How do I give my cat tablets?

Giving tablets to your cat can be stressful and few cats cooperate. Nevertheless, it is very important that a course of medication be given completely. If it fails, please feel free to contact one of our clinics; we understand the problem and will help.

Can the tablet be given with or in food?

Some tablets are tasty and will usually just be eaten by your cat.Tablets, which are less tasty, can be hidden in a small amount of your cat’s favorite food (bit of butter, cheese, meat or fish). You can even grind up the tablet and mix it with a tasty treat, making them much easier to give.

Always check with your doctor beforehand whether the tablets you are to administer may be crushed and/or given along with food, this is not the case with all tablets!

Giving a tablet to a cat

Follow the steps below when giving the tablet:

1. Always handle your cat gently, stay calm yourself, proceed calmly and reassure your cat. If your cat becomes very stressed, contact your veterinarian to come up with an alternative.
2. Use your hands, arms and body to hold your cat still and securely. You may also want to use a towel or blanket to wrap your cat with.
3. Holding your cat’s head firmly but gently, place your thumb and index finger on both sides on the jawbone just behind the corner of the mouth. Holding this area firmly will not hurt your cat, but you will have control over his/her head.
4. Hold the pill between the thumb and forefinger of your other hand.
5. Tilt the cat’s head so that his/her nose points upward.
6. Open the mouth by placing your finger on the small teeth (incisors) at the front of the lower jaw and gently pulling the jaw downward.
7. Once the mouth is open, push the tablet into the back of the mouth as quickly as possible. After this, release the mouth so the cat can swallow.
8. The trick is to get the tablet as far back in the mouth as possible so that your cat can only swallow the tablet and not spit it out!
9. “Pill shooters” can be used to avoid having to put your finger in the cat’s mouth. Some people find this easier.
10. To ensure that the tablet is swallowed properly and to prevent problems, it is usually best to give a small amount of food or a small sip of water after giving a tablet. Check with your veterinarian what the best option is.

There are also videos that show you how to give your cat a tablet.