Last Updated on October 9, 2024 by Mozam Iqbal
As a cat owner, you may wonder how to get a cat to take a pill. Unfortunately, sometimes you must give them essential medication. You must stay clear of claws and teeth, and cats spit pills out like no other.
It is okay to mix some pills with food but not others. You can crush or divide pills in some cases, but in others, you cannot because it could damage your cat’s esophagus or stomach. The outer coating of the pill will no longer protect the medication. When it comes to administering the tablet to your cat, knowing this information can help.
You can give your cat medication a few ways once you’ve established what’s permissible and what’s not. This guide should help you understand “how to get my cat to take a pill” better.
Also read: ravel Health Clinics London
How To Get a Cat To Take a Pill?
If your cat resists taking medication, avoid forcing it. Instead, work with your cat to make the experience as positive as possible. With patience, most cats can be trained to take pills with relative ease.
Feed the Pill Directly to the Cat
If you need to give your cat medication by hand, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to give a cat a pill.
1. Attempt to minimize stress to your cat by approaching the task calmly. Start by placing the medication in front of your cat. If you’ve never been given a pill, a vet or nurse can show you how to do it safely.
2. It may be helpful to spread a towel on the floor or the tabletop, so your cat does not fall.
3. Open your cat’s mouth by placing your thumb on one side of its jaw and your forefinger on the other.
4. Gently push their jaw open and place the medication as far back on their tongue as possible.
5. Close your cat’s mouth and hold it shut for a few seconds to ensure they don’t spit the medication out.
6. Finally, massage your cat’s throat to encourage them to swallow.
Make Use of A Pill Plunger
If your cat is resistant to taking pills, you may be able to get them to take them if you use a pill plunger. First, put the pill at the end of the plunger. Next, wet your cat’s nose with water so it will want to lick its nose. Finally, place the plunger in their mouth and push it down, so the pill goes into their throat. Your cat should then lick their nose and swallow the pill. You may need to give them a little water to help them wash it down if they don’t.
Put Pills in the Food
Food can be used as a disguise for the pill. Most cats are willing to eat, even if they don’t feel great, so this can be an excellent way to get them to take their medicine.
Here are a few ideas for how to get your cat to take a pill:
- Mix the pill into a small amount of wet food. It can be tricky, as you don’t want to make the food too runny, or your cat will eat around the pill.
- Put the pill in a piece of meat or fish. Again, this can be tricky, as you don’t want your cat to eat the meat and leave the pill behind.
- Hide the pill in a small amount of cheese. It is probably the easiest option, as most cats love cheese. Ensure you don’t give them too much, as it’s not good for them to overeat dairy.
Whatever method you choose, ensure the pill is well-hidden, so your cat doesn’t spit it out.
Make A Fine Grind of the Pills
If you’re thinking about crushing up your cat’s medication, it’s wise to check with your vet first. Crushing up slow-release medications is a no-go, as it could result in your cat getting too much medicine. Additionally, any protective coatings on the drug will be destroyed, rendering them ineffective. Lastly, individuals who crush specific medications, such as those for thyroid conditions and cancer, may expose themselves to the drug. So it’s best to avoid doing this without your vet’s explicit recommendation.
Conclusion
If It might be challenging to convince your cat to swallow the pill, contact the vet to let them know. Cats who do not take prescribed treatment should be reported to the vet practice. If your cat doesn’t take essential pills, it could cause significant health problems. Vets can recommend alternatives and determine whether a vet visit is needed.