How to Give Your Cat a Methimazole Tablet
By Pet Health Supplies Delivered to Your Door. — PETRX.com | Published: 2026-10-17
Category: How-to Guides
Learn the best techniques for giving your hyperthyroid cat a methimazole tablet, including tips for using Felimazole or ReguZol coated tablets.
Quick answer
To give your cat a methimazole tablet, use a gentle pilling technique that places the pill at the back of the tongue, then follow with a syringe of water or a tasty treat. Coated tablets like Felimazole or ReguZol are less likely to cause drooling or foaming, but you still need to ensure your cat swallows the full dose.
Why methimazole tablets require careful administration
Methimazole is the active ingredient in prescription drugs like Felimazole and ReguZol, used to manage hyperthyroidism in cats by reducing thyroid hormone production. Because these tablets must be given daily, sometimes for the rest of your cat's life, developing a reliable pilling routine is essential for successful treatment. Coated tablets help mask the bitter taste, but cats can still sense the medication and may resist or spit it out.
What you'll need before you start
Have the prescribed methimazole tablet ready, along with a pill pocket or a small amount of wet food, a syringe filled with a few milliliters of water, and a towel if your cat tends to struggle. Coated tablets like ReguZol and Felimazole are available in different strengths and counts, so double-check you have the correct dose from your veterinarian.
Step-by-step: How to give your cat a methimazole tablet
- Prepare the tablet and your cat: Remove one methimazole tablet from the blister pack. If your cat is nervous, wrap her gently in a towel with only her head exposed. Have a syringe of water or a tasty treat ready nearby. Common mistake: Trying to pill a cat without securing her first. A towel wrap prevents scratching and sudden head movements.
- Open your cat's mouth: Place your thumb on one side of the upper jaw and your index finger on the other, just behind the canine teeth. Gently tilt the head back until the mouth opens naturally. Do not force the jaw open. Checkpoint: If your cat clamps her mouth shut, do not pry. Instead, gently press her lips inward against her teeth — she will usually open her mouth to avoid the pressure.
- Place the tablet on the back of the tongue: Use your free hand or a pilling tool to drop the coated tablet as far back on the tongue as possible. Immediately close the mouth and gently rub the throat or blow on the nose to encourage swallowing. Common mistake: Placing the pill too far forward. The cat will spit it out. Aim for the very back of the tongue.
- Follow with water or a treat: Squirt a small amount of water from the syringe into the side of the mouth to help the tablet go down. Alternatively, offer a pill pocket or a spoonful of wet food immediately after. Checkpoint: Watch for a few seconds to confirm she swallows. Some cats pretend to swallow and then spit the pill out later.
- Reward and observe: Give your cat a small treat or extra petting to create a positive association. Monitor her for a few minutes to ensure she does not vomit or show signs of distress. Next step: If your cat consistently refuses or vomits after medication, contact your veterinarian — there may be a different formulation or dose that works better.
Products mentioned in this guide
- ReguZol (Methimazole) Coated Tablets for Cats: ReguZol Coated Tablets (methimazole tablets) are indicated for the treatment of hyperthyroidism in cats. Methimazole works by reducing the production of thyroid hormones. The coating helps reduce the bitter taste, making it easier for your cat to accept the pill and less likely to foam or drool.
- Felimazole Tablet (Methimazole) for Cats: FELIMAZOLE Coated Tablets contain the active ingredient methimazole and are given to your cat every day to block the production of thyroid hormones. Daily consistency is key for managing hyperthyroidism, and the coated tablet can improve compliance by masking the medication taste.
