How to Pill Your Cat

How To Pill Your Cat

Many cat owners are apprehensive about giving their pet tablet medications.  It can be done and it really is not as hard as you think.  Two people can pill a cat with minimum of hassle.

1. Have a helper hold the cat upright.  That person’s hands should be around the cat’s upper paws and chest to keep it from raising it paws.  If the cat squirms excessively, wrap it in a towel.
2. Have your helper stand behind the cat, holding it firmly.  Put your hand on top of the cat’s head and tip its nose up.  Often this will cause the mouth to open.
3. Push down on the cat’s bottom from teeth to fully open the mouth.  While the cat’s mouth is open, drop the pill in the back of the mouth.  Then push the pill behind the cat’s tongue with your finger.
4. Rub the cat’s nose.  The cat will want to lick its nose after you have rubbed it.  This action helps the pill do down and stay down.  Also, lightly blowing in the cats face will cause it to swallow.

If at first you don’t succeed………..

1. Dip the tablet lightly in mineral oil to reduce sticking to the surface of the mouth.
2. Disguise the tablet by coating it with peanut butter, or burying it in a piece of meat or cheese and feed it to your pet.
3. Crush the tablet in food and feed it to your pet normally.

Do Not

1. Do not deviate from your veterinarian’s dosing instructions.
2. Do not give a drug prescribed for one pet to another pet.
3. Never assume that two tablets from different prescriptions are the same, even thought they may look alike.