Oh honey, I feel your pain. It is SO HARD to pill a cat, especially one that is your "heart kitty". ((Hugs))

It wont get easier, I'm afraid. Now that she knows that that pill popper is for, she'll know what to do to get the pill out. Can you crush her pills into food? Did your vet offer Pill Pockets? http://www.pillpockets.com/index_fs.htm (these work when I have to pill Micah)

Um...let see. The most effective way is quickly and as sternly as possible. I know its hard...I know...I've felt bad more days than not when my furballs are ill...but its for the good of Marigold that she gets her meds.

I put the cat(s) between my legs and kneal on the floor. Cross your feet so they can't get out. Hold their body/head with one arm, the pill with your other. Stick your finger into the side of their mouth and throw the pill in AS FAR as you can. Clamp the mouth shut and blow gently on their nose...while stroking their throat. Don't let go until the pill is gone.

I wish you lots of luck, honey. Pilling cats has to be the worst job ever!!

((((LOTS OF HUGS))))))