Feline Greenies Pill Pockets Cat Treats Salmon Flavor, 1.6 oz

My Ragdoll cat, Finn, has a heart condition so I have to give him two pills, twice per day. His vet recommended using Greenies pill pockets to disguise his treats. These are very soft (almost the texture of playdoh) that you can mold around the pill. I do think it’s a great idea, but my cat doesn’t really seem to like the taste or texture of these - he doesn’t eat them willingly, I have to make a very small one and place it in the back of his teeth to get him to eat it. Maybe it’s the flavor that he doesn’t like (catnip flavor). I’ll definitely try another flavor of these because I do find them helpful and a lot better than trying to force him to swallow a pill by itself! These do seem to lose their moisture content pretty quickly and dry out in the packaging they ... MoreMy Ragdoll cat, Finn, has a heart condition so I have to give him two pills, twice per day. His vet recommended using Greenies pill pockets to disguise his treats. These are very soft (almost the texture of playdoh) that you can mold around the pill. I do think it’s a great idea, but my cat doesn’t really seem to like the taste or texture of these - he doesn’t eat them willingly, I have to make a very small one and place it in the back of his teeth to get him to eat it. Maybe it’s the flavor that he doesn’t like (catnip flavor). I’ll definitely try another flavor of these because I do find them helpful and a lot better than trying to force him to swallow a pill by itself! These do seem to lose their moisture content pretty quickly and dry out in the packaging they come in too. Just a tip if you’re using these, you can tear off a very small piece of one treat to cover a pill, you really don’t need a whole one for a cat - the treats are pretty large! That will save you a ton of money!

A product I rely on, despite inconsistent quality

I've been using these for a bit over a year to administer thyroid medicine to my cat 2x/day. The first few months of administering medication with Pill Pockets was SO easy - my cat would wolf these things down without a second thought.Earlier this year, I saw that my cat was far more hesitant to take them. I would have chalked this up to him "being a finicky cat," except that it was obvious the product had changed. Even today, I see drastically different moisture levels between packages: sometimes, they're incredibly soft and gummy; other times, they're stickier; and on the other extreme, they can arrive dried out and crumbly. Aroma (and I presume flavor) varies wildly as well.I've completely given up on purchasing the 'Value Pack' of 85 - quality seemed ... MoreI've been using these for a bit over a year to administer thyroid medicine to my cat 2x/day. The first few months of administering medication with Pill Pockets was SO easy - my cat would wolf these things down without a second thought.Earlier this year, I saw that my cat was far more hesitant to take them. I would have chalked this up to him "being a finicky cat," except that it was obvious the product had changed. Even today, I see drastically different moisture levels between packages: sometimes, they're incredibly soft and gummy; other times, they're stickier; and on the other extreme, they can arrive dried out and crumbly. Aroma (and I presume flavor) varies wildly as well.I've completely given up on purchasing the 'Value Pack' of 85 - quality seemed consistently lower with these packages, not to mention, keeping them fresh for a month was nearly impossible.While I'm grateful a product like this exists as it allows me to pill my cat without ruining our friendship, I hope Mars Corporation (the maker of Greenies Products) looks at both quality control and product packaging. Otherwise, I'll be in search of a new pilling solution.

Better than pilling our cats

I've been using pill pockets for years on my older cats. As others have stated, the quality and even size can be very inconsistent. One of my cats takes Prednisone daily which is a longer, skinny tablet. Some pill pockets are too short so one end of the tablet sticks out the other end. If my cat gets a whiff of medication, he refuses to take it. They need to make a taller version to allow for a longer pill/tablet. On my last order, I had ordered the Salmon flavor as well as food and litter. Of course whoever packed my order last time, put the pill pockets inside with the box of litter. Of course they arrived totally smashed and were totally unusable. I contacted Chewy and they shipped out a new bag of pockets immediately.

Caused abdominal distress and vomiting.

I got these, as my cat was recently diagnosed with hyperthyroidism and has to take a pill twice a day "forever". She's never been easy to give meds to, and I thought these were a great idea.The very first time I gave her the med was in one of these....and she took the pill easily....but 5-10 minutes later she made some noises, almost as if she was in pain, and threw it up, along with the pill. It was bad enough that I was afraid I was going to have to make an emergency trip to the vet...but she improved after vomiting.At first I thought it was the medication....I tried again the next day, and unfortunately, every time I tried (with 3 exceptions) she became ill.I called the vet and asked if it could be the medication...the vet said that it wasn't a normal side ... MoreI got these, as my cat was recently diagnosed with hyperthyroidism and has to take a pill twice a day "forever". She's never been easy to give meds to, and I thought these were a great idea.The very first time I gave her the med was in one of these....and she took the pill easily....but 5-10 minutes later she made some noises, almost as if she was in pain, and threw it up, along with the pill. It was bad enough that I was afraid I was going to have to make an emergency trip to the vet...but she improved after vomiting.At first I thought it was the medication....I tried again the next day, and unfortunately, every time I tried (with 3 exceptions) she became ill.I called the vet and asked if it could be the medication...the vet said that it wasn't a normal side effect.She began not accepting the pill pockets....just wouldn't eat them any more....so I had to use a "pill popper" to get her to take the med...that isn't something I want to continue doing as it stresses her (and me)....but, she did not get sick...so I tried putting the pill in a bit of her wet food...and she did actually take it....and again, not sick...for the last few days I've been using her wet food, and she hasn't gotten sick since I began using it.The pill pockets are a great idea (and less messy than putting the pill in the wet food and hand feeding it to her)...but they have a very bad reaction with my senior girl.Unfortunate, because I just bought 3 bags of them...but...I wasn't expecting this issue.Your mileage may vary, but if you're trying these with a new medication, and your cat throws up....talk to your vet....it could be the pill pockets and not the medicine.

