Paw’s Corner: Pill-giving doesn’t have to be a chore

Dear Paw’s Corner: For any readers having trouble giving their cat a pill, I think I may be able to help. I have 14 cats, so my experience is adequate.

First, I would ask the vet if the medicine also comes in liquid form, as some do. It’s much easier to give liquid. Your vet can supply a syringe (the no-needle kind). This works best.

Second, your vet also has “pill poppers.” These work like a slingshot. The pill fits into the cylinder, and you put it in the cat’s mouth as far back toward the throat as you can without stimulating the gag reflex. Then you push the hand end of the cylinder, and the pill goes to the back of the throat, which causes a swallowing effect. It’s very successful, quick and painless.

The pills also can be stuffed into a piece of cheese or another chewy kind of treat; some pet stores will have treats made for this purpose. As for pills rattling in the bottle and alerting the cat, try putting them in an envelope or a labeled Ziploc bag.

I hope you’ll try these methods. All of them are much less stressful for your cat and you. Good luck. — Dale in Illinois

Dear Dale: Many thanks. I know this will be a great help to readers who need to give their pets medicine both on a temporary and a regular basis. Readers, check with your pet’s veterinarian for alternatives to medications in pill form.