cat's mouth with liquid medicine
The most important thing is not to fill the mouth and always wait until the cat has swallowed the previous dose before continuing. If you introduce too much liquid into the mouth, the animal risks inhaling it sending it into the lungs. Serious consequences can arise, including pneumonia.
Step 5. Remove the syringe once empty
As soon as you have given all of the medication into the cat's mouth, remove the syringe and allow the cat to close its mouth.
If your cat is having difficulty, it may be best to administer the drug in two stages
Part 6 of 6: Hide the Pills in Food
Step 1. Take away the food for a couple of hours before giving him the pill
Some medications are specially designed for cats, so the tablets are small and easier to hide from eating. Make sure your cat is hungry by taking away food for a couple of hours before administering the pill.
Step 2. Hide the pill in wet food
Give the cat a quarter of his regular meal by mixing the tablet inside. Once you're sure he's eaten everything, give him the rest of the dinner.
To further make sure he eats everything, consider giving him his favorite snack. Hide the pill inside and serve it along with food
Step 3. Use a "pill pocket"
Pill pockets are delicacies that have a cavity in which you can insert the pill (the principle is similar to donuts that contain jam). The very delicious outer cover hides the flavor of the pill and the cat will happily swallow it all.
