Dear Cathy,
I have a five-year-old cat that we rescued from the Humane Society. He is a Russian Blue and a great cat, except he will not eat any wet foods. The only thing he will eat is dry food. My vet has no answer. He is very healthy, but wonder what we would do if he needs a pill or other oral medication. We have tried all kinds of food, including tuna and chicken, and he will only drink the juice.
– Harry, Marana, Arizona
Dear Harry,
Thank you for sharing your concern about your Russian Blue. It sounds like he has a strong preference for his dry food diet, and while this might make feeding medication a little tricky, it’s
manageable with the right approach. Cats can be notoriously picky eaters, and some have a lifelong preference for dry food. While it’s ideal for cats to eat a combination of wet and dry food due to the added hydration wet food provides, your cat’s health is the most important factor—and it sounds like he’s thriving on his current diet.
If the need for medication arises, there are several options available:
- Pill Poppers
A pill popper (also known as a pill syringe) is a fantastic tool for giving pills to cats. It’s a long, slender device with a soft tip to securely hold the pill. You load the pill, gently open your cat’s mouth, and press the plunger to deposit the pill at the back of their throat. It might seem daunting initially, but it’s straightforward once you get the hang of it. I recommend asking your veterinarian to demonstrate or watching a video tutorial online to build your confidence. - Pill Pockets
While your cat might be averse to wet foods, he may still enjoy a pill pocket—a soft, moldable treat designed to hide pills. These come in various flavors and can make medication time feel like treat time. If your cat isn’t a fan of pill pockets, you could try wrapping the pill in a small piece of cheese or a smidge of his favorite juice from chicken or tuna (since he already enjoys those flavors). - Compounded Medications
If pills are still a challenge, many medications can be compounded into flavored liquids, pastes, or even chewable treats. These are custom-made by a veterinary pharmacy and can be tailored to suit your cat’s taste preferences. Discuss this option with your vet if the need arises. - Crushing Pills
Some pills can be crushed and mixed into food, but always consult your veterinarian first, as some medications lose their effectiveness or become unsafe when crushed. Given your cat’s aversion to wet food, this method might not work unless you mix the crushed medication with a small amount of a strong-smelling liquid treat he enjoys, like tuna juice. - Hydration and Dietary Adjustments
While your cat may not eat wet food now, you can ensure he stays well-hydrated. Consider offering him a pet water fountain to encourage drinking, as many cats find running water more appealing. You can also try soaking his dry kibble in warm water or broth (without onion or garlic) to create a softer, wet food-like texture. This gradual exposure might make him more open to trying wet foods.
Ultimately, it’s great to hear your cat is healthy and thriving. His dry food diet works for him, and with the tips above, hopefully, you’ll have no trouble managing medications if he ever needs them.
Cathy M. Rosenthal is a longtime animal advocate, author, columnist, and pet expert with over 25 years in the animal welfare field. Send your pet questions, stories, and tips to moc.tidnuptep@yhtac. Please include your name, city, and state. You can follow her @cathymrosenthal