Perhaps the worst part about giving pills to a cat is the fact that the poor cat doesn't have a clue that it is all done for his own good. In a cat's eyes, loving, caring, owners suddenly turn into evil representatives forcing all sorts of sour and bulky pills down their throat without mercy. However, it doesn't have to necessarily be such a big ordeal. Indeed, giving pills can even turn into a positive event.
This is especially important for those cats suffering chronic conditions which require taking continuous pills throughout their lifetimes. Going through the hassle of giving pills every day can easily ruin the best bond between cat and owner, leading to a relationship obscured by mistrust and hate.
How to Give Your Cat Pills
Tired of chasing poor kitty? Many cats learn through experience to anticipate what is coming next. They may associate opening the pill bottle with being forced to swallow pills, and may therefore run for cover under the bed. There are different strategies to resort to: some are quick, hassle-free options, others can be more rewarding. You can even change your cat's attitude by teaching your cat to associate the pill bottle with positive events.
- Force the Pill Down
One of the most common options is simply forcing the pill down. This is usually an accepted method if you have a pretty mellow cat, and you only have to administer pills for a short period of time. You will need to arm yourself with a towel, the pill and lots of patience, if your cat is particularly fractious.
The first step is to wrap kitty in a towel like a burrito. This will prevent your cat from scratching and putting up a fuss. Then, take the cat's muzzle with one hand and direct the cat's face vertically towards the ceiling. This should cause the cat's mouth to open up slightly.
With the other hand, use one finger to lower the bottom jaw and push the pill to the back of the throat as quickly and firmly as possible. Massage the cat's neck to encourage swallowing. Check to make sure the pill has gone down before releasing your cat as cats are masters in tricking owners and spitting the pill out upon release. If this method does not seem to work well, try to invest in a pill popper. Most vet offices sell these. It's a sort of syringe that will pop the pill quickly and effectively down the cat's throat.
- Check for Compounding Pharmacies
Research for a compounding pharmacy in your area. More and more compounding pharmacies specialize in turning the most sour and bitter pills into mouth watering liquids or chewable tablets. For cats in particular, they may add chicken or fish flavor which make taking pills feel more like a reward. This is a great solution for those owners that have to administer pills on a regular basis, however, the medication may turn up being more costly.
- Make the Pills Rewarding
If the medication can be given with food (read the label carefully or ask the vet) hide the pill in a "meatball" of canned food. Roll some canned food into a meatball and insert the pill in the middle or hide the pill in a piece of hot dog. Some cats may just gulp it down with no effort. Others though, usually the most finicky, may still be able to sense the pill or will chew and spit the pill out.Another option are Pill pockets, a special yummy treat available at vet offices and major pet store retailers with a hollow end where the pill can be inserted. Make sure the pill is perfectly centered so the cat cannot detect its presence.
Whichever option works best, your cat will eventually learn that medicating them does not have to be a painful or stressful experience and may actually turn into a pleasurable event, that will not affect the unique bond between felines and their owners.
Adrienne Farricelli - Adrienne Farricelli brings expertise in canine topics as a former American Animal Hospital Association employee and certified dog ...
