Instructions
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Your cat needs medication, and you have to give them a pill. Here’s how you do it. Start by seeing if your cat will take the pill on their own. If they won’t, try hiding the pill in something tasty like canned food, you could also try coating the pill in butter or concealing it in a tasty treat designed to hide a pill like a pill pocket.
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Try giving an empty pill pocket first for your cat to enjoy. They may willingly take the next one with the pill in it. If your cat is not inclined to take a pill by choice, you’ll need to pill your cat again. Start by wrapping it in something tasty that will make it easier to swallow. There are different ways to position your cat when giving them a pill, and there is no right way to do this.
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Only the way that works best for you and your cat. One way is to hold your cat in your lap, facing away from you. Another is to sit beside them, something that might work if your cat doesn’t like being helped. If needed, you can try wrapping them in a towel, leaving only their head exposed. You may even decide to have someone else hold your cat for you.
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Now it’s time to give your cat the pill. Start by holding the pill in your dominant hand between your thumb and index finger. With your other hand. Gently grasp your cat’s head from above by placing your thumb on one side of their jaw and your fingers on the other. Gently tilt your cat’s head up. This will cause their jaw to open slightly.
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Use your available fingers to open your cat’s mouth. Quickly place foothill over the hump in their tongue. Then close your cat’s mouth as you return their head to a normal position. Gently hold your cat’s mouth closed while rubbing their nose or throat, or blowing lightly on their nose. This will trigger them to swallow. How can you tell? Usually a cat will lick its nose if it has swallowed the pill.
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Finally, reward your cat with cuddles or treats. Here’s a few extra pieces of advice. It’s very common for a cat to spit out the pill to avoid this. Make sure the pill is placed behind the hump in their tongue. This will make it harder for them to spit out and more likely for them to swallow it. Also, avoid interrupting your cat to pill them if they’re eating, drinking, or having some playtime.
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Just wait until they’re done. You don’t want to associate any potential discomfort with these activities. And finally, take it as slow as you need to give yourself and your cat time to work through the process. Here are the key things to remember when giving your cat a pill. Find a position that’s comfortable for both you and your cat.
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Place the pill in your cat’s mouth in one quick in and out movement and praise your cat when it’s over. Giving your cat a pill may not go as planned the first time, or even the 10th time, but as a pet owner, you do the best you can because your cat is worth it.
