How to Give Your Cat a Tablet

Try to hide the tablet in food, if the medication can be given with food. Hand feed a small amount of food without the tablet, then hide the tablet in the next small amount, then give the rest of the meal and monitor if the cat spits the tablet out. A small amount of cottage cheese or tinned cat food can be used.
If the cat does not take the tablet in food, it will have to be given directly into the mouth - you may need a second person for assistance.

Have the cat laying comfortably on a tabletop.

If right-handed, hold the tablet between right thumb and forefinger.
Get your helper to gently grasp the elbows to hold the front legs on the table so as not to scratch you.

Gently grasp the top of your cat’s head with your other hand with thumb on one side and fingers on the other and tilt his head towards the ceiling – his jaw should drop open a bit. At the same time gently push the tilted head and shoulders downwards toward the table so the cat will be less likely to lift his forelimbs and scratch you.

Use a finger on your right hand to push the bottom jaw down, at the same time pushing the tablet as far back on the tongue as possible.

Hold the mouth shut and gently blow on the cat’s nose – when he licks his nose he will usually swallow. This process works best if done in one quick motion.

If your cat is very co-operative, you may not require an assistant.

If possible syringe feed a small amount of water to help the tablet pass down.

Give lots of praise and a treat if possible.

For those cats that are difficult to tablet, consider a ‘pill-popper’ – a long plastic pen-like instrument with a rubber end to give tablets. This will save you from putting your fingers in your pets mouth.

Please ask SDVC staff for a demonstration if you are having trouble!

               A pet piller