I was watching a YouTube video that shared five different ways to give a pill to a cat or kitten. One point that caught my interest was the second method. The vlogger demonstrated “the sneaky way” to slip the pill in so the cat doesn’t notice it.
I agree! Pills can be really hard for our furry friends to take. But there are a few helpful tricks I’d like to share as an extension of that video. Today, let’s talk about the best foods to hide cat pills in.
Why Hide Medicine in Cat Food?
Let’s start by addressing the question: “Why hide medicine in cat food in the first place?” In the video, the first method suggests giving the pill to your cat the old-fashioned way—placing it directly in their mouth and letting them swallow it. However, I don’t think that approach always works.
Some cats might comply. But for many pet parents, this method ends in dramatic squirming, a spit-out pill, and a battle of wills you’re not likely to win. Here’s why hiding pills in tasty treats or everyday meals is often a better option:
- Cats are sensitive to smell and texture. If the pill tastes bitter or smells unfamiliar, your cat may instantly reject it, even if you manage to get it into their mouth.
- Less stress, more success. Trying to give a pill directly can lead to scratching, hiding, or general anxiety. Hiding it in food makes it a smoother experience for both of you.
- It builds trust instead of breaking it. Forcing a pill can make your cat wary of future feedings or handling. Using the best food to hide cat pills in helps maintain a positive bond.
- It turns medicine time into treat time. With the right approach, your cat may look forward to their “special” snack, especially if it involves something they already love.
- It works well with kittens or picky eaters. When you’re learning how to give a cat a pill, working with their natural food preferences gives you a strong head start.
20 Tasty Foods That Make Giving Pills to Cats Easier
We’re here now. This time, I’ll be more detailed in the second method given in the YouTube video I watched. It’s like a food hack that makes giving pills to our feline friend stress-free. Take a look!
1. Pill Pockets
Why this: Pill pockets are made specifically to hide medication. They’re soft, easy to shape, and often come in flavors that appeal to cats.
Pro Tip: Press the pill fully inside the pocket and close the opening tightly so your cat doesn’t detect anything unusual.
2. Soft Cheese (like cream cheese)
Why this: The thick, creamy texture helps conceal the pill’s taste and smell, making it easier for your cat to accept.
Pro Tip: Chill the cheese slightly before shaping it around the pill to prevent sticking.
3. Tuna (in water)
Why this: Tuna has a strong aroma and a flaky texture that can mask both the flavor and texture of the pill.
Pro Tip: Mix a crushed pill into a small amount of tuna to ensure your cat eats the full dose in one serving.
4. Chunks of Wet Cat Food
Why this: Wet food has a strong scent and soft texture that helps cover the taste and shape of a pill. Cats are often more accepting of their favorite wet food during medication time.
Pro Tip: Tuck the pill into a chunk or stir it into a small portion to make sure your cat finishes it all.
5. Chicken Baby Food (no onion or garlic)
Why this: Plain chicken baby food is gentle on the stomach and very appealing to cats, especially when they’re not feeling well.
Pro Tip: Warm it slightly to enhance the aroma before mixing in the pill for a smoother experience.
6. Chopped Deli Turkey or Chicken
Why this: These meats are flavorful, easy to tear, and can be wrapped around a pill without raising suspicion.
Pro Tip: Choose thin slices and fold them tightly around the pill so it stays hidden when offered as a bite-sized treat.
7. Mashed Sardines
Why this: Sardines have a strong, fishy smell that easily masks the scent of most pills. Their oily texture also helps coat and carry the medicine.
Pro Tip: Mash the sardine with the pill and serve a small, concentrated portion to ensure your cat eats the full dose.
8. Butter or Margarine
Why this: Butter and margarine are smooth and slippery, making them helpful for coating pills so they slide down more easily. Some cats also enjoy the taste.
Pro Tip: Lightly coat the pill and offer it by hand or place it in a dish with a small treat to encourage licking.
9. Liver Pâté
Why this: Rich and aromatic, liver pâté is both appetizing and soft enough to mold around a pill completely.
Pro Tip: Scoop a small amount, press the pill inside, and reshape it into a little ball to serve as a tempting treat.
10. Tasty Treats Designed for Hiding Pills
Why this: These treats are made specifically to help disguise medication. They’re flavorful, soft, and shaped to make pill-hiding easy.
Pro Tip: Follow the package instructions and always choose a flavor your cat already enjoys for better success.
11. Plain Yogurt
Why this: Unsweetened plain yogurt has a smooth texture and mild flavor that some cats enjoy. It can help the pill go down more easily.
Pro Tip: Stir the pill into a small spoonful and serve it immediately so your cat finishes it in one sitting.
12. Canned Pumpkin (Unsweetened)
Why this: Pumpkin is fibrous and moist, which can help coat the pill and support digestion. Its mild sweetness is appealing to some cats.
Pro Tip: Mix the crushed pill into a small spoonful and offer it as a special treat apart from regular meals.
13. Meat-Flavored Gelatin
Why this: The slick texture and strong scent of meat-flavored gelatin make it ideal for hiding pills. It slides easily and helps with swallowing.
Pro Tip: Mold the gelatin around the pill and chill it slightly to firm it up before serving.
