Give The Cat A Pill

If you’ve ever tried to get a small child to swallow a pill - you know how difficult it can be. Cats are no better at swallowing pills – they usually won’t open their mouths for anything - but unlike children - cats can fight back with their claws and teeth. So - before you try getting your cat to swallow a pill - it’s important to know a few things about it.

There are lots of different suggestions put forth by folks on this matter - but many of them - such as trying to hold a cat down and forcing him to swallow a pill - usually only result in wasted pills and lots of scratches. Others might suggest mashing the pill - mixing it with butter or spreadable cheese - and then spreading this on your cat’s fur. The idea is that your cat will lick it off - but there are better ways to give your cat medication!

Here’s the easiest way to get your cat to swallow a pill:

From behind - lightly grasp your cat’s maxilars joint with your thumb and index finger. It’s easiest if you catch your cat while he’s sitting up off the ground somewhere. Gently pull your cat’s head backward - elevating the mouth. Cats don’t like this - but they won’t fight it. Apply a small amount of pressure to the jaws with your fingers.

Slip a finger between the cat’s front teeth and press down on the bottom jaw. Don’t worry about being bitten - a cat doesn’t have any power when its head is bent back. As the cat’s mouth is open - take the pill {which you’ve had in your free hand the whole time} and put it as far back in the cat’s mouth as you can as quickly as you can. Try to avoid as much contact with the tongue as possible - so the cat doesn’t taste the nasty medicine and spit it out.

Allow the cat’s mouth to shut and hold him until he swallows - softly rubbing the front of his neck. Then - let the cat go and observe him for a few seconds. Some cats will pretend to swallow and then spit out the pill when you’re not looking. If your cat licks his mouth - it’s a good indication that he actually swallowed.

Follow the pill with a delicious treat. That way - your cat will associate the pill ritual with something yummy.