Can you hide it in people tunafish? I say that, even though every animal I every had would eat neatly around the pill.

It's an antibiotic, so it's a friggin' horse pill. I could hide it in food, but it would be too big to get down his throat, and he'd probably easily eat around it.

I'm very stressed out about this.

He'd supposed to get two pills a day. He got one yesterday, because the vet gave it to him when she was showing me how to do it.

He did not get his pill for last night, and it took multiple attempts for him to not get the pill. He needs this medication. But he won't take it. I'm stressed almost beyond the capacity to function right now.

That was my favorite too.

Sean, this might sound crazy, but would a shelter ever take on cat, temporarily? I'm just thinking if you told your local shelter that S is very ill, and that you're unable to administer the antibiotic, but that the cat needs it badly, maybe they could help?

Another option -- what's the antibiotic? Is it something that could be administered in liquid form. Sticking a medicine dropper down the cat's throat and squeezing a bulb sounds much easier to me (in theory) than making the cat take a pill.

Another option? Does the Vet have an assistant who might like to pick up a few bucks stopping by twice a day to administer the pill?

I'm sorry. I wish I could help you. I am pretty sure I couldn't do it, either.

Aw, the baby toes are absolutely adorable and look delicious.

Sean, is there any other formulation of the drug? A liquid, maybe? Is there another antibiotic that would also work that comes in an antibiotic? It's much easier to shoot some liquid from a dropper down an animal's throat than get a pill down there.

When you go back today, make the vet go through every available option. I feel so bad for you, because I know for a fact that if I had ever had to give Puck pills, one of us (likely me) would have ended up grievously injured, with no pill swallowing accomplished.

x-post with the wise Cindy!

I hate to suggest this, but Sean, I think the stress this is causing you may be making things worse. Pets can sense stress so much, and they run from it. I know Toto does.

I really like Cindy's idea of seeing if one of the techs would be willing to stop by and administer the meds. That way, the cat's not mad at you either. I don't if it's possible, but if you need some money to pay for it, I'm willing to help. I hate seeing you all stressed like this.

Poptarts:

I got the Pottery Barn Lust catalog today. I'm having major lust, but actually on something I can potentially afford. Go figure! I'm thinking I need this valance [link] with the hardware, for my kitchen window. I won't get the cafe curtain...just the valance. I think it'll add a certain something, though, since I've decided that my kitchen wants to be red. Plus, it gives me some color options for the wall quilt I'm going to make for the wall opposite of the window. See...just too perfect.

{{Sean}} I wish I had a solution for you.

I hate to suggest this, but Sean, I think the stress this is causing you may be making things worse. Pets can sense stress so much, and they run from it. I know Toto does.

I agree. Sean, I know how incredibly shitty the past couple of weeks have been for you, and I can't help thinking that the kitty knows it. I know this may sound utterly ridiculous, but I have a couple of yoga DVDs that I could loan you. I think finding a place where you are centered might help you in all of these areas.

In terms of the kitty, everyone's already given good suggestions. When all else fails, my method involves mummifying the cat with a blanket; wedging him between my thighs as I kneel over him; pinching his jaws open and shoving the pill down with one finger; and then holding his mouth closed as he attempts to flail and froth at the mouth. No, it isn't pretty, but it generally works. Hang in there.

In meme news, ND is still asleep, and I'm really worried. Even in his sleep he's been making pathetic whimpering noises all night. I'm beginning to think it's not bronchitis (not enough coughing), but I am starting to worry about pneumonia. Today's the last day he gets to "wait and see." If he's not significantly better by tomorrow, we're going to Urgent Care.

Oh Sean, I'm so sorry. Seriously, if you can talk a tech into coming by 2xday to pill the cat for a small fee, I'll contribute. You so don't need this stress on top of the stuff you're already dealing with. Poor kitty, and poor you.

I'm glad things seem to be improving, Laura. Vibes that this trend continues.

I'm back at the desktop, which has been mindwiped and reloaded. It picked up something nasty, and was kludgy. Fast again, but I'm sure it lost some stuff in the rebuild. Latterly fic bookmarks, for sure. Other things will be known by their absence. Still, nice to see Bessie running fast again.

Oh! I meant to say how incredibly CUTE Matilda is. Bless.