3 ways to properly give a pill to a kitten
It would seem that giving a pill to a kitten couldn't be simpler. But even experienced pet owners can find it challenging to administer a pill to their beloved pet. These little furry creatures will desperately struggle and scratch at the first sign of trouble. Today, we'll learn how to properly administer a pill to a kitten using three different methods. Let's get started!
When owners wonder how to give pills to kittens, the first thing that often comes to mind is to trick the animal and slip the pill into a piece of sausage or meat. Imagine your surprise when you discover the sausage is gone and the ill-fated pill is lying on the floor. The fact is, cats have such a strong sense of smell that they easily detect the scent of medication and immediately spit it out.
In most cases, owners are faced with the problem of how to give pills to kittens when it becomes necessary to deworm the animal (prevention from worms). In this situation, you can ask your veterinarian about a liquid alternative to tablets. Many anthelmintic medications for kittens come in suspension form, which is much easier and more convenient to dose and administer than tablets. Similar suspensions are also available for adult cats.
If there's no other choice and a substitute for the tablet medication is unavoidable, well, get ready... Learning to administer tablets to kittens isn't difficult; the key to success is skill and experience. Here are a few methods and little tricks that will make the process easier:
The first method
To assist with this, a very convenient and easy-to-use device called a pill dispenser has been developed. It makes this unpleasant procedure much easier, and allows you to quickly and gently administer any pill or capsule to your kitten.
Using this device is very simple: insert the tablet into the rubber tip of the pill extractor and place it in the animal's open mouth (on the back of the tongue). Then, press the plunger to expel the medication. Close the mouth and stroke the throat, encouraging swallowing. Done! It's quick and easy, and you can purchase this tool at any pet store.
The second method
You can also administer the pill to a kitten without using any equipment. If this is your first time, it's a good idea to have someone else present. The key is to securely restrain the kitten so it has no chance of escaping.
You can place the kitten on a table or any elevated surface (this way you won't have to bend over) or sit on the floor on your lap. The kitten should be positioned with its back to you so it can't escape. You can also hold it between your lap (but not too tightly). Prepare the pill in advance and hold it in your right hand.
Place your left hand on top of your pet's head. Place two fingers on either side of the muzzle and gently press between the jaws, behind the cheeks. This will prompt the cat to open its mouth. Lift its head upward and place the pill on the back of its tongue. Immediately close its mouth and gently stroke its throat from top to bottom to help it swallow.
Don't be too quick to let your pet go; open their mouth again to make sure the pill has actually been swallowed. Some whiskered pets are crafty enough to hide a pill in their cheeks and simply spit it out when their owner isn't looking.
The third method
If the animal is acting too aggressively, struggling and biting, and you can't seem to give the kitten a pill, you can use a trick. You'll need a towel, blanket, or any thick fabric. Wrap the kitten or adult cat in it so that only the head remains exposed. You can place the bundle on your lap or left arm, with the head facing you.
Of course, the kitten will be trying to free itself the entire time, so everything needs to be done quickly. The next step is to open its mouth. Lift its head with one hand and apply pressure behind its fangs with your finger – this will force it to open its mouth. Now quickly insert the pill, preferably as far back and as deep as possible – at the back of the tongue. Make a few gentle strokes down its throat and check to see if it's been swallowed.
This method is guaranteed to be very unpleasant for your pet, as cats hate being treated against their will. On the other hand, it's a quick and convenient way to administer any pill, and it also protects you from the animal's sharp claws. Regardless of the method chosen for administering a pill to a kitten or cat, it's not always successful the first time. More often than not, the second or third attempt is successful. As with anything, this requires practice and skill.
Don't forget to praise the kitten, pet it, and give it a treat (unless otherwise indicated!). Do this every time after this procedure to establish a pleasant association with it and make the whole process easier in the future.
Any questions? You can ask our website's staff veterinarian in the comments below, who will answer them as quickly as possible.
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