Giving Subcutaneous Fluids to a Cat

[Medusa]

Administering subQ fluids is easier than it appears. I've been giving them to my calico Puddy for over a year now and when I first started (you can check my previous posts), I felt so inadequate and clumsy. But you'll get the hang of it. I make sure she's at waist level w/me and I hang the bag of fluids from a plant hanger. Just pull up a tent of skin at the back of her neck, insert the needle straight in, not at an angle and all should go smoothly. Be sure the needle is sharp; you can reuse a needle if you wipe it w/an alcohol saturated cotton ball first but you don't want to cause kitty any more pain than necessary, so a needle should probably only be used twice, then start w/a new one. The thicker the gauge of the needle, the faster the fluids will flow. Puddy gets 150 cc. and it takes less than 5 minutes. Good luck and let us know how it's going.

Blessings,
Mary

[fragrancehound]

Well, I'm an idiot! I just tried giving him fluids and I ended up sticking myself in the thumb. I really do not like the sight of blood especially my own.

[kb2yjx]

Do not feel so bad about sticking yourself with the needle, even as a nurse, I have done that while trying to give fluids to Raven, the moving kitty!! OUCH!!

[Medusa]

I should've mentioned that the first time I tried it, I stuck my thumb, too. You're a newbie to this stuff; it takes practice. But you'll be a pro in no time and you won't even stop to think about it, you'll just do it. Hang in there.

Blessings,
Mary

[MBones]

Fragrancehound, here is an excellent website and guide to administer sub-q fluids. I hope this helps. Unfortunately, I don't know how to link so you will have to cut and paste. (Edit-it worked)

http://www.felinecrf.com/managb.htm

Hope this helps!

[Freedom]

Ha ha, I just HAD to chuckle, about you sicking your thumb. That is the first mistake and one to be repeated many times.

I have to give my Dad a shot of vitamin B12 once per week. The first time, most of the fluid went over me and the floor, I doubt he got ANY!

And I remember now that once, giving Amber his fluid, more ended up on the counter top than should have.

It is all part of the experience, don't feel you are any more an idiot than the rest of us! And keep up the good work caring for Panther.

[AbbyMom]

Good advice in the above posts...I ended up doing s-q fluids for my RB girl Quasar when I was home alone.

I liked putting her on the counter...she liked it too. It was easy to pet her and coo over her and for some reason she did not find it frightening.

Also, the vet mentioned that the higher the bag, the faster the drip. Freedom's S hook idea is terrific. I used a camera tripod stretched to its highest limit. Made it go faster.

Good luck.