How to Give Subcutaneous Fluids to Your Cat at Home

[@skypup03]

These videos always have the most passive, compliant cat possible. We need help with normal cats who know something is coming and run like hell at the sight of a needle.

[@BKLNHobo]

The treats hack works like a charm.

[@shamyshamuswow213]

Wrap them in a towel. Easier with two people so one can hold them. Try calming your cat first

[@jasperjudd]

I tried to give my cat fluids last night and good god did he put up a fight. We tried treats, we tried holding him still while wrapped in a blanket, and we even tried two people totally pinning him down as sad as it made me to do it, but every time he feels the poke of the needle he still somehow manages to lurch forward and I can’t keep the needle in for longer than a split second. I have no clue how to solve this😓 Also before anyone asks, I changed out the needle every time so it was sharp and sterile. I also used to work as a MA so I have medical training, and I’ve given plenty of SQ and IM injections, but man I’ve had an easier time giving shots to screaming biting children than doing this.

[@xyz5765]

Ain't that the truth!

[@redbloodedbutterfly]

@@jasperjudd That sounds extremely frustrating. You might need to bring your cat to the vet and watch how your vet handles your cat. Also, once your cat is upset, it might be best to stop and try again later once your cat has calmed down. Two people pinning the cat down sounds extremely stressful to both you and the cat, so it's not surprising that he wanted to run. For treats, perhaps baby food or Churu liquid treats would be more persuasive than what you have now? I haven't had to give IV fluids (yet), but if my CKD kitty ever needed it, he fights so much that I'd need to pay my vet to do it.

[@miss_jess]

Thank you for this wonderful video!! **Tips:** 1. The higher you hang the bag, the faster the fluid will flow - handy if your cat won't stay still long. We were able to inject 100ml in just a minute or two. We hung the bag on the curtain rod with an s-hook and placed the cat on the bed. We let him lick treats to keep him happy. He was so comfortable that he wouldn't leave after! 2. Warm the fluids beforehand, it makes a HUGE difference to how well your cat tolerates the procedure. Our vet said to fill a container with hot tap water and let the bag sit in it for 10 mins. It's very important to leave the top of the bag out of the water and dry, as getting the connections wet can lead to bacteria growth. If you are nervous about doing this, please don't be. There's a reason vets let us do this ourselves at home - it's because it's very easy and safe. My cat always feels a lot better after getting fluids at the vet, I'm glad we can do it at home now.

[@calmdown9617]

Do they use lactated ringers with 5% dextrose?

[@misschanandelerbong7946]

@@calmdown9617 some do- it depends on your individual cat's labs to determine the best fluid.

[@auroracorps5533]

How do you warm the fluids?

[@noura-wc9kf]

how often does the primary tubing need to be changed?

[@GarrettBell]

I don't even have a cat or want a cat and honestly have no idea how I ended up here but she's a great teacher

[@ThePublicHealthHarlot]

Yesss!!! I am a proud Catlady who at first tonight was disappointed to not be able to find a video tutorial from Cornell Vet. But... this lady made me feel so good about the procedure (!!? Yes even MY squicked out overthinky ass!?) that I j gave my first session of fluids (unassisted! Single handed! ~105 mL!) to my Phat Cat!! Besides being proud of myself lol I’m sooo proud of her! She couldn’t have been more cooperative-I think my offering of Temptations treats actually messed it up more lol bc she moved during first two attempts which ended in fluid leaking and me removing the needle to try a second and third time. She was sooo patient w me through the whole thing!! And it’s like her girlfriends intuited the importance too bc this is the first time in history they haven’t become savage fiend kitties when they hear that bag. 😭😻😸

[@ThePublicHealthHarlot]

For the record I know-my Phat Cats a special girl ... a survivor 5 years ago of cancer and 30 days of radiation and so much more-who’s VErY aware of when humans are trying to make her feel better. 😽

[@ThePublicHealthHarlot]

I think she was both eager to get the hydration/relief from stage 4 kidney disease ANd annoyed that I’d already poked her 3x : “ok... let’s get this over with already...” 😹 she really couldn’t have been more peaceful and literally minutes later looked sooo much more relaxed like she could finally rest.

[@mariekarole1621]

Brittany Porter I just did this to my 18 year old Bengal who is skinny . He moved out of the needle with us holding him down. How did that nurses fat cat not wiggle away.

