You can trick your cat into taking Klonopin in a tasty treat so as not to cause more anxiety than he already feels from feline hyperesthesia, or rolling skin syndrome.
Commercial Feline Pill Treats
The easiest method to give your cat his medication is to place it in a commercial treat that molds around the pill and disguises it as a treat. The pill holders are sticky to make it difficult for your kitty to separate it from the pill and spit the pill out.
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Homemade Pill Holders
Form some canned cat food into tiny balls a bit larger than the Klonopin. Insert the pill into one ball and form the cat food around it. Ask your cat if he wants a treat and offer him one ball without the pill and in quick succession, give him the ball with the pill, then one more without a pill. Giving him one more ball after the one with the pill allows the taste of the pill to be removed from his mouth if he had a small taste of Klonopin.
Tip
Hiding pills in either a commercial treat, or making your own, avoids stress from giving his pill directly. Ask your veterinarian if it is OK to give this medication with food before using this method.
Direct Pilling
If your cat is not used to taking medications directly by mouth, wrap his body and legs in a towel to protect yourself from his claws. Place one forefinger and thumb on each side of your cat's face from above his head and just behind his whiskers. Apply very gentle pressure to entice your cat to open his mouth. As soon as his mouth opens, press down gently on his lower jaw and place the Klonopin on the back of his tongue. Close your cat's mouth and massage his throat to encourage him to swallow the pill. When your cat licks his nose, he has swallowed the pill. Give your feline friend about a teaspoon of water from a syringe to wash the pill to his stomach.
Tip
If your cat is uncooperative when you are trying to give him his pill directly, have a friend or family member hold him while you give him his pill.
Always check with your veterinarian before changing your pet’s diet, medication, or physical activity routines. This information is not a substitute for a vet’s opinion.