How to give a pill to a cat

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Giving a pill to a cat can be difficult, but there are a few methods to try, including hiding it in food or giving it with your hands. This guide contains more information on how to safely give a pill to your cat.

Summary

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4 Ways to Give a Pill to a Cat

Pills can be essential to your cat’s health despite his reluctance to take them. Since many cats don’t like taking medications, you may have to try several ways.

It is important to ensure that cat medications are taken as directed. Once you know the details, here are four methods to try.

1. Give your cat a pill with food

You can disguise a pill in food so your cat takes it without realizing it’s a pill. Before doing this, make sure the medication is safe to give with food.

The following methods may work for your cat:

• Use a pill pocket.
• Take the pill with breakfast or dinner (dry or wet food).
• Cover the pill with salsa or another cat treat.

2. Administer the pill manually

If your cat cooperates, you may be able to put the pill in his mouth by hand. Use the following steps:

• Take the pill with one hand (usually your non-dominant hand) and hold it between your index finger and thumb.

• With your other hand, gently open your cat’s mouth. First, tilt your cat’s head slightly upwards. Place your thumb and forefinger on either side of the back of your lower jaw. Gently push your fingers to make your cat open its mouth.

• Place the pill in your cat’s mouth as far back as possible.

• Rub your cat’s throat or blow on his nose to make him swallow the pill.

You can also experiment with different ways to position your cat when giving him the pills. For example, you may find it easier for your cat to stay on the floor, on your lap, or on a raised surface (like a table).

3. Use a pill shooter or pet pill

You can purchase a pet pill device, also called a pill shooter, pill pusher, or pill gun, to give pills to your cat. This device looks like a syringe but has a soft rubber tip where you can place the pill. The other end has a plunger that pushes the pill into the back of your cat’s throat.

Here are the steps to use a pet pill:

• Make sure your cat is calm.
• Place the pill into the rubber tip of the device. Hold the device with one hand.
• Gently open your cat’s mouth with your other hand.
• Place the pill in your cat’s mouth.
• Press the plunger with your thumb to release the pill into your cat’s mouth.
• Rub your cat’s throat or blow on his nose to make him swallow the pill.

4. Crush the pill if it is safe to do so

Some, not all, pills can be crushed and mixed with food. Before crushing your cat’s pill, read the label carefully and ask your veterinarian. If you go this route, use a pill crusher to turn the tablet into powder.

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Safety tips for giving a pill to a cat

Keep these safety tips in mind when pilling a cat:

• Read the instructions for administering the drug: Before you start, check the prescription instructions to see when and how often your cat should take the medication.

• Wrap your cat in a towel or blanket: You can wrap a towel or blanket around your cat’s body and legs (like a burrito) to protect against scratching.

• Ask another person for help: If your cat won’t stay still, ask another person to help you hold him firmly so you can give him the medication safely without scratching or biting.

• Observe your cat’s body language: Your cat’s body language can tell you its mood. Watch for signs of irritation, fear, and anger.

• Avoid stressing your cat too much: If you notice that your cat is very stressed and irritated, take a break to let him calm down. Try giving the pill to your cat again once he has calmed down. Always remember to be kind to your cat and reward him with affection.

• Contact your cat’s veterinarian if you cannot administer the medication safely: If you can’t get your cat to take the pill, contact your vet for suggestions. In addition to the pill form, there may be other forms of medication your cat can take, such as liquid medications or injections.

• If you are bitten by your cat, clean the wound and contact your doctor: All cats’ teeth contain bacteria that can cause infections. It may be best to call your doctor or go to the emergency room to clean the wound and give you antibiotics.

What is the easiest way to give a pill to a cat?

The easiest way to give a pill to your cat is usually with food, as long as the medication can be taken this way. You can put the pill in snacks, kibble or canned food. You may also be able to crush the pill and mix it with food, depending on the type of pill.

VCA Animal Hospitals recommends lubricating the pods with tuna gravy or juice from canned cat food. This will help prevent the pill from getting stuck in your cat’s mouth and make swallowing easier.

However, the best way to administer a pill to your cat depends on your cat’s preferences and behavior. Some cats will be very cooperative and take medications, while others may be fussy and unruly, forcing you to try other methods.

What happens if my cat spits out the pill?

It is normal for cats to spit out the pill when they notice it in their mouth, especially if it tastes bad. Some may even hide the pill in their mouth to spit out when you’re not looking.

If your cat spits out the pill, you may need to give it to him by hand or with a pill opener instead of hiding it in his food.

You can use methods to try to get your cat to swallow. Once the pill is in your cat’s mouth, gently hold his mouth closed and rub your hand on the outside of his neck. If that doesn’t work, you can gently blow on your cat’s nose.

Always use positive reinforcement with your cat by rewarding him with a treat, playtime or affection. Praising good behavior can help your cat be more willing to take the pills next time.

Does pet insurance cover medications?

If your cat needs pills or other medications, you may be wondering if pet insurance covers the costs. Typically, the best pet insurance covers your cat’s prescription drugs. You can pay the cost out of pocket and submit a refund request.

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Summary of Money’s guide on how to give a pill to a cat

Giving a pill to a cat is not always easy for cat owners. While some felines easily take medications with food, others may not cooperate.

You can try the following four methods to pill your cat:

1. Give a pill to your cat with food
2. Give the pill by hand
3. Use a pill opener
4. Crush the pill if it is safe to do so

If you have problems, contact your veterinarian. They may offer suggestions or an alternative form of cat medication, if available, such as liquid medicine or injections.