Google Pill Pockets in this group, I posted about them about 6 weeks
ago, with links to pictures (but probably not the best deal).

I open Buddha's mouth as far as I can and "toss" the pill way back, and she
swallows it nearly every time Shoving it back there might engage the gag
reflex.

I try to sneak the pills in the side of the mouth between the back teeth. I
have more luck getting the pill towards the back of the throat that way than
when I approach from the front. All cats are different so I guess it's trial
and error.

W

I pill about 25 cats a week - sometimes more.  This technique works the best
for me.

Here's an excerpt from my site:

"To give tablets, minimal restraint is best, and the tablet must get into
the laryngopharynx quickly so that it neither dissolves nor is tasted or
smelled.  While holding the head back, one uses the thumb and third finger
to push the sides of the cat's mandible and hold it open.  The index finger
of the opposite hand can be used to open the mouth by pushing down on the
lower incisors. After putting the tablet in place,  hold the mouth closed
until the cat licks her nose or otherwise indicates that she has swallowed.
If the cat still does not swallow, a sudden puff of air on the nose may
prompt her to swallow."

Smoothness and speed are your best allies; if you're struggling with your
cat, take a break and try again later"

Here's the complete article with diagrams:

http://maxshouse.com/Medicating_Your_Cat.htm

After my cat getting tired of being pilled every day for thyroid I started
crushing the pills and giving it to her in her food.  Eventually she started
on capsules which I am told by the vet are okay to open and give at once so
it still goes into her food.

No more struggles and no more cat that backs off from me in the morning.

--
Barb
Of course I don't look busy,
I did it right the first time.

writes:  >Sam cat is starting on thyroid pills...same thing I take

Lots of hints:
First, cats can't maneuver their tongues the same way we can.  So if you don't
place the pill correctly in the cat's mouth, she can't get it down and she
spits it out.  The myth is that cats are ornery and spit the pills out to be
defiant.  That's not true.  If you place the pill in the *center* of the tongue
and at least halfway back, they'll always swallow it.  If it's off-center, to
the side, they can't get it back.  So you need to work on placement.  I know
it's hard when you're new to this, but the sooner you get this part right, the
sooner it becomes a simple task.

Second, treats -- always give a cat treats after a pill, shot, or other odious
episode.  They quickly make the association between "pill" and "treat".  My
hyper-T cat, Priss, reminds me when she needs her pills (twice a day), because
she wants her treats.  God forbid I be late, she'll fuss up a storm.

Third, ditch the towel as soon as you can.  After you've mastered pill
placement and you get Sam wanting her treat each day, you won't need it.  Cats
don't like restraint.  And it creates unnecessary drama that frightens them,
IMHO.

Fourth, if you're tense, your cat will pick up on it.  Practice makes perfect,
so this will  come with time.

I pilled two cats at least once a day for 4 years, often twice a day.  The
first two months were hellish, but that's because I was learning how to do it.
Once you've mastered it, it's easy and takes maybe 15 seconds each time.
You'll get there.

Daria

Timing is everything.