Giving pills to a cat can be tricky, but these vet-approved methods will help you easily administer medication to your furry companion. Getting your favorite furball to take their medication can be quite the challenge.
As a feline owner, you know that cats can be masters of avoidance when it comes to doing something they don’t want to do. But skipping doses of important medication prescribed by your vet is not an option.
The key is finding creative ways like stirring the powder into a small portion of wet cat food, the best online pet products like pâté, broth, or squeeze-ups to disguise pills or make the process easier for your cat.
With some preparation and patience, you can become a pro at pill-popping for kitties. Here are the best tricks of the trade that will have you and your cat sailing through medication time.
Grinding Tablets into a Tasty Mix
Cats have a strong sense of smell, so they will often detect crushed-up pills mixed into their wet food. One way around this is to grind the tablets into a powder that blends seamlessly into your cat’s favorite treat.
Use a mortar and pestle or pill crusher to pulverize the medication into a fine powder. Make sure there are no chunks left. Then stir the powder into a small portion of wet cat food. The strong aroma and flavor will disguise the pill powder.
Only prepare one dose at a time so it doesn’t dry out. Let your cat lick up every last morsel to ensure they get the full dosage. This tasty trick takes a bit more effort but yields great results.
Hiding Pills in Irresistible Foods
Some foolproof foods you can hide a pill inside include:
- A piece of smelly cheese like gouda or camembert
- A dollop of yogurt, peanut butter, or cream cheese
- Deli meat rolled around the pill
- Greenies Pill Pockets or similar treats with built-in pill chamber
Make sure the pill is completely encased in the food so your cat can’t detect or taste it. Consider placing the loaded food in the corner of your cat’s mouth so it instinctively swallows it down.
You can also hide crushed pills or liquids in your cat’s favorite wet food. Just make sure to stir well and let sit for 10 minutes so the smell permeates.
Burrito Wrapping Your Cat
The burrito or “purrito” method takes two people but is highly effective. Have one person gently wrap the cat in a towel or small blanket with only their rear end sticking out. The burrito wrap immobilizes them to keep squirmy cats under control.
Then the second person can easily pop the pill in the cat’s mouth and stroke their throat until they swallow. Unwrap your feline promptly after they take their meds to avoid stress. This approach works well for capsules and larger tablets.
Using a Pill Gun or Syringe
Pill guns or oral syringes let you administer medication quickly without the battle of trying to force your cat’s mouth open.
To use, place the pill in the chamber. Tilt your cat’s head back and administer the dosage to the side of its mouth. Stroke their throat so they swallow instinctively.
Follow up with a treat to leave a good taste in their mouth afterward. Clean the plunger thoroughly between uses.
Stay Calm and Patient
Cats pick up on your anxiety and frustration, so stay relaxed during the process. Administer pills in an easily accessible area without commotion or other pets around. Talk to your cat in a soothing, happy voice.
Offer praise and pets when they cooperate. Over time, your cat will come to see pill time as a positive experience rather than something to dread.
