How do I give my cat sub-q's?

When I first wrote this, I was very new to giving sub-qs — June 18, 2000 was the very first time I'd done it by myself (well, with the help of my husband) at home. It's now January 2002 — that really blows my mind. Like other sub-q "veterans", it has become routine in our house. I never thought it would be, and you probably never think it will be for you, but practice makes perfect as they say.

Here are some links that will show you the process (although you may find that what your vet has shown you is a little different, the basic principles is the same):

• Administering subcutaneous fluids to your cat
• Giving subcutaneous fluids to a cat
• Philosophy and Technique of Med and Sub-Q Administration

Your vet will give you a bag of fluids, most likely 1000 ml. On the bag there's a mark for each 100 ml. There's a blue cover on one of the small tubes at the bottom of the bag; you'll need to remove that cover. Then attach the tubing firmly to that small tube. On the tubing you'll find a small box with a little roller; this controls the flow of liquids. Finally, attach the needle to the other end of the tubing. You are now ready to begin.

Place your cat where you want to give her the fluids. Pet her and make her comfortable. It may help if you try to distract her with some treats or food; Cleo wasn't interested in any food, not the first time, anyway. If she's unhappy, be very matter of fact and tell her this will make her feel better. Some people find that having your cat in a small enclosed place, such as a pet carrier, a box, or a bathroom helps. If you're afraid, don't show it — your cat will pick up on it. Just keep in mind that you're doing this to help your cat and it will make her feel better.

Tug up a "tent" of skin from the scruff of her neck, or towards the side. Bring the skin towards the needle, rather than just poking in the needle. Make sure that it hasn't come through on the other side. If fluid begins flowing outside your cat, you'll know you're through the skin. Open up the flow, and watch the bag to make sure you're giving the prescribed amount.

Your cat will quickly develop a water pouch: it's a little pocket of skin that fills with water and hangs down. It may even be on her leg, if the fluids have run down her leg. The fluids should be absorbed in approximately 24 hours.

When you first begin giving sub-q's, you may not see immediate results in your cat's health. Keep at it — they will help her.

The first time I tried to give the sub-q's to Cleo this morning, the flow was very slow, and after a while she just didn't want to sit still for it. It was traumatic to us both. Here's some of the advice I was given:

• I was given 22 x 3/4 needles. The higher the number, the smaller the needle. While smaller needles may hurt less going in, they'll result in a slower flow. It was suggested that I try at least a size 20, which I did — and it helped.

• Make sure that the line connecting the fluids to the needle (the venoset) isn't crimped, which could impede the flow.

• If you hit a muscle instead of the skin, not only will it hurt your cat, but it will slow the flow.

• Try moving the needle in and out just a little bit to reseat it, or a little bit from side to side.

• Hang the bag as high as possible.

• Try keeping the tent of skin up during the entire process.

• You can squeeze the bag to increase the flow.

Don't worry if you see a little blood. All that means is that you've hit a blood vessel.

Subqs seem very daunting at first. I remember the first time I tried to give fluids to Cleo at home, it didn't go well and I cried because I thought my cat was going to die. But I became very good at it eventually. All it takes is practice. But even once you get the hang of it, some days willl just be bad. Don't worry about it; it happens to everyone.

I didn't think I was every going to be able to give Puss fluids, but now I do it by myself. For Puss, I had to put her on a counter, and hold her very tightly by the scruff of her neck. I tried using a cat sack (a sack where all her paws are contained, and you can pull a zipper down the back to insert the needle), but she squirmed so much in it that two people couldn't hold her down. She didn't like to be restrained, but if I tried it on the floor without restraining her she still wouldn't sit still for it. It has to be on the counter.

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