How To Give Your Cat A Pill Or Tablet Without Too Much Fuss

So, the dreaded day has come. Tiddles has not been herself for days now and it is time to take her to the vet. You've finally managed to bundle her into the cat box, after chasing her around the house, under the beds, up the curtains and behind the wardrobe. You've only got a few scratches on your arms and chest, and none of them are too deep. Fingers crossed they don't get infected. She hissed and spat all the way to the vet, had to be sedated for her examination, and luckily she's going to be fine. It's just a case of a short course of tablets, twice a day, morning and evening, before food, for a week.

"A SHORT COURSE? 20 TABLETS?" you cry. Getting Tiddles to the vet is child's play compared with getting a tablet into her. You've tried it all. Crushed in food – she leaves it. Down the throat – she scratches your arms to bits before you get anywhere near her mouth. Hidden in a treat – untouched. You've run out of options and are despairing. How do you get a cat to take its medicine?

Well, I have two cats, Jasper and Smudge. Jasper has always been a very good kitty, he comes to the vet with no fuss, takes his tablets and is generally a good boy. Smudge, on the other hand, behaves like Tiddles. I remember many a time when she had to be sedated for examination, and as for taking tablets, well think thick gardening gloves, an old leather coat, sunglasses and a towel. Oh, and a very very cross cat. I kept on thinking there had to be an easier way.

Well, you'll be pleased to hear there is, and I found it completely by accident whilst checking Jasper's teeth. Although he is generally a placid cat, he doesn't like me trying to open his mouth, so I had to get him in a position where he couldn't move, but that wouldn't hurt him, as he has a bad back. After I had checked his teeth satisfactorily and without fuss, it occurred to me that the method I used might be suitable for Smudge. She's 17 years old, and also has arthritis in her front right paw, so I have to be very careful whenever I handle her. So, when the time came around for her to take her worming tablet, I decided to take the plunge.

Firstly, make sure you unwrap the tablet out of sight of your cat. No point spooking them before you start. Then come up behind your cat on your hands & knees in a crawl, making sure your ankles are together tightly or crossed and your knees are splayed open. Put your body horizontal to the ground and give your cat a hug. Gently edge forward until your cats' body is snug in the triangle of your legs, body & the ground. Make sure your ankles are firmly locked so your cat cannot wriggle out the back. Put one arm around your pet, firmly restraining their front legs. Make sure your chin is resting on the top of your cats' head to ensure they cannot wriggle upwards. You should have your cat in a secure, firm, yet comfortable hold. With your other hand (I use my right as I am right handed) pick up the tablet and holding your hand under her chin, with thumb one side and finger the other insert the tips of both into the toothless gap at the back of their jaw. This will cause the mouth to open. Pop the tablet in and immediately hold their mouth closed. Wait until the tablet is swallowed (cat will try and lick her lips) and hey presto! No more problems.