Ocean Animal Clinic Cat Pilling Instructions Administering medications to your cat can be difficult.  With a bit of education you should be able to do it.   Most medications can be given with a small amount of food.  If unsure about the medication you are giving, check with your veterinarian.  Find a canned food that your cat really likes.  Ball the pill in a small amount of food and offer it as a treat before feeding your cat it's regular meal.  If you are lucky, your cat will eat the small ball of food with the pill in it.  If not, Yagi, our hospital cat has volunteered to show you how it is done.
	These instructions are to be used in conjunction with the directions given by your veterinarian.  Administering medications to your pet can lead to serious bite wounds and scratches.  If unsure of your pet, have someone at the clinic demonstrate these medication techniques.  Medicating your pet at home is done at your own risk.

  

  

With your thumb and forefinger, grasp the cat below his cheekbones.

  

Bend your pinkie behind his head to act as a fulcrum.

Gently bend his head back until he is looking straight up at the ceiling.  When all the way back, his mouth will naturally start to open

Use your forefinger between his large canine (fang) teeth open his mouth.

With the mouth fully opened, drop the pill to the back of his throat.  Continue to keep his head fully back.

A quick poke with your finger will push the pill over his tongue and he will swallow it.  Keep his head back until you see him lick his lips.    Congratulations, you have now successfully administered a pill to your cat.