How To Give a Cat a Pill [Simple Step-By-Step Guide]

Is your kitty a pill-dodging drama queen? You're not alone! Many pet parents can surely relate. Luckily, our practical guide on how to give a cat a pill is here to help.

 

Learn some awesome tips and tricks to make pill time a breeze for both you and your pet. Master the techniques to turn a stressful task into an easy-breezy part of your cat's routine. No more wrestling matches or flying pills! Let's begin.

 

 

Understand the Medication or Supplement To Be Given

 

The first step when giving your cat pills is to understand the product. Study the supplement or medication's label carefully. It will tell you how much to give your cat and whether it needs to be on an empty tummy or with food. It will also list all the ingredients so that you can evaluate a pill's contents.

 

An example of user-friendly cat pills is HolistaPet's CBD Capsules for Cats. They're well-tolerated and well-loved by felines for their calming effects. These all-natural pills are easy to hide in a treat or mix in water or food. Of course, consult your veterinarian before giving your cat anything new. Safety first!

 

Know When To Give It

Some pills work best when given at specific times of the day. Sometimes, they might be given with food, other times on an empty stomach. The important thing is to follow your veterinarian's dosing instructions.

 

If your vet says to give your cat's pills with food, incorporate them into your pet's meals. Give the pills at the same time daily to create a habit and make things easier in the long run. Remember, consistency is key!

 

Understand How To Administer It

So, you've got the pill, and you know when to give it. Now, how do you get it in your cat's mouth?

 

Different techniques and tools are available. You can hold your cat with your bare hands or use a towel. You can give them their pill directly or mix it with their food. You have many options!

 

Remember that patience will go a long way, regardless of your chosen approach. It might take a few tries, but keep at it. Apply positive reinforcement, too. Give your furry friend a yummy treat after they swallow their pill to let them know they did well.

 

Safety Suggestions for Giving Pills to Cats

When giving your cat their medication or supplement, stay calm and composed. Cats pick up on our emotions, so if you freak out, they'll freak out, too.

 

Hold your cat securely. Gently apply pressure, and don't be too forceful. If things get too wiggly, feel free to ask for expert help. Your vet or vet nurse can show you some cool tricks.

 

Ensuring the Safety of Both Owners and Cats

Set the scene for success. Find a quiet spot away from loud noises and distractions. You want your feline friend nice and relaxed to prevent scratches or bites.

 

Hold your cat gently and securely. If your kitty freaks out, don't force it. Take a break, and try again later. You'll get there!

 

How To Restrain a Cat With Your Hands

 

Holding your kitty with your bare hands might seem scary, but it's not impossible. Just follow these steps:

 

1. Place your pet on a flat surface, like a table. Stand behind them so you can hold them still.
2. Use one hand to gently hold your cat's head and tilt it back a little. This position opens their mouth naturally.
3. With your other hand, support their lower jaw to help keep their mouth open.
4. Pop the pill way in the back of their tongue, not near the front.
5. Close your cat's mouth and gently rub their throat to help them swallow.
6. Reward your pet with a treat for some positive reinforcement.

 

How To Restrain Your Cat With a Towel

If your cat is some kind of an escape artist, a towel can greatly help. Try out these steps:

 

1. Lay a large towel flat on a table or other flat surface.
2. Place your cat in the center of the towel.
3. Gently fold one side of the towel over your cat's body, then snuggle the other side over them. Keep their head exposed but their legs wrapped.
4. Hold the towel snugly but not too tight to prevent sneaky scratches or escapes.
5. Follow the steps to give the pill. One hand for their head, one hand for the pill, and voila!

 

 

5 Tools for Administering Pills to Cats

Some cool tools can make giving your cat's medication or supplement a breeze. These can cater to different situations and needs:

 

• High-Value Treats
• Pill Pockets
• Pill Maskers
• Pill Crushers and Cutters
• Pill Popper

 

Using High-Value Treats

Quality treats can do the trick for picky eaters. These tasty morsels can help hide the taste of pills. Just pop one inside a hard or soft treat, and your cat can gobble it up without issue.

 

Looking for treat ideas? HolistaPet makes awesome hard treats and soft chews in flavors cats love, like chicken and salmon. Talk to your vet to see how they can fit in your cat's pill routine.

