If you have ever tried to give a cat a pill, you know how tricky it can be. Cats are smart, stubborn, and have a serious talent for spitting out medication no matter how well you try to hide it. Thankfully, I came across some great advice in the April 2020 issue of CATNIP, a newsletter from Tufts University’s Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, and I wanted to share what I learned.
Tufts explained that many cats start refusing pills because they have tasted the bitterness. Once they link that taste to a certain treat, they will avoid that treat from then on. Honestly, I don’t blame them—when one of my own pills starts to dissolve, I can barely stand the taste myself. I would love to refuse it too, but I know I need the medicine. Cats? Well, you can’t exactly explain that to them.
Getting a cat to take medicine is always an adventure, but Tufts offered some helpful tips to make the process a little easier for everyone.
Tips For Giving A Cat A Pill
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Coat the pill in butter. Butter can sometimes seal in the bitter taste and make it easier to swallow.
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Use empty gelatin capsules. These can help separate the bitterness of the pill from your cat’s taste buds.
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Try a pill shooter. This handy tool can quickly send the pill past your cat’s tongue—if you are quick and confident.
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Hide the pill in wet food. Wet food can help mask the smell and taste of the medicine.
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Use edible pill pockets. These are some of my go-to tricks, and they often work like a charm.
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Ask about liquid options. Compounding pharmacies can sometimes turn a pill into a liquid, which can be easier to give.
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Ask about transdermal medication. This is a great choice for anxious cats since you can apply the medicine to the skin instead of giving it by mouth.
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Check if the pill is available as an injection. Some medicines can be given by your vet this way.
Tufts also suggested that the routine of giving the pill might be part of the problem. The process of preparing the pill could make your cat uneasy. Try changing where you prepare the medicine or how you approach your cat. It can help to wait until your cat comes to you naturally, then give a reward right after to make it a positive experience.
Final Thoughts
Every cat is different, but with a little patience and creativity, you can find a method that works for both of you. If your furkid is really struggling with pills, talk to your vet about other options. And remember, you are not alone—cats always find a way to keep us on our toes!