This may be a fluke but when our cat was on antibiotics for 4 days twice a day I tried this.

Pills were very very small and he had to have 3 halves. Did the open mouth, get down throat and stroke trick, but followed it up with 2 treats. Now this cat will do a lot for treats!

Next day left the 3 halves on the table and he ate them then waited for his treat!

Couple of times he wasn't interested so went back to the open mouth bit, but on the whole he self medicated.