 

Utilizing Pill Pockets

Ever heard of a treat with a secret compartment? That's called a pill pocket. Simply place the medication or supplement inside the pocket, pinch the edges to seal it, and offer it to your kitty. Many cats love the taste of pill pockets, so they gobble them right up. Just ensure the medicine or supplement is completely hidden to prevent your kitty from having trust issues.

 

Employing Pill Maskers

Some cats are like super sniffers and can detect a pill from a mile away. That's where pill maskers come in. These soft, moldable treats can wrap around your kitty's pills and disguise the taste and smell. Make sure the pill is completely hidden, then offer it to your pet as a tasty surprise. They come in various flavors to keep things interesting for your feline friend.

 

Using Pill Crushers and Cutters

If your cat has trouble swallowing whole pills, you need a pill crusher or cutter in your arsenal. Crushers turn pills into a powder form, while cutters split them into smaller pieces. Simply mix the crushed medication or supplement with a small portion of your cat's favorite food or soft treat. Alternatively, cut the pill into smaller pieces and hide them in food. Easy!

 

Using a Pill Popper

Also known as a pill gun, this device helps place the pill directly into the mouth. It has a long, slender tube with a plastic plunger that safely delivers the pill to the back of the throat. Just load the pill into the device, gently open your cat's mouth, and position the popper at the back of their throat. Press the plunger to release the pill, close your cat's mouth, and rub their throat to encourage swallowing. Done!

 

 

Preparing Your Cat for Pill Administration

A relaxed kitty is a happy and easy-to-medicate kitty. Here's how you can prepare your feline buddy for pill time:

 

1. Pick a calm, quiet space where they can feel safe and relaxed.
2. Remove any distractions and prepare the tools you'll be using.
3. Approach your cat calmly and spend a few minutes petting and talking to them.
4. Do this routine every time. Your pet will eventually associate it with quality time, not a scary pill battle.

 

 

Administering Pills Through Food

For cats who aren't picky eaters, hiding their pills in fresh or canned food can be a total win. Pet parents can try wet food, soft treats, or even tuna juice to mask the pill's taste and smell. Whichever you choose, always observe your cat while they eat to make sure they take their entire dose.

 

Top Methods To Give a Pill to a Food-Loving Cat

There are a few effective pill-delivery methods for food-driven kitties. You can try:

 

• Wet Cat Food. Crush the pill and mix it well with a small portion of your cat's wet food.
• Tuna Juice. Hide the pill in some tuna or tuna juice. The strong smell can mask the icky pill taste.
• Soft Treats. Mold a soft treat around the pill. Choose a flavor your cat loves to ensure they eat it entirely.

 

 

Administering Pills Directly by Mouth

 

Sometimes, sneaky tricks won't work, and you might need to give the pill directly. You see, some medications may not work properly if they are crushed, mixed with food, or not swallowed whole. The direct method makes sure your pet gets their entire dose each time.

 

Step-By-Step Guide to Manually Administer a Pill to a Cat

Practice makes perfect. Just follow these steps to master giving your cat their pill:

 

1. Have the pill ready. If you have a pill popper, load the pill into the device.
2. Place your cat on a flat surface and stay behind them to prevent escape.
3. Hold your cat's head and tilt it back gently.
4. Use your thumb and index finger to gently open your cat's mouth.
5. Place the pill as far back on the tongue as possible.
6. Close your cat's mouth and hold it shut while gently rubbing their throat.
7. Give your cat a treat to create a positive association with the process.

 

 

Suggestions for Cats That Refuse Pills

Cats can be real pill ninjas. But don't worry, there are ways to outsmart them:

 

• Hiding Hacks. Experiment with different hiding spots, like treats, food, or even a splash of tuna juice.
• Try Tools. Use a pill masker or pocket to disguise the medicine or supplement.
• Other Forms. Sometimes, medications come in forms like liquids or gels. Ask your vet if your cat can take these instead of the pill form.

 

 

Closing Thoughts - How To Give a Cat a Pill

Giving your cat a pill can feel like a battle sometimes, but it doesn't have to be. With all the tips and tricks we discussed, pill time can be a smooth and easy process for both you and your feline friend.

 

If your pet needs a calming pill, try our CBD Capsules for Cats. With quality broad-spectrum CBD and hemp seed powder, these small vegan capsules pack a punch for overall wellness. Did we say they're all-natural, gluten-free, dairy-free, and non-GMO?