How to Properly Give a Cat a Pill

Oregon Humane Society in partnership with Oregon Veterinary Professionals

What You’ll Need

• Blanket• Pills• Cat

How to Give a Cat a Pill

Step 1: Immobilize the CatFind the cat and wrap him in the blanket.

Note: in this image, the cats paws are free. Do NOT proceed to step 2 until the paws are tightly held inside the blanket.

How to Give a Cat a Pill

Step 2: Prepare the PassagewayFind the side of the cat’s mouth, where it hinges to the jawbone.

Press your thumb there until the mouth pops open.

How to Give a Cat a Pill

Step 3: Pop the Pill InsideAim for the back of the throat and pop the pill down the cat’s throat.

How to Give a Cat a Pill

Step 4: Encourage Swallowing

Hold the cat’s mouth firmly closed and stroke it’s throat to encourage swallowing.

Warning: this step can take up to 5 minutes! Do not give in to sad looks!

How to Give a Cat a Pill

Step 5: Release and Cheer

Once convinced the pill is swallowed, release the cat from the blanket and celebrate!

But remember, you have to do it all over again, usually the next day.

How to Give a Cat a Pill