14. Crushed Kibble Mixed with Wet Food
Why this: Mixing textures can help disguise a pill and make the meal more engaging for your cat. The flavor from the wet food masks the pill, while the crushed kibble adds interest.
Pro Tip: Use just a small portion to make sure the pill is eaten completely and not left behind.
15. Soft-Boiled Egg Yolk
Why this: Egg yolk is soft, rich in nutrients, and has a mild flavor that some cats enjoy. Its creamy texture is ideal for wrapping or mixing with a pill.
Pro Tip: Cool the yolk slightly, then mash and combine it with the pill for an easy, nutritious disguise.
16. Moist Meat Rolls or Paste-Style Treats
Why this: These are moldable, flavorful, and usually very appealing to cats. Their soft texture allows you to cover the pill completely.
Pro Tip: Tear off a small piece, insert the pill, and reshape the treat to make it look like a normal snack.
17. Peanut Butter (in very small amounts)
Why this: Some cats enjoy the taste and sticky texture of peanut butter. It can coat a pill and encourage it to be licked.
Pro Tip: Use only a tiny amount and ensure it’s xylitol-free. Offer it on a spoon so you can confirm the pill goes down.
18. Moist Cat Treats (Moldable)
Why this: Soft treats that can be shaped by hand make it easy to wrap and hide a pill. Many are already a favorite among cats, making them a low-stress option.
Pro Tip: Warm the treat slightly in your hand, press the pill inside, and reseal it before offering.
19. Anchovy Paste
Why this: Strong in flavor and smell, anchovy paste is irresistible to many cats and helps mask both the scent and taste of medication.
Pro Tip: Dab a small amount onto the pill or mix it in with a soft treat to make it more enticing.
20. Marshmallow Fluff (Tiny Dab for Desperate Times)
Why this: While not a regular treat, its sticky texture can hold a pill when other methods fail. Some cats are drawn to the unusual sweetness.
Pro Tip: Use only a pea-sized amount and only when no other food works. Always check ingredients for pet safety.
How to Give a Cat a Pill with Finesse
Now that you have an arsenal of tasty treats, let’s discuss the art of giving a cat a pill with finesse. The goal is to make it seem like any other delightful snack time.
- Prepare the Treat: Prepare the chosen treat with the hidden pill. Ensure the pill is securely concealed within the treat to avoid detection.
- Create a Distraction: Approach your cat calmly and engage in a little distraction. Petting, playing, or talking to your cat can help put them at ease.
- Offer the Treat: Gently present the prepared treat to your cat. Keep it at their nose level to pique their interest. Most cats will instinctively sniff and then take a bite.
- Monitor Swallowing: After your cat takes the treat, observe it closely to ensure it swallows it. You can even stroke their throat gently to encourage swallowing.
- Reward and Praise: Once your feline friend successfully consumes the treat, shower them with praise and a reward, like an extra treat or a play session. Positive reinforcement strengthens the association between pill time and a pleasant experience.
- Be Patient: Remember, practice makes perfect. If your cat spits out the pill initially, don’t be disheartened. Stay patient, and with time, you’ll both become pros at this cat medication game.
The Infamous Pill Gun
Some cats can be incredibly adept at detecting and avoiding hidden pills. In such cases, consider the infamous pill gun. It’s a handy device that delivers medication directly to your cat’s throat. Here’s how to use it:
- Load the Pill: Place the pill inside the pill gun’s tip, ensuring it’s secure.
- Position Your Cat: Gently hold your cat and tilt their head slightly backward to encourage swallowing.
- Administer the Pill: Insert the pill gun into your cat’s mouth, aiming toward the back of its throat. Press the plunger to release the pill.
- Swallow and Reward: Stroke your cat’s throat to encourage swallowing, and follow up with a treat or a bit of water to help wash down the pill.
While the pill gun might seem intimidating, it can be a lifesaver for cat owners dealing with particularly stubborn pill-takers. It ensures the medication reaches its intended destination, even if your cat is skilled at detecting pills.
Peaceful Pilling Wins
Yay! Now you’ve got the information you need. That YouTube video may have sparked the idea, but now you’re equipped with a complete list of cat-approved foods to make medicine time easier. Every cat is different, so don’t be afraid to experiment and find what works best for your furry friend.
Want more pet-parent tips like this? Explore our latest guides at American Paws Club and discover trusted resources, verified breeders, and a whole community that gets you.
FAQs
How can I ensure my cat swallows the hidden pill and treats?
To help your cat swallow the pill, gently stroke their throat after they’ve consumed the treat. This helps encourage swallowing and makes the pill go down smoothly.
Are there any cat-friendly pill-coating options to make medication easier?
Yes, some pharmacies offer pill coatings in flavors like chicken or fish, making pills more palatable for your cat. Ask your vet for recommendations.
Can I use wet cat food to hide pills if my cat prefers it over treats?
Absolutely! You can hide pills in a small portion of wet cat food. Mix it well to disguise the pill; most cats will happily consume it.
How should I store medication-disguised treats to keep them fresh and compelling?
Store medication treats in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Check the expiration date of the medication to ensure it remains effective.
Can I combine different methods for difficult cats, like using a pill gun and treats?
Yes, you can combine methods. Administer the pill using a pill gun, then follow up with a tasty treat as a reward.
The post 20 Best Food to Hide Cat Pills In appeared first on American Paws Club.
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