1. Lubricate or ‘grease’ the pill with a very small amount of some gravy from canned food or a piece of a soft treat so it does not stick in your cat’s mouth or throat and will be easier to swallow. This is very helpful with the administration of capsules.

2. Hold the pill between your dominant hand’s thumb and index finger.

3. Gently grasp your cat’s head from above with your other hand by placing your thumb on one side of the upper jaw and your fingers on the other. Tilt your cat’s head back over her shoulder so that her nose points to the ceiling. Her jaw should drop open slightly. With your pilling hand, use your little finger and ring finger to open your cat’s mouth further by gently putting pressure on the lower lip and front teeth.

4. Quickly place the pill as far back over the tongue as possible. Try to place it on the back one-third of the tongue to stimulate an automatic swallowing reflex, then close your cat’s mouth and hold it closed while you return her head to a normal position.

5. Gently rub your cat’s nose or throat or blow lightly on her nose. This should stimulate swallowing. Usually, a cat will lick its nose with its tongue if it has swallowed the pill. In some cases, it may help the cat swallow the pill better if you follow the pill with a little tuna juice, flavored broth, or water gently squirted into the mouth with a syringe or offer the tuna juice or flavored broth in a teaspoon or a bowl.

6. Right after pilling your cat, give her some positive reinforcement (e.g., treat, brushing, petting, or playing). Be sure it is something that your cat enjoys.