A cat sick enough to stop eating is very sick. No matter how bad he feels, he will probably put up a fight when it comes time to give him medication. With a little practice, you should be able to get a pill down him with minimal fuss.
Step 1
Sit down on the ground with your cat beside you. Stroke, pet and talk to your cat so he is relaxed.
Step 2
Hold the pill in the hand farthest away from your cat. Continue petting him with the hand that is closest. Make sure this arm is placed over your cat's back, so you can control him somewhat.
Step 3
Grasp your cat's head by the cheeks and lift upward with your free hand, so that his mouth drops open. This is when you can expect the cat to become agitated and attempt to escape. Be prepared.
Step 4
Slip the pill into your pet's mouth, as far back as possible in his throat. It is important to get the pill far enough back that he swallows rather than spitting the pill back up.
Step 5
Watch for your cat to start licking his lips. This is typically an indicator that he has swallowed the pill.
Always check with your veterinarian before changing your pet’s diet, medication, or physical activity routines. This information is not a substitute for a vet’s opinion.
References
Tips
- When your cat attempts to escape, he will typically try to scoot backward. When you sit down, sit against a wall and position yourself so you are slightly behind your cat, with both of you facing the same direction.