The Cat-Medicine Ladai! How to Give Your Cat Dawai Without a Fight 🐱💊

 

If you own a cat (billi), you know they are truly masters of detection! Unlike dogs, who might gulp down a pill hidden in a roti or treat, cats are far more cautious and can instantly tell if their food or routine is even slightly off. Giving your cat medicine (dawai) can feel like a genuine ladai (battle).

But don’t worry! With the right technique, patience, and some pyaar (love), you can get the job done quickly and with minimal stress for both of you.

 

Method 1: The Sneaky Food Trick (If Your Cat Allows It)

 

This is the easiest path but only works if your cat hasn’t cracked the code yet!

1. Choose the Right Bait: Cats are brilliant. Do not mix the pill in their entire bowl of food—they will eat around it and leave the dawai. Instead, use a small, high-value, strong-smelling treat. Wet food (like tuna, mashed fish, or liver paste) works best because the strong smell masks the medicine.
2. Make it Small: Mix the pill (if safe to crush; always check with your vet first!) into a tiny, single-mouthful ball of wet food.
3. The Hoshyar (Clever) Cat Problem: If your cat is too smart, even this won’t work. They’ll smell it, look at you suspiciously, and walk away.
4. Special Pill Pockets: Many vets recommend special pill-hiding treats that have a pocket inside. They are tasty and flexible, making it harder for the cat to detect the pill inside.

 

Method 2: Manual Pills (The “Cat Burrito” Technique)

 

When the food trick fails, manual administration is the most reliable way. It requires confidence and speed.

 

Preparation is Key

 

• The Cat Burrito: Wrap your cat securely in a thick towel, leaving only their head exposed. This is crucial as it prevents scratching and struggling, making the cat feel more secure and giving you control.
• The Setup: Have the pill ready in your dominant hand, or use a pill dispenser (a small plastic plunger tool recommended by vets) to keep your fingers safe.

 

Steps to Give the Pill

 

1. Hold the Head: Gently place your non-dominant hand over the top of your cat’s head, placing your thumb and index finger just behind their canine teeth.
2. Tilt Up: Gently tilt your cat’s head slightly upward. Their bottom jaw will naturally drop a little.
3. Open and Drop: Use a quick motion to drop the pill as far back on their tongue as possible. The goal is to get it past the hump in the middle of the tongue.
4. Encourage Swallowing: Close their mouth immediately and hold it shut for a few seconds. Gently rub their throat or blow lightly on their nose—this reflex usually makes them swallow.
5. Check for Swallowing: Look for a lick of the nose or lips; this confirms they swallowed.
6. Reward: The second the pill is down, give them a treat, praise, and let them out of the towel. This positive ending helps them associate the process with a reward.

 

Method 3: Giving Liquid Dawai (The Syringe Trick)

 

Liquid medication is often easier but requires slow and careful administration to prevent choking.

1. Secure Your Cat: Again, the “Cat Burrito” is your best friend.
2. Measure and Position: Measure the dose accurately into the syringe or dropper. Gently insert the tip of the syringe into the side of your cat’s mouth, just behind their teeth, aiming toward the cheek (not down the throat).
3. Slow and Steady: Slowly squeeze the liquid out, administering it in small drops, not all at once. Give your cat time to swallow between drops. Pushing it too fast can cause them to inhale the medicine.
4. Reward: As always, end the session with their favourite treat!

 

Exploring Alternatives

 

If your cat is extremely resistant, ask your veterinarian about these modern options:

• Compounding: Some pharmacies can change the bitter medicine into a flavoured liquid or chewable treat (like chicken or fish flavour).
• Transdermal Gel: For some medicines, the drug can be turned into a gel that you rub onto the inside of their ear flap. The medicine is absorbed through the skin, avoiding the whole mouth struggle altogether!