How do I know if my cat needs sub-q's?

Your vet should be able to recommend when, how much, and how often your cat needs sub-q's. However, in my case, my vet at first said that she didn't think Cleo would be a good candidate for sub-q's. Cleo had just had a barium xray series (to rule out cancer), and apparently she didn't take it very well; she had to be sedated.

However, several members of the Feline CRF Support mailing list suggested that your cat should begin getting sub-q's as soon as they are diagnosed. Because Cleo didn't seem to be doing very well, I brought it up with my vet again and she said she'd be happy to show me how to do it. Many on the CRF list say cats don't need subqs unless their Creatinine is over 3. It's a little controversial, in fact: some say fluids too soon make the kidneys work harder.

Every cat is different. Listen to your vet, observe your cat, and go from there.

Most cats don't need more than 100 ML of subqs at a time. Often cats are started at once a week, but most of the people on the CRF list suggest that every other day is better; once a week just isn't enough to make your cat feel better.

You can also check to see if your cat is dehydrated. One method is to pull up the skin at the scruff of the neck; if it doesn't go down immediately, your cat may be dehydrated. A better method is to check your cat's gums. They should be moist; if they're dry and tacky, she's dehydrated.

The thing to remember is that by the time your cat is diagnosed, they've lost 75% of their kidney function. Sub-q's, while they sound scary, may vastly improve the quality of your fur baby's life — and extend that life.

Back to the FAQ