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My cat won't take pills. What can I use besides pill pockets?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Male | neutered | 17 years and 7 months old | 9.5 lbs

Hello! Might you have any advice on what I can use to hide my cats pills in? He's difficult to pill and he doesn't like greenies pill pockets. Thank you

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Daniel Fonza, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on August 6th, 2017

Hello there and thank you for your post! I am not sure what medication you are trying to hide, but you could potentially have it compounded into a liquid form if that is easier. I've had clients use pieces of canned tuna to mash around the pill and that seemed to work well. I've had other clients use pieces of liverwurst to mash around the pill as well. You could also invest in a Pill Popper, which you can find in pet stores. Basically, a Pill Popper is a syringe like device that contains a hollow rubber tip which you can insert capsules or pills and safely administer them into the back of your cat's mouth. I hope this helps. Feel free to contact me with any further questions or concerns that you may have.

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2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

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    Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    A piece of cheese, piece of ham tuna or butter usually are the best ones! Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

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