The steps below are guidelines only. Feel free to modify them according to the cat's, and your own, comfort level.

- If you're pilling the cat by yourself, hold the cat so that he can't back away. A corner works well, sit cross legged or kneel down, turn the cat so that he faces away from you, and cradle him gently between your knees so that you have both hands free.

- Also, you could wrap the cat securely in a large towel baby-bunting style, so that only his head protrudes.

- If someone is available to help you, have your helper comfort and cradle the cat from behind, holding the cat's front legs down securely so that he doesn't scratch.

- With one hand, grasp the top of the cat's head. The tips of your thumb and index finger should be positioned at opposite corners of the mouth on the cat's upper gum line.  Gently tilt the cat's head back so that its eyes are facing upward. The cat should reflexively open his mouth slightly.

 - Holding the pill between the thumb and index finger of the other hand or in a pill gun, place downward pressure with your middle finger on the front of the cat's lower jaw.   Drop the pill as far back in the cat's throat as possible, aiming for the point where the tongue meets the roof of his mouth. If you're comfortable sticking your finger into the cat's mouth, use your finger to slide the pill down. 

- Quickly close the cat's mouth, continuing to hold his head back. Stroke the cat's throat to stimulate swallowing. When the cat licks his nose, it often means he's swallowed the pill. If the cat doesn't swallow, try blowing lightly on his nose. This stimulates the cat's swallowing reflex and serves to distract him. After the cat swallows the pill, give him praise and a treat or half-dropper of sodium free chicken broth, diluted with water, or plain water

Please Note:

- Cats have an extremely well developed swallow reflex, so do not be concerned that the pill will get stuck or end up in a harmful location.

- Excessive salivation may be seen in some cats after receiving medications. This is not harmful and will subside once the cat relaxes.

- If the pill gets under the tongue or to the side of the mouth, the animal may spit it back out.

- Some cats will just not take a pill, regardless of how well you follow these directions.  If this is the case with your cat, you may want to try an alternative method of providing your cat with the medicine they need.  Compounding Pharmacies can take medications normally only available in pill form and create alternative methods of providing that medication, such as in liquid or capsule form or in chewable tablets flavored with fish or chicken.  Please ask NGVSC if this is needed for your pet.