[@trinidiana]

That’s hilarious

[@jamiemcclure8937]

Thank you for this video! My poor boy has kidney failure and we are giving him fluids. My vet taught me how at her office last week but I was wanting a little refresher before I did it again, and this was exactly how (same bag and everything). THANK you!!

[@fabiolasolis8986]

How's your cats?

[@michaelisawolff]

going through the same thing right now :(

[@abbys213]

​@@michaelisawolffI'm going through this now. Is your cat still hanging in there?

[@kimfarr87]

This really helped me a lot. I was pretty intimidated coming home with the fluid bag and a bunch of needles. You made it seem so simple. Thank you!

[@voncotu7333]

Ditto

[@Squidmoto3]

Thank you for the guide. My baby only has a couple days left in her but this will help make her comfy until she passes. I'm going to miss her forever.

[@AdultHumanXX]

I’m so sorry. I just got a bad diagnosis for my old guy too. Sending love to you and your girl 🤍

[@LumpyFPV]

Sorry for your loss. 💜💜💜💜

[@BeeOnASunflower853]

❤🐾💕

[@Calliekodabennycain]

So sorry for your loss. Missing them is the hardest part. You’ll be together again.

[@certifiedveterinarytechnic2122]

If you leave a dirty needle on the line, bacteria from the skin can travel up the line. It is recommended to put a clean needle on the end of the line in between uses.

[@tomcoryell]

She said that.

[@mariekarole1621]

Our vet told us to leave a dirty needle on I would think No bacteria! We just caped it. We got 13 more pokes uggh

[@mablenay]

@@tomcoryell you misunderstood. Go back to 1:15 and listen again. This vet in this video says they make a habit of leaving the dirty needle on until the time comes to administer fluids again, and then they put a clean needle on just before administering. Certified Veterinary Technician said "no, you shouldn't do that because bacteria can get into the line".

[@user-eg8fn2yc4t]

You are exactly right. Leaving a dirty needle on a fluid bag and also reusing that needle is ridiculous. They are less than 10 cents a pop- Put a fresh needle immediately after use and throw the used one out! (Return used needles to vet for proper disposal. Please do not discard with your regular trash. It is medical waste.)

[@knothead35]

Yep, i change my dirty needle as soon as I finish the day's fluids. I put the clean needle on and leave the packing on the end of it so i know for certain that it is, indeed, a clean needle.

[@summersearscpa]

Hi Sarah and DL team - My fiesty old kitty is on fluids for kidney support. The vet tech showed me how and she was great, but Rosabelle Kitty and I were still having a hard time. Then I found your video. We hung the bag higher and distracted her with milk and treats, and I went in with confidence. The whole thing was over in around 5 minutes and it was SOOO much better for everyone involved. Thank you!! 😽🐾🙏

[@tbiggs1087]

you should never give a cat milk.

[@jodilyn]

PLEASE-- No milk for your cat. 😢 It's going to upset her stomach quite a bit. Milk is not good for cats.

[@gracielagomez3677]

I administer fluids all the time and by you slowing down and explaining step by step really helps me to understand this procedure on a different level. You are So informative, thank you!!

[@nmrv4823]

Thank u sooo much, this video literally saved my cat's life, it was 3 am, no vets available and we had to do something or he will die, we could stabilize him till the next morning and now he's fully recovered ❤️

[@NothingWasted]

Awwww how is your baby now ?

[@nmrv4823]

@@NothingWasted doing great! He’s a big, chubby, and healthy boy 💕

[@NothingWasted]

@@nmrv4823 yay!!!! So happy for you!

[@WildernessForever]

Where were you able to get fluid, lines and needles?

[@beskurcyja]

@@WildernessForever I think you can get in a drug store, it should be OTC since it's usually just fluids and no medicaments.

[@catsmeow2you]

Thank you for walking through the procedure!! I'm about to to this myself for the very first time at my home. My 17 yr old male has had fluid treatments 2x per week for 3 months now at vet. He just received excellent news on blood work today and his kidney values are nice a stable from changing diet to wet KD and of course his fluid treatments!! I have no choice but to do this at home because he doesn't handle the car ride, and is a little over an hour round trip. It's too stressful, along with holding him from a litter box and vomiting from motion sickness. So, thank you VERY much, for your patience & guidance for us non vet people!!! ❤❤❤❤

[@Ring0fSaturn]

Excellent lesson, Sarah. My wife and I just gave subcutaneous fluids to our cat and it was fairly easy, for the first go. The fluids did not so much drip as gush, so it really took less than a minute for the dose to be administered.

