How to Feed Medicine to a Cat

Your veterinarian may prescribe medication for your cat.

Giving a cat oral medicine can be tricky and cause anxiety for both of you. Many cat medications are bitter to your cat's taste buds but there are a couple of techniques that can make it easier for you to get the medication into your cat. You may need to try both to determine which is better for you and your cat.

Things You'll Need

• Medication
• Towel
• Cat treats

Instructions

How to Give Medication By Hand

1. 

   Reassure your cat before administering medication.

   Place the towel and pill in one location. Use a pill cutter to cut a large pill in half. If your cat is aggressive trim its nails ahead of time. Coat the pill with oil or butter to make it easier for your cat to swallow. Provide a calm environment.

2. 

   Wrap your cat in a towel to keep it immobile.

   Wrap your cat snugly in a towel with its head exposed. Place the cat on your lap.

3. 

   Gently stroke your cat's nose to help it swallow.

   Grasp the pill between your thumb and forefinger. Use the other hand to hold the cat on either side of the jaw and tilt its head backward so it is looking upwards. Gently pry open the cat's mouth and place the pill near the base of the tongue. Tilt its head back to the normal position. Gently rub the cat's nose to help it swallow. Reward the cat with a treat.

Hide the Medicine In Your Cats Food.

1. Ask your veterinarian if your cat can take its medicine with food.

2. Feed your cat the food a few times before using it to hide the pill so it recognizes it as a treat. Try butter, cheese, hot dogs or canned fish.

3. 

   Feed your cat by hand to make sure it swallows all of the medicine.

   Wrap the pill in the treat and offer it to the cat. Feed the cat by hand if possible to make sure it has eaten all the food, including the pill.

Tips & Warnings

• Check with your veterinarian before cutting or grinding up medication. Some pills are coated with a substance designed for slow release. Follow instructions for frequency and dosage.

References

• Petcare Tips: How To Administer Pills and Medicine to Your Cats
• Medicine Net: How To Give Medications o Your Cat
• Pet Doc: How To Give Your Cat Medicine
• 2nd Chance: Information On How To Get Your Cat

Resources

• Pet Education: How to Give your Cat A Pill