How to Trick a Wily Cat

Any cat owner knows there's a big difference between caring for a clever cat and a more... shall we say "simple-minded" cat. The simple-minded ones never see you coming. But the clever ones seem to know what you're planning as soon as you do. They smell the medicine, or hear you getting the cat carrier out of the closet, and suddenly they're nowhere to be found. Here's how to trick your wily cat into what's good for it.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. 
    
   Fairly wily cat

   Get out medicine and put it in your pocket well in advance of when you plan to give it to your cat. This goes for other items, too - like pill droppers or finger toothbrushes. If you're planning a trip to the vet, get the cat carrier out the night before. He'll forget it's there by morning.

2. 
    
   Highly wily cat

   Talk in the same, casual tone of voice you'd normally use. Move and walk casually - not at all like a person who's about to sneak up on him. Your cat may not understand English, but he can certainly tell if you're apprehensive or tense.

3. 
    
   Not at all wily cat

   Be sure to sidle up next to your cat several times throughout the day for a pat and snuggle, so they still enjoy having you come around. This will keep your cat off his guard.

4. 
    
   Not particularly wily cat

   Don't administer medicine at the exact same time each day. You will need to execute more of a "sneak attack" approach. Sit next to him - often best to do this while he's sleeping - and quickly grab the scruff of his neck. This doesn't hurt your cat but it subdues him and makes it very difficult to get away.

5. 
    
   Fairly wily cat

   Show your cat what you're about to put in his/her mouth before you do it. If it's a pill, cream, gel or flea medicine, briefly hold it in front of his face so he/she won't panic when it's applied.

Tips & Warnings

• Thank your cat afterwards for being good and putting up with you.
• Really stubborn, aggressive or ferile cats will require a more forceful approach. Some people wrap their cat up in a blanket before administering medicine. My sister made her cat wear a baby t-shirt when he picked too many fights with her other cats. This worked well to subdue and embarrass cat (and it looked really funny) but let's hope it doesn't come to that with you and your cat. Good luck!

[davida8575]

on 7/23/2009 Good article. I love cats.

[mweise]

on 7/15/2009 Omg, really loved this article! Gave me good info and made me laugh :) 5*

[grove]

on 5/25/2009 Ha ha. Good luck with that.

[billips]

on 5/23/2009 Great article - now, how can I trick the wily cat that uses my vegetable garden as his personal latrine - 5* - B.

[johnnyutah]

on 5/10/2009 fun article on How to Trick a Wily Cat 5* and RRC