Easy and tasty

My cat has had epilepsy for several years since he was 2 years old, and takes half of a tiny pill twice a day. The pill is small enough that I can split a pill pocket in half and fit the pill inside sufficiently. One pill and one pill pocket per day, but split into two. Saves money and it is easier for my cat to eat. I found that when I used the full pill pocket, it was too chewy for him and and would end up chewing too much, tasting the pill, and spitting it out. Half works perfectly.I have noticed that as the product gets close to expiration, it starts to dry out and is not as effective at sealing in the medicine. Other than that, as long as I keep the bag sealed, it stays fresh. The catnip flavor is my favorite as my cat loves it and it doesn't smell as bad ... MoreMy cat has had epilepsy for several years since he was 2 years old, and takes half of a tiny pill twice a day. The pill is small enough that I can split a pill pocket in half and fit the pill inside sufficiently. One pill and one pill pocket per day, but split into two. Saves money and it is easier for my cat to eat. I found that when I used the full pill pocket, it was too chewy for him and and would end up chewing too much, tasting the pill, and spitting it out. Half works perfectly.I have noticed that as the product gets close to expiration, it starts to dry out and is not as effective at sealing in the medicine. Other than that, as long as I keep the bag sealed, it stays fresh. The catnip flavor is my favorite as my cat loves it and it doesn't smell as bad (tuna and cheese is stinky, salmon is ok, and my baby doesn't care for chicken).

Easy and tasty, but smelly!

My cat has had epilepsy for several years since he was 2 years old, and takes half of a tiny pill twice a day. The pill is small enough that I can split a pill pocket in half and fit the pill inside sufficiently. One pill and one pill pocket per day, but split into two. Saves money and it is easier for my cat to eat. I found that when I used the full pill pocket, it was too chewy for him and and would end up chewing too much, tasting the pill, and spitting it out. Half works perfectly.I have noticed that as the product gets close to expiration, it starts to dry out and is not as effective at sealing in the medicine. Other than that, as long as I keep the bag sealed, it stays fresh. This flavor is very very smelly though! I don't mind as long as my cat continues to ... MoreMy cat has had epilepsy for several years since he was 2 years old, and takes half of a tiny pill twice a day. The pill is small enough that I can split a pill pocket in half and fit the pill inside sufficiently. One pill and one pill pocket per day, but split into two. Saves money and it is easier for my cat to eat. I found that when I used the full pill pocket, it was too chewy for him and and would end up chewing too much, tasting the pill, and spitting it out. Half works perfectly.I have noticed that as the product gets close to expiration, it starts to dry out and is not as effective at sealing in the medicine. Other than that, as long as I keep the bag sealed, it stays fresh. This flavor is very very smelly though! I don't mind as long as my cat continues to eat it without any issues, but it is by far the smelliest of the options. I try to rotate the flavors to keep his interest.

Even the vet was amazed how well these worked!

Both of my cats need to take gabapentin before going to the vet's office, or they become spicy boys. My one cat who's a little bit more prone to illness has gotten wise about me medicating him. Since I was the only one in the house willing to do it, he would get completely suspicious if I mixed something and gave it to him, even when I was just adding water to something to try and encourage fluids when he was ill. We got these as a last ditch effort after I tried to give him a tablet and he kept cheeking it. I did not think this would work, I 100% expected him to eat the treat around it and spit out the pill. My husband wrapped a full 100 mg Gabapentin capsule in one of these treats and gave it to him and he snarfed it down! He's a big boy and needs a higher dose, ... MoreBoth of my cats need to take gabapentin before going to the vet's office, or they become spicy boys. My one cat who's a little bit more prone to illness has gotten wise about me medicating him. Since I was the only one in the house willing to do it, he would get completely suspicious if I mixed something and gave it to him, even when I was just adding water to something to try and encourage fluids when he was ill. We got these as a last ditch effort after I tried to give him a tablet and he kept cheeking it. I did not think this would work, I 100% expected him to eat the treat around it and spit out the pill. My husband wrapped a full 100 mg Gabapentin capsule in one of these treats and gave it to him and he snarfed it down! He's a big boy and needs a higher dose, so he gave him the second 100mg capsule and he ate the second one no problem! When we got to the vet, because he was having issues with vomiting for over a week, the vet said instead of a nausea injection, they would give me five days worth of nausea tablets and give him the first one in the office. I asked them to show me how to pill a cat, just in case these stopped working. They brought the medication in along with some of their own pill pockets, broke the cerenia in two pieces and wrapped each piece in part of a pill pocket. They also gave me two pieces that did not have medication in it. Since he was hiding, they had me giving it to him. They said they've never seen a cat take their medication that quickly and easily before! I really hope he never gets wise to the fact these have medication in them, because I don't know what I do if he does! I left the package on the counter, and knew when he was finally feeling better because he tried to rip the package open and eat the rest of the pill pockets that were left in it!

