A: The object is obviously to get the job done without turning your cat into a maniac, and without getting yourself injured.
· First, provided that the medication can be given with food, trying hiding the pill in food such as tuna, peanut butter or cream cheese. Or smash it into a powder and mix it with clam juice, whipped cream, or melted ice cream. But watch to be sure that your cat actually takes the pill. Some cats will eat the food and spit out the medicine.
· If hiding the pill in food doesn’t work, you are going to have to physically administer it. Unless you have an exceptional cat, start by having a friend hold your cat’s front legs and chest to keep him/her still. You can also try wrapping the cat snugly in a blanket or towel.
· Firmly grasp your cat’s head from above. (If you are right-handed use your left hand; if you are a lefty, use your right hand. That will free up your best hand for holding the pill.) Place your thumb on one side of your cat’s cheek and your fingers on the other. As you apply gentle but firm pressure, you’ll see the mouth begin to open, and if you keep squeezing the cat will realize that he’ll have to bite his own cheeks in order to close his mouth.
· Place the pill between the thumb and forefingers of your other hand. Use your middle finger to open your cat’s mouth further by applying pressure on her lower front teeth. Keep as much of your finger OUT of the mouth as you can, and continue using your other hand to squeeze the cheeks to keep them between the teeth.
· After the mouth is fully open, place the pill as far back in the mouth as possible and give it a gentle poke with your finger. Remember to squeeze those cheeks while your finger is in there!
· Close your cat’s mouth and hold it closed. Gently and briefly rub your cat’s nose, or blow on it. This should stimulate him to lick his nose, causing her to swallow. You can also try to stimulate swallowing by rubbing your cat’s throat. Lowering the chin makes swallowing much easier- try it and you’ll agree.
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Always remember to praise your cat and maybe give him a treat. This will make
giving the next dose less traumatic.