Anyone Experienced in Giving Subcutaneous Fluids to Cats?

[celtictigeress]

My 16 year-old cat has kidney issues and has to have subcutaneous fluids twice a week. It's been a nightmare. My husband and I have a terrible time keeping her still once the needle goes in and then when the fluid starts going into her body. She struggles and bites and fights continually to get away. You wouldn't think that a 6.5 pound geriatric cat could overpower two big humans but she does it. We even went to the vet for a lesson on how to control the cat during the process and we still can't do it! If anyone has ever had to administer any kind of under-the-skin meds to a cat (like this I.V. or Insulin) and has some advice for me on how to make this work I would truly appreciate hearing it. I love my girl and want her to be with me for many more years, but if we don't get these liquids in her that isn't going to happen. Thank you.

[jcme]

celtictigeress

I am sorry to hear about your cat's health issues. Pets are definitely one of the family and it is great that you are trying to help her out by giving her the fluids.

While I've never had to administer fluids, I had to help keep my "grandpa cat" (that was the vet's nickname for him because of his age) clean because he couldn't reach everywhere due to arthritis. Some days you would wonder why he couldn't do it himself with all his writhering around and trying to get away. ;)

Since it wasn't something that needed to be done on a schedule so I could usually wait until he was in a mellower mood so the struggle wasn't so intense. Eventually he got used to me cleaning him up and settled down (I hope he got to that point because he knew I was trying to help him, not hurt him -- I know I pulled his hair a lot while in the process of his struggling :( ).

I know what I had to do was different, but wanted to give you hope that she will eventually get used to it once she realizes you are trying to help her and not hurt her.

The only suggestions I would make is for you or your husband to try this on your own. Maybe one human vs two would make her think it isn't such a traumatic thing. Also when you went to the vet for a lesson, did you bring your cat? If not, maybe another lesson with the vet working with you and the cat one-on-one may help.

Take care

[YellowRoseTex]

:wave:
We just went thru this the beginning of the year with our 16 year old kitty. We didn't have any problems, I put a soft towel on the counter, than petted and stroked her for a bit before dh inserted the needle. I continued to talk to her and pet her until it was time to remove the needle. There was only one time that she got really squirmy and that was the time dh didn't insert the needle correctly so had to redo it 3 times!

[celtictigeress]

Those are great suggestions. We did take her to the vet with us (and even she had a little trouble restraining her). I think the main reason it worked out better at the vet's is because my cat tends to be too afraid to fight much when she there. Maybe I'll give the solo shot a go, since she is my girl, and I'll definitely make a comfy area for her before I try inserting the needle.

I think part of the problem is that my husband and I are just so freaked out about the whole process that we communicate our fear to my kitty. We've been getting her pinned down and jumping into the shot right away, so maybe if I coo to her and fuss over her first we'll all calm down. Thank you do much for the input! :sillycat:

[celtictigeress]

I just wanted to let you know that my husband and I just gave Evie her fluids and it went much better because we cooed and fussed over her first. I think we may get the hang of this yet. Thank you again for all your help!

[jcme]

I'm glad Evie did better this time around. I'm sure she was picking up on your fear. As you continue to do this you will get better and it will be easier.

Let us know how it goes and how Evie is doing.

Take care