How to give a cat tablets before eating? - briefly
To administer a tablet to your cat before a meal, first wrap the pill in a small piece of chicken or another strong-smelling food that your cat enjoys. Then, gently open your cat's mouth and place the wrapped pill at the back of its tongue. Quickly close the mouth and hold it shut until your cat swallows.
How to give a cat tablets before eating? - in detail
Giving a cat tablets before eating can be challenging, but with patience and the right approach, it can be accomplished. Here is a step-by-step guide:
First, prepare the tablet properly. If your cat has trouble swallowing pills, you might need to crush or grind the tablet into a fine powder. For some medications, this is acceptable, but for others, it may alter their effectiveness. Always consult with your veterinarian before crushing any tablets. If crushing is not an option, try using a pill pocket or wrapping the tablet in a small amount of wet cat food to make it easier to swallow.
Next, choose a quiet and comfortable location where you can handle your cat without disturbance. The process should be calm and stress-free for both you and your cat.
Gently pick up your cat and place it on a stable surface such as a table or countertop. Ensure that the cat is secure and cannot jump away suddenly. Having an assistant to help hold the cat can be very useful.
Open your cat's mouth gently by pressing lightly on its chin with one hand while using your other hand to lift the upper lip slightly. Be cautious not to apply too much pressure, as this could cause discomfort or resistance from your cat.
Once the mouth is open, use a syringe without the needle (or a specially designed pill gun) to place the tablet at the back of the throat. This should be done quickly and confidently to minimize stress for your cat. Avoid touching the cat's teeth with the syringe or pill gun.
After placing the tablet, close your cat’s mouth gently but firmly. Hold the mouth closed while you gently stroke your cat’s throat from under the chin towards the back of the neck. This action should encourage your cat to swallow the tablet.
Keep your cat in an upright position for a few seconds after administering the tablet to ensure it goes down smoothly and does not get regurgitated. You may also want to offer a small treat or favorite food immediately afterward to reward your cat and help wash down any residual taste.
If at any point your cat becomes agitated or resistant, stop the process and try again later. Forcing the issue can lead to injury or create a negative association with being handled.
Always remember that practice makes perfect, so if you need to give tablets regularly, it may take time for both you and your cat to become comfortable with the procedure. If you find this task particularly challenging, consult your veterinarian for additional advice or consider using liquid medications when possible.