How to give a cat a tablet: A short guide

Giving tablets to cats can be a challenge. Giving cats tablets requires patience and the right techniques. But there are tried and tested methods and tricks that can help you make the process as stress-free as possible. Here’s a step-by-step guide to successfully treating your cat.

Preparation is the be-all and end-all

Before you attempt to give your cat a tablet, it’s important to be well prepared. Being well organised can make the difference between the process going smoothly or becoming a stressful experience. Here are some tips on what you should do before administering the medication: This includes administering special medication such as a worming treatment.

Prepare the necessary utensils

1. The tablet, the medication : Make sure you have the right dose and the right medication. Read the instructions carefully or get advice from your vet beforehand to make sure you know how to administer the tablets.
2. A towel or blanket: A towel or blanket is useful to gently wrap your cat in. This will prevent them from moving around too much or scratching. Wrap them up so that only their head is sticking out. This gives your cat a sense of security and you control.
3. Treats or cat food: Some cats are easier to bribe with treats or wet food. Prepare a few small pieces of their favourite food to hide the tablets in or give as a reward after successful administration. Sometimes the pills may even just taste good to the cat.
4. Water or a syringe for administering liquids: Some pills can get stuck in the cat’s mouth. A small sip of water administered with a syringe without a needle can help to flush the medicine down. Make sure you hold the syringe carefully to the side of the mouth. You should allow the liquid to drip in slowly so that your cat doesn’t get scared or even choke.

Additional tips for preparing the administration of medication

• Quiet place: Choose a quiet, secluded place to administer the tablet. This will make your cat less distracted and stressed when administering the medication.
• Create a positive atmosphere: Try to create a positive atmosphere. Talk calmly and encouragingly to your cat and avoid hectic movements. A relaxed environment helps to reduce tension for both sides. This should not be a problem for cat owners.
• Training and practice: If you know that your cat needs to take medication regularly, practise holding and opening its mouth in advance. This will get your pet used to the process and it will be much easier when the time comes.

Method 1: The hiding method

Many cats can be tricked by wrapping the tablets in something tempting. Cats are naturally suspicious, so it’s important to be patient and try different tricks.

Hiding medication in food

Small pieces of wet food or special treat pastes are great for hiding medication. Form a small ball around the tablet and give it to your cat. A favourite trick is to make several small balls and hide the medication in just one of them. This makes the cat less cautious and more likely to grab it.

However, a common mistake is to use too large a portion of food. This often leads to the cat eating the food and leaving the tablet behind.

Cat treats with pockets

There are special treats that have a pocket for the tablets. These are particularly practical and often very successful. Such treats are usually very tasty and mask the flavour of the tablet well. However, some cats may also reject these treats, especially if they detect the odour of the medicine.

Other tricks

• Crush and mix the medication: Some tablets can be crushed and mixed with food. But beware: not all medicines can be crushed. Always consult your vet first.
• Liquid as a hiding option: Some medications are also available in liquid form. These are easier to mix into the food or administer directly.

Problems with the hiding method

Some cats are very skilful at picking the tablets out of their food. Here are some tips to get round this problem:

• Alternate treats: use different types of food or treats to draw the cat’s attention to the treat and not the tablet.
• Combination of methods: Sometimes a combination of hiding and direct administration works best.

Method 2: Manual administration

If your cat refuses the hidden medication, you may need to administer it directly.

Step-by-step instructions for administering the tablet

1. Keep calm: Even if the situation is difficult, remain calm and patient. Cats react strongly to the emotions of their owners and can easily become frightened or nervous themselves.
2. Fixate: Gently wrap your cat in a towel so that only its head is sticking out. This will prevent it from scratching or moving around too much. This gives you more control and calms the cat.
3. Open the mouth: Hold your cat’s head gently but firmly. Press lightly on the sides of the mouth to open it. Use your index finger and thumb to open the mouth.
4. Place the tablets: Place the tablet as far back on the tongue as possible. It is important not to place it too far forward, otherwise the cat can easily spit it out again.
5. Swallowing: Close your cat’s mouth and keep it slightly closed. Gently massage the throat to trigger the swallowing reflex. Wait until the cat has swallowed before releasing its mouth.

Difficulties with the manual administration of medication

• Resistance from the cat: Some cats strongly resist the manual administration of medication. In such cases, it is very helpful to have a second person for support.
• Vomiting: It can happen that the cat vomits after the tablet has been given. In this case, consult your vet to discuss alternative methods or medication.

Method 3: “The lurk”

While your cat gets cosy and slowly drifts off to sleep, lie in wait with a small toy stone thrower. You wait patiently until she gets sleepy and finally yawns. The moment she opens her mouth wide, you insert the tablet and… You should never, ever throw tablets or anything else at cats! That was just a joke, of course. Continue with the text.

A visit to the vet as a last resort

If all methods fail and your cat vehemently refuses the tablets, a visit to the vet is advisable. Together they can suggest an alternative form of treatment such as spot-on preparations, injections or liquid medication, which are easier to administer.

After administration

After successfully administering the tablets, you should give your cat a reward. This could be a treat or a special cuddle. This way, your cat will associate the experience with something positive. If your cat realises that something good happens after the tablet is given, it may put up less resistance in future. Sometimes it takes a few attempts for everything to work smoothly – and that’s completely normal!

You may have seen your cat run out of the room like lightning after a failed attempt and not come back for hours. Or just when you had the tablets in your hand (as if she had already suspected it) she retreated to the most impossible place in the house. Many cat owners know these stories. So you are not alone.

Conclusion

Administering tablets to cats requires patience and practice. However, with the right techniques and a little skill, you can give your cat the necessary medicine without stress. Even if it is sometimes frustrating, remember: it gets better with time. Every cat is different and what works for one may fail for another. Don’t be discouraged and try different methods. And if all else fails, your vet can still help you. Remember that you are doing the best for your pet and reward yourself for your efforts. You can do it!

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