Fooled the unfoolable kitty!

My eldest cat was recently diagnosed with early kidney disease and placed on prescription food with a prescription heart medicine to be given twice daily. Pilling a cat and even administering liquid medicine to a cat has been a nightmare for me, having been required to do it for three different cats. I saw these when getting my autoship order together for Mina's prescription food and thought I should try them. I never in a million years expected these to fool her, but they did and do!Not only does Mina love these pill pockets, she comes running into the kitchen every time she hears me open the bag to get one out. It completely surrounds her half tablet and she has no idea she's getting medicine in her treat. I know that cats with kidney disease can lose their ... MoreMy eldest cat was recently diagnosed with early kidney disease and placed on prescription food with a prescription heart medicine to be given twice daily. Pilling a cat and even administering liquid medicine to a cat has been a nightmare for me, having been required to do it for three different cats. I saw these when getting my autoship order together for Mina's prescription food and thought I should try them. I never in a million years expected these to fool her, but they did and do!Not only does Mina love these pill pockets, she comes running into the kitchen every time she hears me open the bag to get one out. It completely surrounds her half tablet and she has no idea she's getting medicine in her treat. I know that cats with kidney disease can lose their appetite so I hope she never loses her appetite for these because they make both of our lives so much easier when it comes to medicating her.

Good concept but cats didn't like it

Food is a matter of taste, and my cats didn't like this at all. I bought 3 flavors (salmon, chicken, and catnip) and tried them all out, without the pill In them, on the cat who has to take chemo pills. He says "yuck." I asked 2 of my other cats what they thought of it and they said the same. Even the fat greedy one wouldn't touch them. I'm surprised and disappointed. They all LOVE the Greenies dental treats. I would say if you have a cat who needs help getting pills down, to at least try them and see if your cat likes them. If your cat does, it solves your problem. Mine had been eating his pills hidden in his cat food and topped with freeze-dried chicken, but ate around them the last time. I needed another sneaky option. I might try sticking them in a piece of real ... MoreFood is a matter of taste, and my cats didn't like this at all. I bought 3 flavors (salmon, chicken, and catnip) and tried them all out, without the pill In them, on the cat who has to take chemo pills. He says "yuck." I asked 2 of my other cats what they thought of it and they said the same. Even the fat greedy one wouldn't touch them. I'm surprised and disappointed. They all LOVE the Greenies dental treats. I would say if you have a cat who needs help getting pills down, to at least try them and see if your cat likes them. If your cat does, it solves your problem. Mine had been eating his pills hidden in his cat food and topped with freeze-dried chicken, but ate around them the last time. I needed another sneaky option. I might try sticking them in a piece of real shrimp or meat next time. Or rolling the pill pocket in something tastier.

Works for a little while.

These work for a little while, but seem to lose their flavor before I'm even halfway through the bag. I make sure it is sealed tightly, and have tried keeping it in another tightly sealed bag, but to no avail. Fresh out the bag though? My cat eats them right up. Not sure how she likes the salmon flavor, but I think she didn't like the catnip flavor. For reference, my cat takes a small half tablet every other day. I barely need half a pocket to cover the pill, so when they're still fresh, I give the other half of the pocket to her as a treat. They are very easy to adjust the sizing for, smushing either half or two pockets around a pill as needed. For picky cats, I might suggest the canine pill pockets; but ONLY the meat flavors. PLEASE NOTE: I am no expert and would ... MoreThese work for a little while, but seem to lose their flavor before I'm even halfway through the bag. I make sure it is sealed tightly, and have tried keeping it in another tightly sealed bag, but to no avail. Fresh out the bag though? My cat eats them right up. Not sure how she likes the salmon flavor, but I think she didn't like the catnip flavor. For reference, my cat takes a small half tablet every other day. I barely need half a pocket to cover the pill, so when they're still fresh, I give the other half of the pocket to her as a treat. They are very easy to adjust the sizing for, smushing either half or two pockets around a pill as needed. For picky cats, I might suggest the canine pill pockets; but ONLY the meat flavors. PLEASE NOTE: I am no expert and would suggest comparing ingredients to see if they are healthy for cats, or asking your vet first. They are bigger and oilier with a stronger flavor, so it may help and they may last a little longer. I submitted suggestions to Greenies in hopes they can help these stay fresh longer. Maybe a tuna flavor too! (My cat loves the tuna greenies hard treats!)