How to pill your cat the easy way Try to approach the task calmly, aiming to minimise stress to your cat. If you haven't given a pill before, it is very useful to ask a vet or vet nurse to show you how to safely give oral medication. Do not put yourself at risk of getting bitten, and watch your cat closely for signs that they are becoming angry or distressed. Place your cat on a flat, stable surface such as the floor or a tabletop. It can be helpful to put down a towel to stop them from slipping. To give the pill, this will be easier from behind or next to your cat. However, avoid taking your cat by surprise as this will startle them and may result in a defensive scratch or nip. Take the pill in one hand and with the other hand gently hold over the top of their head with your thumb and index fingers either side of their jaw and tilt your cat's head upwards. Use the other hand to gently open the lower jaw to open their mouth.. Use your index finger to place the pill in the middle of their tongue, as far back as you can. Close your cat's mouth, gently rub their throat for a few seconds and then return their head to a normal position and wait for them to lick their lips as they swallow.