I have been fortunate to have a kitchen with a counter that curves around a corner, so I can have the cat on the counter and there is a wall behind. I can get the cat wedged in with no where for her to back out. My arm is over her and around to the mouth, so she is tight against me.

It is definitely easier with 2 people. And a towel also helps. Hold by the back of the neck and lift slightly. Don't lift the entire cat's weight, that will hurt the cat; only kittens can be lifted like that, when the mom cat moves them. This helps to immobilize the cat.

I never had any success with the cheek and teeth area, it all just dribbled out, or was spit out! I always squirt it down the throat, then close the mough, tilt the nose to the ceiling and gently rub the throat to enduce a swallow or two.

And yes, the biggest issue is that they learn when you are going to the fridge for that bottle, and suddenly, there isn't a cat to be seen!

Best of luck. I liked the scuba suit idea, I will keep that in mind for future.