Pill a Cat
How to Pill a Cat at Home
Giving your cat a pill can be a challenging task, especially if your cat is resistant or anxious. However, it is important to follow your veterinarian’s instructions and give your cat the prescribed medication as directed to ensure proper treatment. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to give your cat a pill:
Gather your supplies: You will need the prescribed medication, a small piece of cheese or a spoonful of wet food, or a pill pocket or pill crusher. You may also want to wear gloves to protect yourself from any potential contaminants.
Prepare the medication: If the medication needs to be crushed or dissolved, follow the instructions on the label or ask your veterinarian for guidance.
Restrain your cat: If your cat is resistant to taking pills, you may need to restrain it to administer the medication. Have an assistant hold your cat gently but firmly, or use a towel or restraint to keep your cat still.
Administer the medication: There are a few different methods you can use to give your cat a pill:
Hide the pill in food: You can try hiding the pill in a small piece of cheese or a spoonful of wet food. Be sure to supervise your cat to ensure that the entire pill is swallowed.
Use a pill pocket or pill crusher: You can purchase a pill pocket or pill crusher from a pet supply store, or ask your veterinarian for recommendations. The pill pocket is a small, soft treat that you can place the pill in and give to your cat, while the pill crusher is a tool that crushes the pill into a fine powder that you can mix with food.
Hand Pill:
- Hold the pill between the thumb and index finger of your dominant hand.
- Gently grasp your cat’s head from above with your other hand, placing your thumb on one side of the upper jaw and your fingers on the other. Tilt your cat’s head back over its shoulder so that its nose points to the ceiling. The cat’s jaw should drop open slightly. With your pilling hand, use your little finger and ring finger to open the cat’s mouth further by gently putting pressure on the lower lip and front teeth.
- Quickly place the pill as far back over the tongue as possible. Try to position it on the back one-third of the tongue to stimulate an automatic swallowing reflex. Then close your cat’s mouth and hold it closed while you return its head to a normal position.
- Gently rub your cat’s nose or throat or blow lightly on its nose. This should stimulate swallowing. Usually, a cat will lick its nose with its tongue if it has swallowed the pill. In some cases, it may help the cat swallow the pill better if you follow the pill with a little water gently squirted into the mouth with a syringe, or offer tuna juice or flavored broth in a teaspoon or a bowl.
Monitor your cat: Observe your cat for any reactions or signs of discomfort after administering the medication. If you notice any problems, stop the medication, and contact your veterinarian.
By following these steps, you can give your cat a pill safely and effectively. If you have any concerns or questions about administering medication to your cat, don’t hesitate to ask your veterinarian for advice.