[@alisonjetmar7437]

What a sweety of a cat. I bribe my cat with Temptations and he forgets the needle is in his skin! Thank you for the excellent tutorial. I am new at this and am grateful to all the expertise I see on KZbin.

[@jilldollinger5017]

Thank you! I have to do this to my cat. All these tips are so useful. They showed me at her vet's office but it was a little overwhelming. It is good to have this for review.

[@crystalmocon4981]

So glad for KZbin. My 18yr old senior cat had a vet appt today and he's in stage 3 kidney failure so diet change and fluids. The tech showed me what to do at the vets office but this video was a great recap and I don't feel as nervous about putting the needle in the wrong spot or hurting him. It's more about making sure his days are comfy. He's blind, arthritic, with bad kidneys but he's still drinking lots of water, eating lots of food, using his litter box, walking up and down the stairs MULTIPLE times a day, jumping up on the couch , bed and chairs. Just sucks they don't live as long as we do.

[@schikashap8633]

Great video. You can speed up the flow of fluids by making sure that the spot where the rolling lock was, is round and not semi pinched. Often times when the locked is released, the spot on the line where the rolling lock was remains somewhat restricted, especially if it was locked for a couple of days.

[@joelmasket1817]

I thought it was a very good description of the procedure, but I don't think I heard her mention that the bevel of the needle should be facing up when the needle is inserted into the SQ space.

[@FilbieTron]

Thank you, came here looking for that information!

[@ladyturnip]

Such a good patient. 🐱♥️

[@lyndi9082]

Thanks so much for your clear instruction and visual demonstration... huge help for us first timers! I ended up hanging bag on a hanger off the very top bed of the cat condo while she sat on a lower bed and looked out the window... works very well.

[@jamiebiddle4146]

I appreciate your calm, concise training technique on this procedure. Very helpful!

[@gbradshaw4710]

Thank you for this video. The very patient explanation and step by step is a wonderful help as there is a lot of anxiety in trying to do the best for your pet. It is a great video!

[@AddictAnime1]

Thank you for mentioning the bump! I was terrified I'd put the fluids where they shouldn't be 😭

[@LoveABun]

Good video! And what a great-looking, precious kitty! I like warming my fluids before administering. It makes a huge difference to the comfort of the cat. My cats actually enjoy their fluids.

[@wendy645]

My animal shelter adoption coordinator sent me this for giving sub-qs to an 8wk old kitten. I had the basics down, as I've seen it done and I work in an ER and see a LOT of IVs done, but haven't ever done it myself. The explanations were so helpful! Thank you so much!!

[@georgetilley9529]

Thank you. This was so helpful. I gave my cat fluid yesterday. I wasted alot, but I did get fluid inside of him. This makes so much sense. I will do a better job tonight thanks to you. Thank you!!!

[@KathyMacDougall]

This was a great video. We have been struggling giving IV fluids to our 20 year old cat. She freaks out at the vet and they felt it was no longer worth trying there. Giving them at home has also been challenging. The tips to leave her where she is comfortable (rather than trying to confine her) and giving her a favorite treat while the fluids are going in really worked!!! THANK YOU!

[@thatgirlreacts5465]

How’s your cat doing?

[@jsfnnyc]

I'm having to do this to my cat at home for the first time ever and only had one quick 10 minute instruction at the vets office. Now that I'm at home and trying to do it, I have so many questions!!! Thank you for this video.

[@sagegoodwin1]

How did it go? I gotta do this tonight and I’m dreading having to do it but I love my kitty so I got to❤️

[@GoCoyote]

I did this 20 years ago and needed a refresher. Thank you, and that is one cute cat.

[@catzska]

Sometimes right between the shoulder blades are harder to get a needle in because the skin seems thicker. So I usually do it more off too the side a bit. Great video, best I have seen.

[@eavgrainger]

You did such a great job - and a beautiful and sweet patient, too. Thank you!

