Administering a Tablet to Your Cat

Administering a tablet to your cat

In this post, we want to share some simple tips on giving your cat a pill or tablet.

If you’re interested in mixing medications into food, we also have information on that on our website, but for now, let’s focus on tablets.

For those who are right-handed (like Dr Korman in this video), it’s often easiest to give a tablet using your dominant hand. First, stay calm and gently restrain the cat. Hold the tablet between your thumb and forefinger in your dominant hand. With your other hand, hold the cat’s head, placing your thumb and forefinger on either side of their teeth. Gently tilting the head back will help the jaw open naturally.

Use your index finger to push the pill to the back of the mouth. Afterwards, give lots of encouragement and treats to make the experience as positive as possible.

Giving your cat a small amount of water might be helpful for some tablets, and using a syringe to help the pill go down smoothly. Alternatively, you can use a pill popper. Different kinds are available, but we prefer a soft, flexible tip that fits various pill sizes. With a pill popper, face the cat away from you, using your body to gently stop them from backing up, and lift their head slightly.

Then, place the pill popper in their mouth and depress the plunger to release the medication. The key is to use a pill popper with a soft tip to avoid irritating your cat’s mouth.

Are you worried about your cat’s health?

If you are concerned about your cat, please reach out to our friendly team. Call us on 1300 228 377 or fill out the contact form below. In an emergency, please contact your local vet.

For vets – to refer a patient or book a telehealth consultation, please call us on 1300 228 377, book through the portal or fill in the form.

Patient Stories

Our commitment to feline health is best seen in the stories of the cats we’ve had the privilege of treating. These journeys highlight the dedication, expertise and compassion that drive us.

Each patient faced unique challenges, and it was our honour to offer high-quality care and help them regain strength and happiness. We value the deep bonds with cats and their owners, knowing the difference we make in their lives.

See All Stories

The road to recovery for Kuro

Kuro is a calm and dignified older cat who faced a challenging case of hyperthyroidism and early kidney changes.

Kikki’s transformation after I-131

Kikki is a gentle and resilient cat who came to CSS with a long-standing case of hyperthyroidism and significant heart changes.

Bubba beats hyperthyroidism

Bubba is a charming ginger and white cat who came to us after his owner noticed he was hunting more, eating voraciously and losing weight, all subtle signs of hyperthyroidism.

Expert care and a tailored plan saved Ed from pancreatitis

Pancreatitis is an inflammatory condition that disrupts digestion and often goes unnoticed until a cat becomes seriously ill. That was the case for Ed, whose vague symptoms progressed into a life-threatening emergency. Thankfully, with expert care from Cat Specialist Services, she made a full recovery.

Tango Triumphs Over FIP

At 5 months old, Tango was diagnosed with Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP). Once considered a fatal disease, the introduction of new treatments has significantly boosted the survival rate.

Contacting Us

Pet Owners
If you would like to talk about treatment for your cat, call us on 1300 228 377 or fill in the form.
In an emergency, please contact your local vet.

Vets and Nurses
To refer a patient or book a telehealth consultation please call us on 1300 228 377, book through the portal or fill in the form. For advice calls, please see the guidelines here.

1300 228 377

1-15 Lexington Rd,
Underwood, QLD, AU, 4119

Monday-Friday: 8 am-6 pm
Saturday/Sunday - Closed