Speckles is somewhat like Peanut in that she hates the vet trips and she's really stressed for a couple of hours after coming home again. Putting myself in your shoes (er....or paws..) I would opt for the pills also. Like CatDad says, sir jury for older kitties is a risk, one that I would not want to take for Specks.

As for CatDad comment

cats (even older ones) can adapt to what they need to

I have seen this with my friends kitty Mojo. Mojo hated the vets, hated anything to do with meds but when Mojo became diabetic, he adjusted really well to meds and shots and eventually lost his fear of the vets.

Good luck Debbie.

Kisses to the furbabies for me please???