The best way I've found to give medicine to a feisty pet who understandably doesnt want to swallow the pill is to gently wrap the animal in a towel or blanket. Do this some time prior to administering the medicine and stroke and love the animal a bit first. Then use the techniques described above to actually get the medication down the animals throat. The blanket gives you a safe, humane way to keep your pet from scratching or clawing you, and allows you to hold them firmly without hurting them.