How to Safely Pill a Cat: Techniques and Tips

TLDRLearn different ways to pill a cat, including using pill pockets, hand-pilling, and a pill gun. Follow these techniques to safely administer medication to your feline friend.

Key insights

😺Pill pockets are a convenient way to hide medication in a treat and encourage cats to take their pills.

👌Hand-pilling can be effective if your cat is comfortable with you handling their mouth and throat.

🧪Using hard food as mock pills allows you to practice pilling techniques without medicating your cat.

🛏️Pilling a cat on a raised surface, like a table or washer, can make them feel more secure and cooperative.

💊A pill gun is a handy tool for administering pills to cats who are not cooperative with other methods.

Q&A

Where can I buy pill pockets for my cat?

Pill pockets can be purchased at pet stores or online retailers like Amazon.

What if my cat won't eat the pill pocket or treat with the pill inside?

If your cat is refusing to eat the pill pocket, you may need to try a different method, such as hand-pilling or using a pill gun.

Is it safe to pill a cat by hand?

Pilling a cat by hand can be safe if done properly and if your cat is comfortable with the process. However, it's important to exercise caution and not force the pill if your cat is aggressive or resistant.

Can I use human pill cutters to divide cat medication?

It's best to use pill cutters specifically designed for cats or consult with your veterinarian for proper medication administration.

How often should I give my cat medication?

The frequency of medication administration depends on the type of medication and the condition being treated. Follow the instructions provided by your veterinarian for the correct dosage and timing.

Timestamped Summary

00:00Introduction to pilling a cat and the importance of different techniques.

00:20Using pill pockets to hide medication in treats and make it more appealing to cats.

01:10Demonstration of hand-pilling, including how to open a cat's mouth and place the pill.

02:50Using hard food as mock pills to practice pilling techniques without medicating the cat.

04:30Pilling a cat on a raised surface, such as a table or washer, to make them feel more secure.

05:45Introduction to using a pill gun to administer pills to uncooperative cats.

06:30Tips for wrapping a cat in a towel for better control during pilling.

07:20Important considerations and precautions when pilling a cat.