Does anyone have any tips on how to do this without getting myself scratched to bits and the cat (Oliver) getting upset?

I've seen that you can get paste - is this any easier to get down them than tablets?

Ollie will definitely not eat any pills hidden in food, believe me, I have tried EVERYTHING!!  Usually I end up tipping his head back and throwing it down but he fights me and I'm not always successful first time, hence the upset and scratches!

We'd both be grateful for any help.

Paula

Profender.  It is a spot on treatment that goes on the neck despite being for worms, so you don't need to involve the mouth at all.
http://www.profender.co.uk/spot-on-worming.html

or if you want to use pills try one of these
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Pet-Pill-Popper-cats-dogs-/260903947614?pt=UK_Pet_Supplies_Cats&hash=item3cbf164d5e

I found them very useful when had to do uncoperative cat and dog

I used to wrap the cat in a BIG towel (it must be plenty big enough to drape all over the back feet).  Wrap the cat tightly with its front paws along its body - but obviously leave the head out!!  When you put the pill in it's mouth - push it really far back - beyond the arch of the tongue (make sure your nails are short).  It's very quick and you won't get scratched.

Oooh, I like the idea of a spot-on!!  Not sure if our vet will do it though - will ask!!

If not, I'll order one of those pill poppers.

I've already tried the towel method, that cat can wriggle out of anything!!!

Thanks everyone!

You can get Profender online BUT it does require a prescription. I'd imagine most vets would be able to get it though, because there simply are some cats that you just CANNOT pill. I have a few myself. I'm pretty experienced at pilling cats, but I have 3 that I would not even try with again. In fact one of them even the vet has said that no, she wouldn't try to pill either! You can do anything else, just not give pills.

I don't really like the pill guns because when I tried one (with one of my impossible cats that obviously struggled a lot) it tended to hit the back of the cat's throat and hurt him. For cats that are difficult but not impossible, I open the mouth, chuck the pill down and then push it with a cotton top as to have something soft to push with, but avoid my finger getting bitten.