At some point you're going to need to try to get your cat to swallow at tablet and if you've tried this before you'll know that it's not as simple as it sounds. Below is a good way of giving your cat a tablet, just follow the instructions and remember to stay calm.
Step One - Be Prepared to give your cat the tablet
Here's the plan: You are going to wrap the cat up in a towel or blanket so that it can't struggle or get away, give it the tablet, and make sure the tablet is swallowed. First, you need to gather your materials: tablet towel or small blanket It may also help to have a little butter or margarine, a bit of canned food, and an eyedropper that you have filled with low-sodium chicken broth. Some medications cannot be given with food, while others are supposed to be given with food. Pay attention to the details of your prescription so you know whether or not you can offer treats or mix the tablet with food. If the tablet can be given with food, you may wish to coat the tablet with a bit of butter or margarine. This helps it to go down more easily. Giving the cat a bit of broth or liquid from canned food right after administering the tablet can help get the cat to swallow. Treats can also be used for afterwards, to reward your cat. Once you have gathered your materials, you need to catch your cat. I recommend performing the pilling procedure in a small enclosed room such as a bathroom because a highly resistant cat may try to make a break for it or spit out the tablet, requiring you to start over again.
Step 2 - Do the Deed - Get your cat to swallow the tablet
You need to be decisive and confident about this part. Be gentle with your cat, but don't take no for an answer.
I usually start out sitting cross-legged on the floor, with the medication in easy reach, but do this however you and the cat are comfortable.
Wrap the cat in the towel, sort of like bundling a baby, so only its head protrudes. Don't allow feet (claws) to get out either the top or bottom of the towel.
Hold the cat in your non-dominant arm.
Use your dominant hand to pick up the tablet and gently prise open the cat's mouth from the corners of its lips.
The goal here is to get the tablet to the v-shaped area at the back of the cat's throat. Don't flick the tablet, as that involves a risk of choking your cat. Insert your fingers and the tablet into the cat's mouth from the front. Don't go at it from the sides unless you want bitten.
Let the cat close its mouth. Use your hand to keep its mouth closed, while continuing to hold it close.
Stroke the cat's throat and lightly blow on its nose to encourage swallowing.
At this point, you can try offering a dropper of broth, tuna liquid, or water. This is a good way to see if the tablet has truly been swallowed.
If you are pretty sure the tablet has been taken, offer a treat.
I have had a cat that would hide the tablet, unswallowed, to spit out as soon as he was set free. Be certain the pill has been taken before releasing your cat. If the tablet is unswallowed, start again. If the pill becomes too degraded, discard it and try another.
I hope this article has given you some helpful hints, you can find more information about cat care and information on the best cat products over at Cat Party.
