We all know about the genuine and independent character of cats, but the truth is that these domestic felines need all our care, since they are susceptible to numerous diseases, just like us and many other animals. For this reason, on occasion, it may be necessary for your cat to take oral medications and it is possible that some of them are not in liquid form, but in the form of capsules or tablets.
We know that your cat is not going to be happy about having to take these drugs. For this reason, in this AnimalWised article we give you some tips for giving a cat a pill.
It is important that your cat tolerates contact well
Cats are animals that are very susceptible to stress and although they can be very affectionate, they may also not tolerate contact well, especially when they are not the ones who have come looking for their family's pampering human.
Prevention is better than cure, so it is important that from puppyhood you get your cat used to contact, specifically to that which occurs close to the face or snout. Otherwise, it will be virtually impossible for you to give your cat a pill.
Reassure your cat before giving him the pill
Both you and your cat will have a very negative experience if you try to give him the pill when you see that he is nervous, since this feline is very intuitiveand he may realize that your behavior is somewhat strange.
Before giving your cat the pill, stay with him long enough until you notice that he is completely calm. Remember that you are responsible for your cat to properly follow its pharmacological treatment, therefore treat this matter with the highest priority.
Hide the pill in his food
Cats have a very refined taste for the food that we can offer them, be it homemade or a specific feed that can be dry or moist, although those with a moist texture are more nutritious and appetizing.
One of the easiest ways to give a cat a pill is to put it in the food and offer it directly from our hand, as this way we will ensure that the cat has actually swallowed the pill.
Dilute the tablet in water
Diluting the pill or tablet in water is a very practical way to give a cat a pill. Although obviously to make sure he gets the medication he needs, we'll have to administer the liquid through a plastic syringe without a needle
Before opting for this method of giving a cat a pill, it is very important to talk to your vet. Some tablets are coated precisely to reduce the damage they can cause to the stomach (this is very typical of anti-inflammatories). Also, diluting a drug may affect its absorption.
If the medication is in capsule form, it will also be possible to dilute the powder in water, always consulting the professional beforehand. The only case in which this method would not be possible is the one that affects prolonged release capsules.
