How to Give a Cat a Pill: 5 Easy Methods

Anyone who has tried to give a cat a pill knows it is a big ordeal. Not only are they the world's best escape artist, but some cats become scared, and their claws come out while attempting to get away.

Cats are often worse than kids when the time comes to take medication, and for some pet owners, the task of giving a cat a pill becomes nearly impossible.

If you have a cat in need of medication, consider the following easy ways to medicate a cat.

Jump to:

• Wrap the Kitty Like a Burrito (if you have a helper)
• Use a Pill Applicator
• Try Pill Pockets
• Crush Pills and Mix with Tasty Food
• Try Flavored Liquid Medications
• In conclusion

Not only will you spare the cat the trauma of being force-fed medications, but you will also save yourself from being scratched or bitten during the process.

PLEASE NOTE: Before trying any method at home, check with your veterinarian. Some medications should not be crushed or mixed with food.

Wrap the Kitty Like a Burrito (if you have a helper)

When trying to give a cat a pill, find a helper, and wrap the cat in a bath towel or a baby blanket. Everything but the cat's head should be wrapped like a burrito.

While securely wrapped, it will be much easier to hold onto the feline without getting scratched, and it will not be able to wiggle away.

While the helper is holding onto the wrapped kitty, pry open his mouth and gently push the tablet to the back of his throat.

Close the cat's mouth and lightly blow on its nose. This will force the feline to swallow, and the medication will go down.

This easy way of giving medicine to a cat is not cruel. It is how I was instructed to give my feline a pill at the veterinarian's office.

Cats cannot be reasoned with, even when their good health depends on it. So, taking matters into your own hands is one of the best and easiest ways of getting a cat to take medicine.

Use a Pill Applicator

If a helper is not available when it is time to give your cat a pill, try another easy method. For this method, you will need to purchase a medication applicator.

A pill applicator is similar to a syringe. Once the tablet is placed inside, it is easy to push it into the throat.

Some veterinarians sell pill applicators. You can also find them at many pet supply stores.

A medication applicator makes administering medicine to a feline an easy task. It saves the fingers from coming in contact with sharp teeth.

Try Pill Pockets

Pill pockets are soft, flavored treats with a built-in space for hiding tablets. It is one of the easiest ways to give pill medication to a cat.

Some cats are easily fooled by tasty pill pockets.

You can find cat pill pockets from brands like Greenies or Vetoquinol that offer flavored options designed to mask both the pill and the smell. They are widely available at pet stores and online.

To use, simply put in the medication, pinch it closed, and hand it over like a treat.

Tip: After taking the pill pocket, always follow with a reward or affection to create a positive association with pill time.

Crush Pills and Mix with Tasty Food

PLEASE NOTE: Only crush pills IF approved by your vet. Some medications are not meant to be crushed, such as time-released or coated tablets etc.

A pill ground into powder form is an easy way to give a feline the medicine it needs.

The pill can be hidden in a small amount of liver sausage, tuna, or soft cat food.

To grind the pill into powder, use a mortar and pestle or the side of a heavy can or rolling pin.

Does your cat love tuna? Sneak it into a pinch of moist canned tuna.

If soft cat food is considered a treat, use it to hide the ground medication.

Liver sausage also makes it easy to give a cat a ground pill. It is soft and easy to blend into the ground medication.

If you still find it difficult to give your cat medication in the form of a tablet, contact your veterinarian for other easy suggestions.

Try Flavored Liquid Medications

Some offices offer liquid medications in flavors cats love that might suit your kitty better than pills or tablets. Visit FlavorRx to find an office near you.

Oral medication will not help if it is not ingested. However, liquid that has been flavored might provide another easy way to give a cat a pill.

In conclusion

Giving a cat a pill doesn't have to be stressful or feel like you are entering a wrestling ring.

Whether you're using the trusty burrito wrap, a sneaky treat trick, or a high-tech pill popper, there's a method that can work for you.

Every cat is a unique (and sometimes dramatic) individual, so a bit of patience and creativity can make all the difference.

With the right strategy-and maybe a few treats-you can get the medicine down and live to tell the tale, scratch-free 🙂