I’ve medicated dogs, I’ve medicated cats, and I’ve medicated turtles.
They are all aware and after the first dose immediately catch on to what’s coming.
And they all cotton to various ruses within a try or two. . .
Yes, even the turtle.
I would say that in terms of potential injury to the applier of medication, cats can be the worst. Sharp fangs, incredibly twisty and strong for body size, and those fangs carry potential infection. Dogs don’t like meds, but are less likely to retaliate on a loved and trusted one.
Turtles? After the first few oral doses, if they start clamming up, it is damn hard to get them to swallow anything. You have to irritate them to the point that they get angry and open up and hiss and snap, and try to get a syringe of fluid spritzed into the mouth. Sigh.
I hate it when a pet goes from “hey, Daddy’s here!” state, to, “Oh, No, Daddy, don’t do that again” state. But, that’s part of the responsibility, eh?
And I’ll be recognized as good Daddy again some day.