Any easy way to give a cat a pill??

[Country4ever]

My 13 year old cat was just diagnosed with hyperthyroidism. He's sooooo thin and barely eating. I just got the pills to give him.....one a day.
I read up on giving a cat a pill, and it was a real challenge. I think it will go better when my husband can help.
Any tips that might make it easier? He won't eat it hidden in a treat. He's barely eating food.
I feel so bad.......I'm afraid he's in his last days and he might think I'm being mean to him. So I'd like it to be as easy as possible for him.
Any tips?
Thanks.

 

[pips&peeps]

Get a pill popper from the vet. It will save your fingers.

ETA: I think you can get the medication in a liquid form from a regular pharmacist and rub it on their ears. You will have to use gloves when you do this so your body does not absorb it. Ask your vet about it.

 

[EweSheep]

a body suit and some iron chain mail for gloves!

 

[The Chicken People]

Either have your Hubby do it or man up! open mouth and insert pill in back of throat hold mouth shut and rub throat till it goes down...it will be over in a minute and at least you know you are doing everything you can to properly take care of your aging pet! I too have an aging cat that means the world to me...I make hubby do mean stuff so he knows I Love Him!!

 

[vicki2x2]

Scruff them. If you pick them up by the scruff, it will almost paralyze them, their legs will curl up, kind of like when they mama cat carries them around that way. Make sure you have a good hold and if you are holding them right, they won't be able to fight back. It won't hurt them, this is the way mother nature made them. Then open their mouth, push the pill to the very back (or use the pill pusher) and push it down the throat and massage. Ta da!

 

[EweSheep]

Quote:
Yes we learned that in vet school and many, many vet and their assists do that method and it works! Hold firm on their back legs because they can really reach around and claw ya!

 

[sundance]

cover it in butter, Pry open mouth, insert as far back as possible, Hold mouth shut until swallowed then run as fast as you can to other room and shut door between you marrie

 

[Wifezilla]

It helps if you have a bit of protective gear

 

[EweSheep]

 

[The Chicken People]

Oh and if you are afraid of being clawed wrap the cat in a towel and it cant scratch you..we did that to my tom to doctor his ear!