[@sabrinahamilton725]

Scared.I am so glad you made this video.You are a wonderful teacher.He has not been this content and peaceful for days!There are no words to thank you!🐈😀❤️❤️❤️

[@errantstars8294]

In my experience, it's best to not do it by yourself, especially not at first. If the cat is a cuddly one, or likes being held at all, then have the person the cat trusts most to hold them. We had similar issues with another cat when she needed a feeding tube but eventually she became less scared and we didn't need to restrain to feed or medicate her at all and one person could do it alone. That cat also got used to her inhaler eventually. It's not just down to personality, the cats in these videos are so calm and compliant because they're used to it. It's treats and attention Tuesday for them, so they handle it better.

[@jeanmanns4467]

Thankfully I came across this video as today I’ll be showed how to do this with my fur baby. I was terrified about thinking if I was going to remember everything when it was my time to give it to her so now I feel a little relief now knowing what to expect and questions to ask..

[@marthahales2430]

I found this video while looking for a refresher course on giving fluids to my current cat and was pleasantly surprised to hear the name DoveLewis. I used to bring my cats to you from 2000-2004 when I lived in Portland. It was nice to be reminded of the wonderful care we got there.

[@marthahales2430]

P.S. Giving my cat a special treat of some canned chicken has made a huge difference in how well she behaves during her treatment.

[@elizabethwinchell1338]

Thank you! Love this video! I come back and re-watch it if I'm not confident that I fully remember everything, and re-watching lets me relax and project a calm energy, and lets me get the procedure right for my kitty. I really appreciate your teaching!

[@eaw2nf]

Thank you so much!! I was so intimidated but you made it so easy! My cat did great!!

[@sabrinahamilton725]

Thank you,thank you,thank you!I just couldn’t do this procedure right and so I went on KZbin to find a video about it.My senior cat was going downhill and I was so

[@peterspees2424]

The best technical prestation of sub-Q procedure.

[@catherinel2288]

Very helpful, thank you. Wish me luck with my cat that doesn't like anything!

[@mchaelhron279]

Very good tutorial. Thanks. It gives me a bit more confidence. The patient is very good!

[@genesis_berry]

Thank you SO MUCH! My vet explained it quickly but not in depth enough and my first attempt I basically just squirted the fluids everywhere because I couldn’t figure out the bag and all. You were so much more thorough but also easy to watch and pay attention to! Lifesaver (hopefully literally)!

[@brendaharrington2251]

Great video, thanks for providing these clear and concise instructions!

[@jodilynn4853]

Thank you for this.! My cat can't have treats cuz of dietary restrictions due to kidney disease so we just love up on him throughout the whole thing. This video made it seem easier than I was making it out to be.

[@amandah.5876]

Smart! Thanks for the advice; my guy can’t have any treats either, so I was wondering what to do instead.

[@jodilynn4853]

@@amandah.5876 yup, just give him lots of love. Calms them down. N I got him some cat grade cbd, seems to be working quite well.

[@DixxiER]

I have recently just started doing this for my cat who has failing kidneys, so she cannot have any treats and is on renal food. Can I ask please, how is your cat's appetite? Mine keeps waning so we keep having to give her an appetite stimulant, but a side effect is aggression. She is always worse with the drip a day or two after the appetite pill. Do you always put the needle in the same area? I am wondering if she's a bit bruised. It's been 2 weeks now.

[@artbyviktoria9265]

@@DixxiER I think you shouldn’t put the needle in the same spot over and over again so the skin and tissues can heal

[@dreamwalker2518]

There are renal friendly treats! At least where I live, but I bet in the US too. The ones my cats (also the healthy one lol) love are Trovet multi purpose treats (with fish). They're renal and heart friendly and hypoallergenic/have only fish as protein.

[@errinnskye]

Perfect demonstration, very helpful. I did it for the first time after watching this and it went well. Thank you.

[@dreamwalker2518]

When my cat got fluids they didn't tell me it would migrate, she ended up having all of it in one front leg and I was freaking out lol. Called the clinic and the vet tech had a good laugh (me too after the initial shock). So if anyone reads this, if the fluid ends up in your cat's leg or somewhere it's fine and not painful or harmful!

[@luckynothirteen]

I love the video & how things are explained. I have to do this every other day & we're just starting to do it at home.

[@carolew6248]

Thank you. I have a hard time doing this. I watch many videos and learn from each one. I think Im getting the hang of it.

[@bethyoung8646]

I give my dog Kai, fluids once a week and I like To turn on a video here, and everyone is compassionate.

[@apollostatuary4286]

Thanks for the video it reaffirm i am doing it right. i have the nicest 16 year old cat. he doesnt make any fuss. I love my cat!

