What is the best way to disguise a pill in my cat's food?


Feline behaviorist Pam Johnson-Bennett, author of Think Like a Cat, says:
Disguising a pill in food is very difficult because cats always know. If you are going to try disguising it, use a food that your cat absolutely goes crazy for. First give her a taste of the food without the pill, then sneak the pill in the next bite. Offer her one more piece afterward as well. This way, she won't think that every offering of food is a trick. Don't try this with her regular cat food though -- you have to use a food that she would consider very special. If your cat is going to have to receive these pills long-term, you may want to have your vet show you the quickest, easiest technique for popping the pill into the back of her mouth. The more casual and quick you are about it, the less stressed your cat will get. Ask your vet for a demonstration. It is often easier to give liquid medication to cats. Ask your vet if the medicine comes in liquid form. If not, ask your vet if it can be reformulated at a compounding pharmacy. This way, a medication that doesn't normally come in liquid form may be made into one. These pharmacies are becoming more popular now. If it can be compounded into a liquid, it can be flavored with tuna, chicken, beef or malt. Ask your vet.

Best,
Pam Johnson-Bennett

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