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How to Give Your Cat a Tablet

Calm, step-by-step ways to give cats tablets, plus alternatives if your cat refuses.

By Dr Hana LindqvistVeterinary review: Dr Elena Marsh5 min readPublished 2026-09-29Updated 2026-09-29
Veterinarian gently examining a dog in a bright clinic

Try food first

Many cats take a tablet hidden in a pill pocket or a small amount of strong-smelling food. Check with your vet that the tablet can be given with food and does not need to be kept whole.

Giving it by hand

  • Wrap your cat in a towel if it wriggles
  • Hold the head gently from above and tilt it back
  • Open the lower jaw with a finger of your other hand
  • Drop the tablet at the back of the tongue
  • Follow with a little water or food so it doesn't stick in the gullet

Never crush without asking

Some tablets are coated or bitter; crushing can make them less effective or make your cat foam at the mouth.

Alternatives

Ask your vet about liquids, flavoured chews, transdermal gels or injections if tablets become a battle.

Dog and cat body condition progression from underweight to obese
Body condition is assessed by touch as well as appearance. Ask your veterinary team to score your individual pet.

References

  1. Giving your cat a tablet — International Cat Care