How do I give a pill to a cat?

Question

Our cat has to take antibiotics in chewable pill form. I've tried putting it in his food but he won't eat it. I don't think he'd eat all of it if I crushed it in his food because he doesn't always eat all his food, even if it's just a small amount. If it put it in his mouth he spits it out. The vet told me to put it far back in his mouth, but I can't get it back there because he pushes it out so quickly with his tongue. Can someone please tell me how to get him to swallow his medicine?

Answer 1

Hi there...here's an instructional video by Cornell University Feline Health Center - College of Veterinary Medicine on how to pill cats: http://www.felinevideos.vet.cornell.edu/pill_or_capsule/4.htm

Answer 2

Put your cat firmly on your lap (so it can't scoot back and escape.)
Sometimes you need a second person to help you, if the cat is too rambunctious you have to put a towel around it.
O.K. once you have it in place you have to be firm and fast(not rough ) . take the pill in your right hand and open the cat's mouth with your left hand.come over the top in front of the ears and put your index finger and your thumb just in front of the corners of the mouth and pull strait up ...quickly put the pill as far back into the mouth as possible and give a quick little push with the left index finger as far back as you can...or the cat will spit it out.Yes some times the will spit it across the room,then you have to start the whole thing again. It will take some practice ,but you'll get it. Good Luck

Answer 3

For step by step instructions with pictures go here http://www.marvistavet.com/html/pilling_a_cat.html
And make sure to read the last part- which is VERY important "If possible, squirt a small amount of water into the cat’s mouth to promote swallowing. This helps “nudge” the pill all the way into the stomach where it belongs. Some medicines lodge in the esophagus temporarily and can cause irritation there if the medicine’s pH is in an “unfriendly” range."
Good Luck

Answer 4

1. take a small piece of boiled chicken and put it in it, she might eat it.
2. when she sleeps, wait till she gets up, then she usually yawns, when she does, quickly insert the pill deep in her mouth
3. Crush the pill and dissolve it in a little water, in a syringe without the needle, and force the water into the cats mouth (don't choke her)
4. My recommendation: Give her shots instead of pills. It is easy, the vet can prepare them for you and show you how to do them under her skin. They will probably be better absorbed and work better too.

Answer 5

Put It In Your Cats Food. Or Some Tuna Fish. Most All Cats Love Tuna Fish. Your Cat Will Think Is A Treat.

Answer 6

Use the pill shooter they sell it at the pet store for like $3 it looks like a long needle casing. It shoots it to the back of their throat like a sling shot. Also they can now take most medications and put them in liquid form, ask your vet. I have 4 cats so I know what a pain this can be. Good Luck

Answer 7

With your left hand catch hold of the top of the cats mouth and try to cover the eyes too, in one swift movement open wide, tip head back and pop tablet in (as you know, as far back as poss) The confusion seems to stop the cat from doing anything. Close the cats mouth but keep his nose in the air then give him a good old throat rub. I have mastered this movement and have even had purring from one who didn't realise he'd just been given a tablet!
Good luck!

Answer 8

Have you tried a pill injector? It’s much better then using your fingers. Also, there are hollow treats that you place the pill into and trick the cat into eating it. Try crushing the pill into a smaller amount of food, about the amount he would normally eat. There is no reason to use the whole can.

Answer 9

Do what AshnBrit said. It takes patience and practice, but that's about the only way. The pill may even get soggy after a few tries, but get another pill and keep trying. I had one cat that had to have a pill or a pill and a half everyday for ten years. It got to be old hat. It's harder with a newbie, but it does work.

Answer 10

with difficulty - our male cat runs the minute he smells a pill.

The best way is to have one person hold the cat (most likely wrapped in a towl) completely still, preferable against a chair. it's best when the cat cannot move. but, I'm describing the battles with a 12 lb. male cat who hunts. it may take a couple trys to find a good position. usually the person giving the pill opens his mouth (head tipped back is best) and trys to drop it as far back as possible. preferably don't shove it to the back of the mouth. this may take a couple of trys and its easiest when the cat has never seen or had to take medicine before. hope you get it!