How do I make my cat eat her pill?

[mrspunkysmom]

I spend the money and get the shot, but it is expensive. You can crush the pill and put it in tuna juice or other meat juice. Make sure gravy has no spices. Broth is better. Some cats have problems with spices. Or get a syringe and be prepared for a battle. Make sure she'll drink the broth first before lacing with meds.

If she's your only cat, you can also crush and sprinkle on food.

These are tactics that I have tried. Mixing with gravy broth works for me.

Good luck

[Catsfolifecx]

I spend the money and get the shot, but it is expensive. You can crush the pill and put it in tuna juice or other meat juice. Make sure gravy has no spices. Broth is better. Some cats have problems with spices. Or get a syringe and be prepared for a battle. Make sure she'll drink the broth first before lacing with meds.

If she's your only cat, you can also crush and sprinkle on food.

These are tactics that I have tried. Mixing with gravy broth works for me.

Good luck

Thanks so much! I have one more cat, Cookie. But ill try with your advice. Thanks!

[Catty1]

I just went through this with my one cat Oscar. First I put a little bit of hot water into the food bowl and drop the pill into it. Then I open a can of salmon and drain the juice out of it into the bowl. I crush up the pill with a spoon, making sure none stays stuck on the bottom of the spoon.

Oscar laps it up and all is well.

Good luck!

Edited to add - I'll be having a lot of salmon salad for a few days!

[Shady]

I've found with most of my cats I can pill them manually..MOST. One of my late cats almost took off my finger.

The others were easy as long as you were quick..I've opened their mouth, tilted their heads back and dropped the pill in, making sure it gets deep enough they cant wiggle it out again, then gently hold their mouths closed and stroke their throats, works for me 99% of the time. If you've ever seen how the vets examine their mouths and teeth, they kind of fold their lips around some teeth that way they tend not to bite as they will be biting themselves..it takes technique and practice and I've had both through the years..also startling them just a little after the pill by blowing on their face helps make them swallow.

Having said that I agree the shots are ideal..a two week shot and get it and forget it..

Good luck.

[Catsfolifecx]

I've found with most of my cats I can pill them manually..MOST. One of my late cats almost took off my finger.

The others were easy as long as you were quick..I've opened their mouth, tilted their heads back and dropped the pill in, making sure it gets deep enough they cant wiggle it out again, then gently hold their mouths closed and stroke their throats, works for me 99% of the time. If you've ever seen how the vets examine their mouths and teeth, they kind of fold their lips around some teeth that way they tend not to bite as they will be biting themselves..it takes technique and practice and I've had both through the years..also startling them just a little after the pill by blowing on their face helps make them swallow.

Having said that I agree the shots are ideal..a two week shot and get it and forget it..

Good luck.

I just tried doing it and it didn't work. I think I'm going to need 10 band-aids because she scratched me while trying to get away e.e Thanks anyways (:. I'm going to try to crush it and give it to her with a bit of food

[katladyd]

I have a kitty that has to be pilled every day and will be for the rest of his life. I got a "pill popper" from my vet and pilling him is a piece of cake! I've been using this for well over a year and it makes giving Mac his pill a piece of cake. Ask your vet for one and good luck!.

[Shady]

I just tried doing it and it didn't work. I think I'm going to need 10 band-aids because she scratched me while trying to get away e.e Thanks anyways (:. I'm going to try to crush it and give it to her with a bit of food

Ahh..that can happen, depends on the temperament of the kitty. Plus, doing it just right takes practice, if she wont eat the food, try some salmon oil, as mentioned, another thing I have done (just to get an elderly cat to eat) was to boil some chicken, so make chicken broth, and put it in that, you can also mash up or process the meat and add as well.

If you have someone with you, you can also wrap the kitty in a towel so that they cant use their claws but watch out for the teeth.

[Randi]

I have had to give my cat pills years ago and to begin with it was such a struggle. What worked in the end was to lean over him one hand around his neck and sit like that, stroking him for a while until he was relaxed, the do what Shady did.

My cat loved shrimps, so I also tried to crush the medicine and put inside one of the shrimps. That worked the first day, but once he got suspicious, he wouldn't touch it. I suppose patience is key word here. Good luck!

Btw, there are earlier threads about "How to pill a cat." Search for them!