It's not very fun, but when you gotta do it, you gotta do it
One of my kitties took a turn for the worst last week, and was ultimately diagnosed with liver problems. The good news is, liver problems are very treatable in cats. The bad news is, I have to give him a pill and a dose of liquid medicine EVERY DAY for the next MONTH. Oh wow!
If you have never tried to give a cat medicine, you are in for a real treat. Wait, not "treat," I mean "rodeo."
First of all, if you have to give a cat a pill, start by trying Greenies Pill Pockets! Most cats will accept their pill as a delicious treat this way. It's definitely worth a shot!
The first step is to set your stage. Ideally you want to have a stretch of counter space or table top free, something at about waist height, with plenty of room clear. Anything within range is liable to get grabbed by an angry cat and pushed over the edge, so clear that table!
Next, set down a towel. This will give your cat something to grip, so that it feels less panicky. It also helps protect the table from scratches, and from flung medicine (which can be sticky).
Finally, set out your medicine. It should be within your reach, but far enough away that the cat can't knock it over.
Set the cat down in front of you, facing away, so that its back is against your stomach. Pull the cat in towards you with your left hand, and get the medicine ready in your right. (Or vice versa, if you're left-handed.)
If it's a liquid medicine, hold your cat's mouth shut and tilt its head upwards. Try to get the dropper in the farthest back corner of your cat's mouth. Squeeze the medicine in and hold on for a second, enough to ensure that the cat has swallowed it. Your cat will lick its lips when it has swallowed it.
If you let go of your cat too soon, you will be treated to the dreaded "pink sneeze." It is amazing how far a cat can "ptui!!!" a mouthful of liquid medicine!
If your cat isn't fooled by pill pockets, you will have to drop the pill down the back of its throat. Hold the cat against your stomach with your left arm, tilt its head upwards, pry open its jaws, and drop the pill as far back as you can. As with liquid medicine, if you see the tongue, your job is done!
And good luck!