Giving Subcutaneous Fluids to a Cat

[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.

[Catlady711]

I've had quite a bit of experience with giving shots/fluids. Dusty (my 16 yr old) will NOT take antibiotics by mouth! I can get them in her, but she gets so upset she makes herself vomit. She gets sick a few times a year and requires injections. Actually she just got a shot of ampicillin tonight, everyone else got amoxi-drops. We've also had to do subQ fluids with Dusty in the past.

Rather than type all the info out, here's a WEBSITE that has step by step instructions with pictures for each step.

Hope it helps! Good luck

[fragrancehound]

Thanks for the links! I guess it is going to take a lot of practice.

[TamanduaGirl]

When Kat needed fluids I would sneak up on her when she was sleeping and tick it in then hold her in place petting her as it went in.