[@lauriemckittrick]

Thank you for this... Miss Vivian is melting my heart!!

[@voncotu7333]

Thank you so much! I finally was able to do it by myself and she didn't even feel it. My vet tech did it on the flanks, which she didn't like at all and made it nearly impossible to do safely with only one person.

[@made-line7627]

Thankyou, this was really helpful. And Viviane is such a sweetheart. What a good girl 🩷

[@josephbingham1255]

Good luck doing that with a feral cat. But somehow Pasadena Humane Society got it done with a dehydrated feral kitten. It was in foster care for socalization then to Pet Food Express for adoption. He's a real sweetheart.

[@atibatianya]

Thanks for a video. I beginn tomorrow to give my cat subcutan infusion. The doctor showed me, but I’m thankfull for a video. My cat has kidney failure.

[@urRAWRsoundsfunnyLOL]

How is your baby? My cat has the same problem

[@atibatianya]

@@urRAWRsoundsfunnyLOL not good. I think he is dying. So we have to make a decision very soon. Fluid did help for some weeks, but he is really sick. He is a birman cat and we really thought he would be pretty long around. Well anyway we learned that we have to choose the most active cat. Also I’m a little bit mad with the kennel, because they really should know that this kitty was different. He did not eat never good, he was so small and tiny, not like his siblings. And of course we could have him cheaper. By ultrasound when he was 2 years we found out, that he has just one kiedney? And probably he was born like this?! Suddenly when we heard that, everything made sence. Well anyway we love him so much and we did what we could. He is just 4 years old. He gave and gives so much love, but this is not a life for him anymore.

[@atibatianya]

@@urRAWRsoundsfunnyLOL So my cat died today. He got very bad in the morning, he could not urinate, he was in pain. Then the doctor found out he has also a bladder stone wich was exactly in his urethra. Wich means another bladder operation with uraemie, I just couldn’t do that to him. He did barely eat something, even if the doctor could fix the bladder stone, he would need antibiotics, steroid, but his kiedney can not take this medication. Also he had already problem with his liver. So like being in a circle. I feel so bad, Im so sad, but we did let him go. He was already under anesthetic, so we thought he can just sleep away. So that’s the story.

[@photogirl023]

@@atibatianya I'm so sorry to hear about your fur baby. You took good care of him and I'm sure he felt very loved.

[@atibatianya]

@@photogirl023 thank you. I’m so sad and we miss him so badly. Every day I’m just thinking about that, it was a right decision to make ? Or maybe if the doctor fix the baladder stone, but he would have then so much pain and every day bladder catheterization and who knows what?! He was our first birman cat……so…..we has to get use to it.

[@just_some_donkus]

Thanks for this explanation on how to feel for a good spot to insert the needle!

[@QuinacridoneScarlet]

Thank you so much for this video; I so, so, so appreciate it. My nine year old just got diagnosed with kidney disease. Years ago, I had been able to give fluids to my first cat and he just loved it--it always perked him up, and he was happy and healthy until about 2 weeks before he died, and I credit the fluids for creating such comfort for him. But that was in the oughts and I'm totally out of practice + living in Turkey and only have conversational Turkish ability, so this video was a life saver. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@spremier9626]

I really like this video. Thanks. I had to do this some years ago and wanted a refresher but you didn’t say anything about flushing the line first. I thought you had to do something to get rid of bubbles. I remember squirting a bit out of the needle (usually way too much). Thanks again 🙏🏽

[@tomcoryell]

This is my concern as well.

[@dreamwalker2518]

You don't need to do that, it's just subcutaneous (under the skin) and not intravenous (i.v.), nothing will happen

[@jenaezehm4298]

Thank you. Although the tech showed me I needed a little refresher. Still daunting putting a 18g needle in my cat but she's been tolerating well

[@treehuggermc1]

I use a 23 gage terumo thin wall. 18 gage is way too big!

[@1979Smelly]

Thank you so much for sharing this information, I have a very sick cat that I saved been to vet twice $700

[@majka.skowron]

Thanks for this video! Today I will attempt it the first time. Wish me luck!

[@majka.skowron]

It worked! The tip with food was perfect! Thank you!

[@metroi7622]

You can do this!

[@acatspectator]

does the water need prescription?

