“There is nothing worse than trying to give a liquid medication to a cat that does not want it,” says Dr. Loretta Potts, a veterinary expert on JustAnswer.com with over 25 years’ experience. “All you can see is all four feet and teeth coming at your hands as you try to medicate your furry friend.”

But don’t panic when the vet gives your cat a prescription. If you possibly can get the medicine in gel or capsule form to mix with food, go for it. If not, there are two general ways vets and cat owners recommend: Hide the medicine in a treat, or squirt it right into the cat’s mouth.

What kind of treat? Dr. George McCommon of Fort Valley State University says, “It is ok to give a cat liquid medicine by putting it in a dish of water but it’s better to put the medicine in food.” This can be anything the cat likes and doesn’t get often, like canned cat food.

If you decide to give it to him straight:

• Get help – one person holds the cat, the other gives the medicine
• The first person should hold the scruff of the neck, or –
• Wrap the cat in a towel
• Measure the medicine into a syringe or eye dropper
• Squeeze gently on the sides of his jaws to open his mouth
• Squirt the syringe or dropper into the side of the mouth, aiming for the place between cheek and gums
• Give the cat a treat for what he’s been through.

For more detail, Dr. Roxanne Levinson of Smyrna, Georgia, recommends this video from Cornell University. She also says, “Most companion cats will allow you to squirt liquid into their mouths if a) it doesn’t taste bad and b) you get it right the first time.”