How to Give Your Cat Medication

Hiding the pill is the least invasive way because the cat simply is eating a treat. You can hide it in a pill pocket or wet food. But, cats are extremely smart. Most will just turn their nose up at anything. Sometimes you can keep them fooled by rotating between a few different types of treats, but if they will not take the medication in food, you may have to move on to one of the following methods. 

Using a pill gun can be intimidating for some, but it is fast! You can purchase a pill gun at a pet store or at your vet’s office. Simply place the pill in the top area to load it, pull back on the plunger, open your cat’s mouth and push the end to release it into the back of their throat. This can be a great way to administer medication safely without having to feed them anything if they have any nausea. Syringe water into the mouth and massage the throat to ensure the pill is swallowed.

If you don’t have a pill gun or treats at home, don’t worry. Sit behind your cat and grab the top of their head to open the mouth. Place your hand in the back of their mouth and throw the pill down into their throat as far as you can! If they can have a treat, make sure they are rewarded after each medication. Syringe water into the mouth and massage the throat to ensure the pill is swallowed. You should never attempt to hand-pill a pet that has shown any signs of aggression during medication administration, such as growling, lifting of the lips, or snapping. It is important that you keep yourself safe when medicating your pet, never ignore signs of discomfort or fear. 

Liquid Administration

Most liquid medication is flavored to make it easier to administer, but cats often times get frothy mouths. Load the syringe with the appropriate amount of medication and sit behind your cat. Many vets will draw a red or black line on the syringe to indicate where to fill it up to. Lift up your cat’s cheek and place the syringe in the back pocket next to the molars and release the medication. 

Chewable Administration

Many medications for cats do not come in chewable forms because of their finicky nature. 

Please contact us if you still have any questions on how to medicate your cat. Administration of ear medication or other treatments such as subcutaneous fluids will be published soon!