How to give pills to a cat? - briefly
To administer pills to a cat, first wrap the pill in a small piece of plastic wrap or place it inside a pill pocket designed for pets. Then, gently open your cat's mouth and use your thumb and index finger to press the pill deep into the throat. Make sure your cat swallows the pill by keeping their head elevated and stroking their throat until they swallow.
How to give pills to a cat? - in detail
Giving pills to a cat can be a challenging task, but with patience and the right approach, it can be accomplished safely and effectively. Here are some detailed steps to guide you through the process:
Firstly, ensure that the pill is safe for your cat and has been prescribed by a veterinarian. Cats are sensitive to many human medications, so never give them anything without professional advice.
Before administering the pill, prepare your workspace. Choose a quiet room where you can handle your cat undisturbed. Have the pill, a treat or some wet food, and a towel ready. The towel can be used to wrap your cat gently if needed.
Next, approach your cat calmly. Cats are perceptive and can sense anxiety, so remain composed throughout the process. Gently pick up your cat and place it on a stable surface like a table or countertop. If your cat is comfortable with being held, you may prefer to sit in a chair with your cat on your lap.
Now, open your cat's mouth gently by tilting its head back slightly. You can do this with one hand while using the other to hold the pill between your thumb and index finger. Place the pill at the very base of your cat’s tongue, as far back as you can reach comfortably. Avoid placing the pill too close to the throat, as cats may gag or spit it out.
Once the pill is in place, gently blow on your cat's nose or stroke its chin to encourage swallowing. Many cats will lick their lips and swallow naturally after a few seconds. If your cat does not swallow immediately, you can try offering a small amount of wet food or a treat to stimulate swallowing.
In some cases, cats may spit out the pill despite your best efforts. If this happens, do not attempt to re-administer the pill immediately, as it could cause your cat to become agitated and make the process more difficult. Wait for about 15 minutes before trying again, ensuring that the pill is still in good condition and has not been contaminated by saliva.
If your cat consistently refuses to take the pill orally, you can try crushing it and mixing it with a small amount of wet food or treats. However, this should only be done if your veterinarian approves, as some medications cannot be crushed. Another option is to use a pill gun or a specially designed syringe to administer the medication directly into your cat's mouth.
Lastly, always praise and reward your cat after successfully giving it a pill. This positive reinforcement will help your cat associate the experience with something pleasant, making future doses easier to administer.
By following these steps and remaining patient, you can effectively give pills to your cat without causing undue stress for either of you.