Giving a cat a pill can be a daunting task, and there is no single method that works for every person and every cat. If you have a technique that works for you, then it’s always best to stick with that. Some cats even eat pills directly out of their owners' hands! Unfortunately, that is the exception rather than the rule. If you struggle with pilling your cat, then take comfort in knowing you are not alone.
In an effort to decrease the frequency of this dreaded job, drug companies have formulated certain long-acting antibiotic injections; and even dewormers that can be applied as spot-on treatments. However, sometimes it cannot be avoided and a pill (or even a course) has to be given to your cat. Today we take a look at a few approaches that should help you to pop the next pill with as little stress as possible.
A Few Pointers Before You Begin
Firstly, if you are able to, hiding the pill in some food or a treat is always preferable to having to restrain your cat in any way. Using food that has a strong odour can help to disguise it. However, with their profound sense of smell, most cats are masters of detection so this may not work! Also, some cats have dietary restrictions which prohibit the use of food as an aid in pilling.
Secondly, it is important to watch your cat for behavioural cues. Generally, cats will tolerate being handled involuntarily for a certain amount of time, and this varies between individuals. Watch for that twitching tail! It signifies that your time is running out. While enormous amounts of time and pressure can turn coal into diamonds, a far lesser amount of each can turn your lovable fluffy friend into a tiny tiger! While you must never rush, the aim is to be smooth and efficient. If it takes too long and your cat starts growling or salivating (this can be a sign of stress) it’s usually best to take a short break; decrease pressure for a few moments and let everyone regroup. Remember that your cat does not know the reason for your actions, so it’s quite understandable that they become offended when you force them to swallow a pill.
Try to avoid letting things escalate into a situation where your cat is really upset, not only for their well-being, but also because they will only become more averse to pills. Also, they may vomit up the pill if they are very stressed, which is a real shame! While dogs can be comforted and distracted by ear rubs and patting, I find that in these situations cats can become very claustrophobic, so try to rather focus on getting the job done. The aim is to use the lowest level of restraint possible which still allows you to be efficient and not have to dodge swiping paws! Conflict like this may not only result in scratches for you, but also more stress for your cat.
The Step By Step
1. Be calm. Have a cup of tea if necessary!
Begin by having everything ready. The pill must be free of any packaging, and if you use a pill popper have it next to you with the pill secure in the grip point. Pill poppers are handy little devices which allow insertion of the
pill into the mouth without having to use your fingers. They are easy to use and can make a real difference, and because they are thin towards the tip, they are less intrusive for your cat.