(11/2021) So your veterinarian prescribes oral medication for your cat. Now what? How do you get it into your cat?

First of all, the best time to prepare your cat to receive medication is when they are a kitten. However, adult cats can be trained to accept medication too. Hide the medication inside a soft treat like a Greenies Pill Pocket or in some canned food. Get all of your cats to take a treat at the same time and train them to come when you call "treat." That way it becomes routine to them. Get cats used to taking a Pill Pocket with the top closed pretending that there is a pill inside. Chicken-flavored seems to be preferred.

Alternative methods include grinding the pill up and putting the contents in a novel canned food. This should be put in a different bowl and different location from those used routinely. This is to prevent a cat from discontinuing to eat its regular food. Other options for hiding pills are treats with a soft center, pill paste, squeeze cheese, cheese in a can, Velveeta cheese, Bonito Flakes (tuna).

If your cat won’t take the treats or medication in canned food, give it a high value reward after pilling such as praise, petting, or a favorite toy. Only do this when the medication is given to reinforce taking it.

Furthermore, there are compounding pharmacies who can formulate the medicine into a chewable treat, a flavored liquid, or a tablet that melts in the mouth. Even another compounding option is transdermal pens. The medicine comes out of pen-like dosing syringe. Then it is applied to the skin on the inside of the ear flap. No fussing with your cat’s mouth! Some common medications for this are prednisolone and methimazole (to treat hyperthyroidism).

If multiple medications are required or the medicine tastes bitter, ask your veterinarian about placing them in gel caps. Make sure the capsule is washed down with water or food. I like to coat the pill or capsule with some cat hair ball remedy or butter to get it to slide down more easily.

If you have to "pill" your cat, regular positive reinforcement is important. Never chase your cat or try to snatch it out of the litter box or when it’s eating. Instead, follow the cat’s routine and find it where it is resting. Give your cat rewards when your cat comes to you and after you have administered the medication. Calmly approach your cat from the side or from behind because approach from the front is threatening. Some cats like to be in your lap and other cats like to have their owners sitting on the floor with them. Another method is to swaddle your cat in a blanket especially if your cat likes to paw medication away.

Massaging the head, muzzle and chin can be pleasing. Do this where your cat likes it then move your non-dominant hand to come over the top of the head with your forefinger behind one upper canine tooth and your thumb behind the opposite upper canine. With your dominant hand, grasp the pill between the thumb and forefinger. Use a free finger on the same hand to open the mouth and push the pill on the back of the tongue. Then massage the neck to ensure swallowing.

If using your hand to administer medication is not a viable option (i.e. too dangerous), then you can try a pill gun also known as a pill syringe. Place the pill on the back of the tongue then rub the neck to stimulate swallowing and to prevent spitting of the pill back out.

Whatever you do, exercise caution to avoid any bites or scratches. Cat bites in particular can lead to bad infections.

How to Give Your Dog a pill: wrap it in cheese.