How might I get my cat to swallow a pill?

Question

She doesn't like you to go anywhere near her nose or mouth. Side of her head is ok to nuzzle, but you don't mess with the front. We have a hard time just getting the liquid down her throat (she's being treated for diarrhea and the other liquid is an antibiotic) but we have the pills to treat her for coccidia but I have no clue how to get her to swallow them. I tried to get her to eat some cheese, but all she did was lick it and not eat it. I'd hate to have to go buy those little pill holder treats when I only need 10. Any ideas?

got2bme, gosh if only it could be that easy. Did you not read where we had a hard time getting the liquid down her throat? yeah.

Answer 1

Wrap it in some tuna, but make sure the pill stays in the tuna. Or sardines, if your cat can eat them.

Answer 2

From my cat care book:
"...wrap the body and legs tightly in a towel. If working alone, you can cradle the cat in one arm...

Place one thumb and forefinger on either side of the cat's face. Apply gentle pressure at the space between the teeth. As the cat's mouth opens, press down on the lower jaw and deposit the pill well to the BACK of the tongue. Close the mouth and massage or rub the throat until the cat swallows. If the cat licks its nose, the pill has been swallowed.

Avoid breaking up pills. Pills broken into powder make an unpleasant taste that is poorly accepted. Many pills have a protective coating for delayed release in the intestinal tract..."

Since you have a difficult kitty, it sounds like it would be best to have a second person. I have wrapped my cat in a towel and cradled her for things. It's not the easiest when they are fighting it, but the towel helps. If cats ate like dogs (inhaled it), I would say to put it in her food when you feed her, but she might just eat around it. If all else fails, get the pill holder treats. I didn't even know they made such a thing! I'll have to keep my eye open in case my cat's ever in need.

Lots of luck!!

Answer 3

One can purchase a "piller" or ask your vet. I have someone hold the cats feet(all 4). Can hold upright or lay the cat down on a table. Another person grasps the cats head from the back,tilts the head backward and upright. This will open the mouth,using the little finger of pill hand,push the lower lip downward and drop the pill way back in the throat.

This sounds hard but is easy. Try this without giving the pill a couple of times to get the hang of it. Cat won't mind until after you have pilled her. Next time she will know what is coming and you may have to catch her. Wait till she has napped a little while and do it quickly. Good luck. This has always worked for us. Even with the liquid,just don't tilt the head backwards for liquid. OK. GO.

Ya, the towel thing works too or even a pillow case.

Answer 4

Get the pill out of the bottle and place it where it will be handy.

Bring your cat to the place you will give the pill, talking to her in a happy voice. If you do not sound worried or concerned, your cat will be less likely to feel that way as well.

Sometimes, it is helpful to wrap the cat in a blanket or very large towel so just her head is sticking out. Place her back end against something so she cannot back away from you. I have found that when giving a pill to my Siamese cat, who fights against 'being pilled' literally tooth and nail, wrapping him in a large towel and then placing him between my knees as I sit on the floor gives me the most control. Other people like to place the cat more at eye level - on a table.

Hold the pill between your thumb and index finger. (If you are right-handed, use your right hand.)

Using your other hand, gently (but firmly) grasp your cat's head from above with your thumb on one side of the hinge of the jaw and your fingers on the other.

Tilt your pet's head back over her shoulders so she is looking at the ceiling. Her lower jaw will automatically drop a bit.

Place one of your free fingers of the hand holding the pill between the lower canine teeth (the long front teeth) and push down.

Quickly place the pill as far back in your cat's mouth as possible, getting it over the 'hump' of the tongue. Do not place your hand too far in, however, or your cat may gag.

Close your cat's mouth, hold it closed, and lower her head to a normal position, which will make swallowing easier. Gently rub or blow on your cat's nose; this often stimulates a cat to lick her nose, and then swallow.

Talk softly and stroke your cat, or give another type of praise your cat will enjoy, e.g., a food treat. This will make the next time easier. And remember, the quicker you can give the medication, the easier it is on both of you.


If you have to break a scored tablet, here is a simple procedure that should work for any tablet that has a somewhat rounded surface:

Place the tablet on a flat hard surface.
Place one thumb on each side of the score.
Press down with both thumbs.

Answer 5

I have various ways - depending on which cat I am trying to medicate. Here are the ways I try - Hiding the pill in a tasty piece of chicken. Hiding the pill in a tasty piece of ham (wrapped up like a parcel). Crushed into pate or something similar like fish paste. (I use a pestle & mortar for the crushing). Bravery - holding open the mouth etc etc. I have never tried dissolving a tablet but I expect the day will come when I will. You had probably better crush it very well first.

Answer 6

Cats really don't like to swallow pills.
My vet told me this.
1. Cradle the cat in arms.
2. Put a bit of your finger in the side of the mouth where the gums are. (that should open up the mouth)
3. Pop the pill in the back.
4. If you don't see the cat swallow it, then let it go and see if it spits the pill out, if it does try again.

Answer 7

Control the head, and you control the cat.

Place your palm over the top of the cat's head, with a thumb behind one ear and your pinkie finger behind the other ear and gently (GENTLY) grasp and hold the cat's head. Tilt her head back just a little, and with your other hand, pry her mouth open. Place the pill at the back of her throat, close and GENTLY hold her mouth closed while stroking her throat.

She'll swallow it.

When you let go, get your hands away from her quickly.

Answer 8

usually when i have pills to give i give my kitties a medicine dropper of water first to wet their mouths then the pill. you could even follow the pill with another medicine dropper of water to cause her to swallow if thats feasible. i know you have a hard time with liquids. i put the dropper in the corner of the mouth, the my fingers in both corners of the mouth and push the mouth all the way open and drop the pill in as far as i can and then clomp the mouth shut fast so they dont push the pill out. hold the mouth closed or she will push it out. follow with more water if you want or can. the pre-wet mouth should help in getting kitty to swallow the pill. its hard with a dry pill and pre-dry mouth. much luck! i know what a hassle it is =D

Answer 9

for the liquid if it is clear put it in its water bowl, for the pill cover it in tuna and place it in the fridge for 30 min. then take it off and rub it on it so the cat is mainly eating the pill not the tuna then make the cat lick the pill it should like it, then give it to it and it should either keep licking it then swallow it or it will just eat it

Answer 10

I give my dogs their pills in a piece of turkey. I roll it up in a little piece of turkey and they eat it without even thinking- pretty much swollow it whole.
Also, most vets sell pill-poppers which work great.
Until then, get on your knees behind her, hold her between your knees, hold her head straight up and open her mouth, then drop the pill in the back and shut her mouth closed, hold it closed and rub her throat gently- this creates a swollowing reaction.

Also, the pill-popper is very useful and I promise you'll need it again one day.

Answer 11

when i went to the vet for my cats shots the other month, the vet put a little bit of the canned cheese (the kind used for crackers) on her finger and let her lick it off.

while she was doing this she gave my kitten a shot and she seemed to not even notice while she was licking at the cheese.

my vet said to put the pill inside and taht the cat will eat it along with the cheese.