[@sergemalena6677]

Thank you so much for this video, it realllllly helped me and my guy today, your instructions were clear and just a great resource for a first timer who was very nervous. It went really well and I have you guys to thank

[@merrilew]

Thanks! I tried this yesterday with very little success or training. Second time‘s got to be easier

[@keywestcatlady]

Great Video! Slowly but surely, gets the job done, using treats helps- beef or Turkey baby food works. Make sure to let the air bubbles out before inserting.

[@1UTUBEUSERNAME]

Thanks for making this video!

[@sarahcalhoun4059]

Thank you. This made me feel much more confident doing this for my kitty

[@QueenOfTheGreen27]

Thank you so much for this video. I feel way more confident I can do the fluids for my baby at home.

[@faryalroy1443]

I don't know whether someone noticed it or not, but the cat is soooooo much obeying. She's not even running from the place and seems like she already knows what her owner is doing and how she/he should help her 😅

[@michaelisawolff]

thank you, I followed every step and it went very smoothly. I do have one question though, it seemed like the fluids went in my cat pretty quick. Like 100 mL in a minute or two. Is that ok?

[@starpilot33]

Great video! I will need to do this for sure in the next year with my 19 yr old CKD kitty!

[@BKLNHobo]

The treats hack has been a lifesaver. Once I shake the treats container he comes running over, mewing, wagging his tail, and even purrs during the IV administration.

[@tomcoryell]

Thank you. Great job! I’ve done this before, but needed a refresher.

[@mys-li4dk]

What a docile cat - I would like to see an actual realistic scenario. I am desperate to get fluids into my struggling cat and this was totally unrealistic.

[@Ceares]

Thanks for this, clear, concise and helpful.

[@victoriarose4716]

Thank you! It’s much easier than it seems :)

[@richtrout7035]

Thanks for posting this. Very helpful for my first time, very well done.

[@chelseagarrett7142]

Awesome video, but what about the remaining fluid in the bag? Should it be refrigerated between use? What is the max number of days an open bag can be safely used?

[@chucks2018]

I bought a cheap thing with a long handle - it happened to be a mop - and taped it to a 5' stepladder so the end of the handle was maybe 2' above the top of the ladder. We can still use it as a ladder. I then put the bag of fluids on a coat hanger and put the coat hanger into the hole in the end of the handle.

[@jbfitzwilliam]

Excellent demo. Thank you!

[@inkscletus]

Thank you for helping me with my sick cat Cletus!

[@danielleyannieh2548]

GREAT DEMO!! Thank you, you're wonderful!

[@sw33tm3]

How does the line and the bag stay sterile after each use?

[@michaelrtreat]

Thank you. Gonna help a friend's cat today.

[@MoreBud-Angel]

Thank you for giving me confidence❤

[@seisenstark]

Great lesson! Do you know of a treat that a cat with kidney disease can eat? Would love to get some.

[@tevans1526]

Following for having the same question

[@misschanandelerbong7946]

*I am not a vet* but generally you want to look for low phosphorus food. Instead of treats that you buy, try plain meats like baked chicken thighs and canned tuna. Egg whites (NO yolks, though) are great too but not all cats like them. I always break into tiny bits and spread around the plate so it takes longer to eat.

[@savyashrmusiclyricsvid2671]

kitcat

[@toukie]

Wow My cat turns into a demon from hell when we try to do it to him. We have to pay 45$ every 3 days so the vet can do it instead because he might be 20 years old, but he is still a fighter

[@metroi7622]

I pay a neighbor to hold my little patient. Invest in heavy duty gloves. You might save some money.

[@fajile5109]

Look up cat sock. You can put them in a little thing where they cant move much.

[@skipsterz]

Yeah, just wrap the cat in towel and use your 6 arms. 2 to hold him, 2 insert and hold the needle from popping out and 2 to open the valve and squeeze the fluid bag. Then when it’s over, you discover the towel is wet from all the fluid leaking out somewhere anyway. Vets need to make this easier for the pet owner to administer.

