Pilling a cat can be a "nightmarish" experience. Cats don't want something pushed down their throats, and they'll fight with all their might to prevent it. In fact, it's amazing how powerful their small bodies can be. Here are some ways to make the pilling process easier and less stressful ? for both you and your cat.
The easiest way of pilling a cat is to crush the pill into a powder by using mortor & pestle or by putting the pill between two spoons. Then mix the powder with a small amount of wet food (preferably a preservative free, healthy wet food). If your cat usually eats dry food, she will probably view the wet food as a treat and eat it up.
If the medication is a capsule, just pull the capsule apart, sprinkle the contents on the wet food, & mix, & serve.
If your cat won't eat the wet food that contains the pill or if she is too ill to eat, you can get a "pill gun", also called a "pet piller", from your veterinarian. This is a plastic rod with little rubber cups on the end that hold the pill until a plunger is pressed. It's best to get a long gun with a soft tip.
Your vet can show you how to use the pill gun, but here are some basic instructions. Getting your cat's mouth open is going to be the most difficult part. First, be sure the pill is in a handy place. You can put your cat on a bookshelf with her bottom in a corner or you can put her on your lap firmly braced. Have your cat facing to the right if you're right handed, & vice versa. With your left hand, grip your cat at the cheekbones, putting your palm at the top of her head. Keeping your finger off the trigger, with your right hand, insert the pill gun until the pill is positioned over the tongue & open throat. Then pull the trigger & withdraw the gun quickly. Be sure to give your cat a treat directly after giving the pill.
If you don't feel comfortable using a pill gun, you can try giving the pill by hand. Extend your cat's head backwards just far enough so that her nose is pointing towards the ceiling. At this point, most cats will slightly open their mouths. With the little finger or ring finger of the hand holding the pill, open the bottom jaw a little more. You may need to hold her top jaw with your other hand while doing this. Aim straight and lightly throw the pill or drop it so that it hits beyond the hump in her tongue. (Be sure to drop or lightly throw the pill rather than shoving it down so that your cat is not as likely to gag and so that you lessen your chance of getting bitten.) Most cats will then instinctively swallow the pill.
In case none of these "pilling" strategies work, as a last resort try to find a compounding pharmacy, and have them make flavored liquid or gel out of the medication.
Deena Caruso, author, teacher, & distributor of natural pet products Helps pet owners create healthy, happy pets. To receive FREE "Pet Pointers" Newsletter, go to: http://www.healthyfoodforpets.com deecaruso@cox.net Ph: 760/758-7963, 877/877-0665
The most common dog problems:Dog Owner's commonly ask me the... Read More
A puppy wanting to chew makes you want to scream!... Read More
While "late is better than never," sooner is better than... Read More
As much as you may love your cute, new puppy,... Read More
My dad was an avid animal lover. We grew up... Read More
A poorly trained dog is a nuisance and can even... Read More
It's important to understand your dog's sleeping habits and how... Read More
For thousands of years, dogs have been "man's best friend."... Read More
Dog arthritis is one of the most common diseases that... Read More
The large animal organizations and the public money.It is said... Read More
The holidays are a wonderful time of year, full of... Read More
When you take into account that there are over 68,000,000... Read More
It is Winter time again, a time of the year... Read More
While excitement and anticipation will be at the top of... Read More
For Discus fish, there are 2 consideration in tanks -... Read More
Getting a new pet can be a lot of fun.... Read More
Your new living room furniture is in tatters. Your nerves... Read More
People love big, protective and loving dogs and that's why... Read More
Dog's come in all shapes and sizes ? out of... Read More
Unfortunately, there are a number of household items which we... Read More
Hamster breeding can sometimes be confusing for a hamster owner.... Read More
What's the best food for your Goldfish?Goldfish need food that... Read More
Peeing on the carpet, knocking you down, or stealing dinner... Read More
If your dog could talk, these are some of most... Read More
Dog SupplementsA good nutritional program of dog supplements is just... Read More
She is the protector of cats, women and children. The... Read More
Animal lovers come in all shapes and sizes. Undoubtedly if... Read More
Dog fashions are all the rage and have become quite... Read More
Even a cat that compulsively cleans itself can benefit from... Read More
Hopefully no one is pulling the leash. The ideal situation... Read More
Among the most well known cat lover gifts are photo... Read More
Animal Communication, or telepathy with animals, is as common an... Read More
Grooming means taking care of the physical maintenance of the... Read More
In part one we talked about forming good behavior traits... Read More
A new puppy is a joyous addition to any home.... Read More
Most of the diseases that threaten goldfish can be cured.... Read More
Distemper: Spotting This Dog Killer Before it's Too LateCanine distemper... Read More
One of the most common causes of Feline Urinary Tract... Read More
We've all heard the phrase, "Free as a bird." In... Read More
Breed specific legislation otherwise known as "BSL" has started to... Read More
Shy dogs are more common than most people think, but... Read More
You've made up your mind, it's the American Pit Bull... Read More
Horse owners who are history buffs may recognize the name... Read More
Did you know that dog toys are actually good for... Read More
Lyme disease can be treated with antibiotics, because the disease... Read More
If you are thinking of adding a feline to your... Read More
Dog arthritis is one of the most common diseases that... Read More
Is there anything more cute and cuddly than tiny little... Read More
The American Humane Society estimated that last year alone; fifteen... Read More
When looking to purchase a purebred dog, you need to... Read More
Gain some insight into how your favorite feline actually feels... Read More
There is nothing more adorable than a new puppy. Large... Read More
My love of horses began at the age of 11... Read More
Dear Fellow Dog Lover,I assume you love your dog, or... Read More
When goldfish swim up to the glass of the tank,... Read More
You may be hearing more talk these days about "Essential... Read More
Pet adoption is a fabulous option if you're seeking a... Read More
Dog flea control and management requires an integrated approach. For... Read More
While a bird is an easy pet to care for,... Read More
Bringing home a Pug can change our life, but it... Read More
Dog training can provide a tremendous amount of satisfaction. Every... Read More
Have you ever been to a dog kennel and listen... Read More
If you are keen on breeding Goldfish, you should know... Read More
* Lock things up that could cause harm* Keep the... Read More
Your dog's dental health is so important for his total... Read More
Your dog is a social being, just like you! He/she... Read More
Pet |