5 Ways To Make Giving Subcutaneous Fluids To Your Cat Easier
If you need to give your a cat a subcutaneous injection on a regular basis, it might be difficult. Cats can be fickle and unwilling to sit still for anything, and when a needle comes into the picture they may be even more resistant. Try these tips to make it easier to control your cat while you're giving them a subcutaneous injection.
Offer Treats
Most cats love treats, so if you can get them to associate getting an injection with treats, they'll be more easy-going about it. Try feeding treats to your cat just before giving them the injection, and then while the needle is in, too. Give them another round of treats when the injection is all finished as a reinforcement that you approve of their behavior. In time, they should focus more on the treats and less on the injection itself, which should make for a smoother process.
Tire Them Out Beforehand
A cat who can fight and struggle while you're trying to give them an injection is a cat who has a lot of pent up energy. Try using up this energy beforehand by giving your cat a hearty playing session before you give them their injection. By getting them to burn off some of their excess energy, they'll be tired out and not have quite as much fighting spirit when you give them an injection.
Comforting Them
Something as comforting as a warm towel or your cat's favorite blanket can go a long way to making them feel more at ease. You can also use the towel or blanket to bundle them up so that the cat is unable to scratch you or wiggle away as easily.
Catnip
Another option is to give your cat some catnip, if they're affected by it. Catnip tends to make cats feel mellow and affectionate, so it may be a good way to keep your cat calm while you give them their injection.
Medication
If all else fails, you can ask your veterinarian to give you a mild sedative to give to your cat before they receive their injection. Sedatives are often prescribed for cats before traumatic procedures like injections or air travel, so your vet should be amicable to the request.
Whether your cat needs subcutaneous injections for their kidneys or something else, performing this procedure can be tough, but it's worth it. Talk to a veterinarian like Pitts Veterinary Hospital PC if you're still having difficulty for additional tips and tricks.