[@caddi70]

yeah, one of my cats is in palliative care. she's down to skin and bones, but she can still fight once it's time for her meds. 1 in the mouth and the subcu bag. I'm afraid to hurt her, she is so fragile now and could die in the next week or so. I didn't think she would make it the weekend, but she's not ready to go yet. I wish it was that easy for me and I have help. I was also told to warm up the fluid a little in a heating pad. Another thing I do as I've had to do 2 other cats is gently squeeze the bag. no way in hell my cat will sit still very long

[@melissafromm9521]

Thank you for this video. I gave my cat her fluids fir the first time since the vet showed me how. I could not tell the fluid was going in, yet I had the bag high on the door hung from a wreath hanger and she was on the floor being held. It went really fast. Maybe 6 minutes and it was 250. The vet marked the iv bag for me with a sharpie so it was really easily to see when I had given enough. I love the bed tip. I will try it next time in her window bed and hang the iv from the curtain rod.

[@mendelscot]

Our vet uses a cotton ball soaked in alcohol to sterilise our cat's skin/fur before inserting the subcutaneous needle. Is there a particular reason that atDove doesn't do that, too? P.S. Thanks for posting this helpful video. I'm going to provide treats to my 19 yo cat during her next therapy today.

[@grave3hunna]

If you leave a dirty needle wouldn't that have a potential to contaminate the rest of the bag? Otherwise I think your tutorial was good at explaining how to properly insert the needle.

[@bluebobbyd]

Thanks for the helpful video. What gauge needle are you using here?

[@NothingWasted]

Misssss Vivian!! So precious. Love the name. Question: So I was given the olive green needles. 18 gauge. It seems super big and I have to actually 'feel' it push through. Ouchies. My Vet explained it goes a lot quicker with a bigger needle but I am wondering about scar tissue from bigger wound and also if he may tolerate it better with a smaller needle. The first time I did it, I did it ALONE. Now he is on to me, my husband has to hold him. Yes, we do the whole positive association with CHICKEN, his favorite but he stops eating after I put the needle in and wants to get away. Also, he is a chill boy usually. Anyone here have input on a smaller needle maybe being better for him?

[@cathykeim1088]

It seemed like there was a green capped needle on the tubing, initially, and I assume a 18 Guage needle which is awfully large. However. It seems she removed a pink cap off the needle before she inserted it. Again, it would be helpful to go over various insertion sites and not just between the shoulder blades. I had been helping a friend by administering the fluids to her cat. Yesterday, she called and stated she felt she could do it alone. I got a frantic call and she felt she had hurt him as he cried out and struggled. I came over and attempted to do it but got the same response. I tried the next day and again the same response. I had been administering the fluids without any problem for the first week but her cat has not tolerated it since she had the unfortunate time trying to do it. She sees her vet in a day so we will get some help.

[@cheri6360]

Wonder if kitty got a bruise, or something? And it was too painful to reinject in the same place?

[@cathykeim1088]

@@cheri6360 Hi Cheri. I did always alternate the sites but I found out why he was not tolerating it. I am sworn to secrecy but let's just say my friend found a solution that was not tolerated. It was corrected.

[@loisgaffney8041]

@@cathykeim1088 please share...

[@Tonisuperfly]

@@cathykeim1088 please say what the issue was - no one here knows you or your friend but it might help us not make the same mistake!

[@cathykeim1088]

@Tonisuperfly Sorry, I did not see your question until now. Well, my friend ran out of the SC fluid from her vet so she decided to fill the bag with tap water. Tap water! No wonder the kitty found it painful. I warned her never to do that again as tap water is full of minerals and irritants. It would definitely cause pain when infused to the cat.

[@noura-wc9kf]

how often does the primary tubing need to be changed?

[@TheWildheartmuse]

What was the snack? If it is so good we all need to know. My cat is not happy with any k/d foods. Will senior food work?

[@ThePerfectSeason1972]

You did an awesome job

[@atibatianya]

My cat has a long fur , so my first time giving sc fluid was not so good. I’m getting use to it. And my cat too. Do you have any tipps for that? This cat is just eating, eating, she doesn’t care about anything. But this is not always the case.

[@nicholaspeck1192]

I, too, had a disastrous first time. You’d think a retired RN treating a 6.5 lb elderly cat would have no trouble… right?? 😱😰😳

[@keenanfaddy901]

Isn't it important to purge the line first before flowing

[@jessruhl24]

I had an extremely hard time getting the needle in her skin. How hard are you supposed to push? Do you tips for making sure the needle is in as far as it should be?

[@joleevasquez4461]

I just did it the 3rd time successfully today and it seems to me that there is a second layer of skin that I definitely feel the needle going through when I do it right.

[@avgwhitegurl6646]

My vet told me to squeeze the bag to make the fluid come out quicker, which I'm sure the cat appreciates.