Any easy way to give a cat a pill??

[vicki2x2]

Quote:
Yes, I should have mentioned that. I don't hang them up in the air, they are usually to heavy, but their legs still pull up and this method was taught to me by my vet, so I don't think it is harmful. I usually have one person scruff and the other insert pill quickly and rub the throat, boom done!

 

[EweSheep]

Quote:
Wont work if you got a cat that is very taste sensitive! Anything bitter about the pill, they can spit it out unless they are so hungry!

 

[FrenchHen]

My big cat is soooo greedy, he'll gulp it down to keep it away from little kitty.

 

[Country4ever]

Thanks for all your replies! I've already ordered the armour online.

I think I just need to get quicker with it, which will probably come with time.
He scratched me with his front paw, and then I wrapped him in a towel. I had his head upwards and tried to pull down on his jaw, but he just isn't budging! Putting him on the washer/dryer is a good suggestion, since its slick and high.
I don't believe they make it in a liquid do they? (Yes, its methimazole).
I wish I could give it as a shot, but it doesn't come that way.
Thanks for your suggestions.

 

[pips&peeps]

Quote:
Yes, they do. Call your vet and see if they have a regular pharmacist they work with. They can make you up the liquid form. It is costly, but it is way less stress on you and your cat.

You can apply it and your cat will think you are just petting him/her.

 

[Redyre Rotties]

You can also restrain a cat by holding the front legs in one hand, the back legs in the other, and "stretching" them out. This way they cannot get to you to bite, and they cannot claw.

Once you get used to it, it's a lot easier than a towel, then someone else can insert the pill.

Sorry you are having a stressful time, this is hard on people and the poor kitty that needs the meds, but sometimes things just have to be done even when they are unpleasant.

 

[PitterPaws]

Quote:
I am going thru this exact same thing with my 15 year old cat, I have been givingher pills daily for 2 years now. It started out rough but I always give her a little soft canned cat food afterwards as a reward for being good. Now all I have to do is prop her up in a sitting position on my lap take the pill in one hand and open her mouth with my other hand and quickly put it way in the back of her mouth as far as you can or they will spit it back out.
I'm sorry you are going thru this, I hope he pulls thru and starts gaing some weight back.

 

[Imp]

If all else fails you can go to a compounding pharmacist and they will be able to make it into a chicken flavored liquid, that you can just put in the food.

Imp- Been there done that

 

[mom'sfolly]

The easiest way to pill a cat is to have someone else do it....actually you've had all the good suggestions. Cats, in general, are notoriously hard to get to take pills. They think they rule the universe and it is undignified to have someone give them a pill. We always did the between the legs, hand on the scruff, pry open mouth, stroke the throat method. We still sometimes had the beer, scotch and slashing episodes.

 

[Barbara9642]

I get the husband or son to hold the cat, shove it down his throat and run for the first aid kit for said husband or son.

Your cat has my sympathy- I have the same thyroid issue, only I am getting old and fat with it.