Best Pill Popper for Cats: 6 Convenient Options
- Molly Weinfurter
- 1 minute ago
- 5 min read
I don't have a cat of my own, but I definitely know how hard it is to get a cat to take a pill. I used to work at an animal boarding facility, and cats would put up quite a fight when they needed medication. Most dogs can be tricked into taking their pill by hiding it in a treat, but I quickly learned that cats are experts at spitting pills back out no matter how well you hide time. If you’re dealing with a cat who hates taking pills, getting the best pill popper for cats could make the process much easier.
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What is a Pill Popper for Cats?
Pill poppers for cats, also known as pill shooters for cats, are a syringe-like devices that you can place your cat’s pills in. Then, you can put the end in your cat’s mouth and shoot the pill down their throat without having to put your hands in their mouth. We had some of these at the boarding facility I worked at, and they were a game-changer.
Of course, some cats were still able to spit out their pills even with this device, but it happened less often. Plus, if they get upset, they’ll be more likely to bite the pill popper instead of your skin.
How to Use a Pill Popper on a Cat
According to the All Feline Hospital, these are the recommended steps to follow for using a pill popper on a cat:
Place the pill inside the pill popper in the end of the syringe while the other end is pulled back.
Have someone restrain your cat (or restrain them yourself by grabbing their head if no one else is available).
While restraining your cat, gently push the pill popper into their mouth.
Push the back of the pill popper in to shoot the pill down their throat.
Consider syringing water or a liquid treat into their mouth after to ensure they swallow it.
The faster you do these steps, the less stressful it will be for both you and your cat. If you still can’t get your cat to take pills even after trying this, talk to your vet about other options. They may be able to suggest a different form of medicine that your cat prefers.
If you’re more of a visual learner like me, check out this video of a pill popper in action.
Best Pill Popper for Cats
Now that you know what it is and how to use it, consider getting one for your difficult feline. Below are some of the best pill poppers for cats.
The pill popper I used when working at a kennel looked like this one. It has a soft silicone tip on the end to hold pills before releasing them into your pet’s mouth. Once you’re done using the pill shooter, you can easily rinse it clean so you can use it again in the future. It’s great for at-home use, but rescues and vets also use this product.
This pill popper for cats has a different design that includes spots to rest your fingers, making it easier to grip onto it as you shoot a pill into your cat’s mouth. The soft silicone tip can wrap around pills between 0.15 and 0.4 inches, and there’s also a tip for administering liquid. Make sure to slide the tip up as far as possible onto the pill popper to best results.
I love the design of this product because it looks like a dinosaur. It has a silicone tip on the end, and all you have to do is push the dinosaur’s mouth closed to shoot the pill. It’s lightweight and easy to clean with water after each use. It comes in pink or blue, and you can bundle it with a syringe to administer liquid medicine.
This option comes with two pill plungers, so if you lose one, you have a backup to ensure your cat doesn’t miss out on any pills. These two pill poppers have spots to rest your finger and two silicone ends (one for pills and one for liquid). To add a little excitement to a simple product, you can choose between blue, red, or green pill poppers.
At first glance, the Lixit cat pill popper just looks like a syringe. But it has a uniquely-shaped end that perfectly fits cat pills of varying sizes inside it. All you have to do is push the end like a syringe to shoot the pill into your cat’s mouth. Plus, it’s a fun purple color and available in packs of two.
Finally, this cat pill shooter has a simple design with a soft tip to ensure it’s safe for your furry friends. It comes in five different colors, some of which have different handles on the end. However, both handle types easily push in while you’re administering a pill to your cat, making this product convenient.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use a Cat Pill Popper for Dogs?
Yes, pill poppers work for both dogs and cats. They can also work for other animals, such as rabbits, birds, and pigs.
Where Can You Buy a Pill Popper for Cats?
Pill poppers are available at some pet supply stores and online retailers. If you’re having a hard time finding them, check out the pill shooter products mentioned above.
Are Pill Poppers Better Than Pill Pockets for Cats?
Pill poppers are better than pill pockets if your cat refuses to eat their pill in a pill pocket. Some cats are extremely finicky about pills, so they may spit it out no matter what you hide it in. In those cases, a pill popper is usually your best option.
What Should I Do if My Cat Won’t Take Their Medicine?
If you can’t get your cat to take their medicine no matter what method you try, consult your vet. They can suggest methods based on your cat’s behavior and needs. In some cases, they may be able to offer a more appealing form of medicine, such as chewables, liquids, or powders.
A Pill Popper for Cats Makes Giving Medication Manageable
There’s no need to keep struggling when it’s time to give your cat a pill. A pill popper for cats makes the process easier and more efficient in most cases. If your cat refuses to take their pill even inside a tasty treat, this might be the perfect solution.
While pill shooters work well for most cats, there are still some felines that will make it difficult. If you don’t feel that you can safely give your cat pills, talk to a vet to find out what the best options are for your pet.
