You don't want to do it, she doesn't want you to do it, but you have to do it. How to give your cat subcutaneous (sub Q) fluids to greatly improve their quality of life.
Meet Cleo. The cat I always thought was a Siamese but then found out is actually a Burmese but THEN found out is actually a Siamese. Confusing I know. My vet thought she was a Burmese for a while based on the shape of her head but we finally decided she was an applehead Siamese (also known as a traditional Siamese.)
Several years ago Cleo just seemed "off" so I took her to the vet. I found out Cleo had a dreaded cat disease. Chronic Renal Disease. Although vets insist on calling it "Chronic Renal Failure" which sounds much more ominous. When my vet told me this news my eyes grew to the size of pumpkins and welled up. I thought he was gently telling me little Cleo would be dead by week's end. She lived for another 2 ½ years before I made the decision to be in a horrific amount of pain so she didn't have to be.
Make no mistake about it, renal disease is ominous, but it doesn't necessarily mean your cat is going to drop dead within weeks or even months. With medicine and treatment Cleo lived a happy life for over 2 years after her diagnosis. But she wouldn't have without Subcutaneous Fluids.
Renal Failure in cats means their kidneys aren't working at 100%. The worse the condition, the less the kidneys are working. A cat with chronic kidney disease will drink a lot and pee a lot. In fact they pee out so much of their fluids that they dehydrate themselves.
If you've ever been dehydrated you know how awful that feels.
One of the things you can do to make your elderly, chronic renal (kidney) disease cat happier and healthier is by giving them subcutaneous fluids. At home. By yourself. Even though you're terrified.
Your vet will let you know if this is a good option for you. Don't just go out willy nilly and start jabbing your cat with needles and filling them with fluids.
I did this every other day for about the last year of Cleo's life and after a somewhat inelegant introductory period, we both got quite good at it. We don't like it. But we get through it with as little pain and biting as possible now.
Why do it? When a cat gets to the end stages of chronic renal disease they don't feel well. But these fluids make them feel much better. So when the vet said I could do this for her at home I had a little fainting fit, tried to bite him and then asked him to show me how to do it. Her vet was Dr. Mark who you might remember from my chicken related Ask Dr. Mark posts.
Like I said, the first few tries were a bit of a shitshow, but Cleo and I got the hang of it.
Table of Contents
How to Give a Cat Subcutaneous Fluids
Remember, always use a new needle and keep your fluids at room temperature so it's more comfortable for the cat.
Materials
- Fluids
- 18-20 gauge needles.
- Hang your fluid bag a couple of feet higher than you will be with your cat. I used a coat hanger.
2. Remove the cap from the end of the tubing.
3. Press your needle (with the protective cap still on) onto the nub.
4. Twist the plastic nut a couple of twists to hold the needle in place.
5. Remove the protective cap on the needle.
Needle Choice Options
You can use an 18-20 gauge needle on your cat.
- With the 18 gauge (which is larger) your fluid therapy will go more quickly.
- With a 20 gauge needle (which is smaller) it is less painful for the cat but will take longer to administer the fluids through the smaller hole.
6. Find the open hole on the needle. This should be inserted facing up into the cat.
7. Put your cat where you'll both be comfortable. You'll need to keep your cat in place. I like to squish her between my legs on the floor near her favourite heating vent. Other people will sit their cat in the corner of a chair or couch to keep them from squirming away. Putting them in a very small box could work as well. Cats like boxes, they feel safe in them and it would help stop them from crawling away.
8. Hold the needle in your dominant hand with the hole facing up. With your other hand pull the cat's skin up by the scruff around her shoulder blades, forming a tent.
9. DECISIVELY insert the needle (with the hole side up) into the tent of skin. Don't hesitate. The first few times it'll be gross and scary and shocking and you'll hear the skin crunch and all sorts of awful things. You want the needle to go in the pocket of air between the skin and her muscle.
10. Release the scruff and let the IV fluids flow by rolling the wheel upwards.
11. Pet your cat to help make the experience a more pleasant one.
12. Your vet will let you know how much fluid to give your cat but chances are it'll be 100 ml if you have an average sized cat. When injected 100 ml looks like the size of a small orange on the back of the cats neck.
13. Once enough fluids have been administered (check the size of the lump on the cats neck and the fluid line on the IV bag) you can stop the flow of IV fluids by rolling the wheel down, remove the needle and pinch the cat's skin for a minute to stop the fluids from leaking out.
14. Remove the needle by putting the protective cap back on and unscrewing it. Replace the blue protective cap to keep the line clean.
15. Everyone gets a treat! Seriously. You and the cat. Treats for everyone.
How long does it take for a cat to absorb subcutaneous fluids?
It only takes a few minutes to give your cat subq fluids but it will take them a while to absorb all those fluids.
Most cats will absorb all the fluid within a few hours. You'll know when the fluids have been absorbed when the lump of fluid where you gave the injection has flattened.
If the lump of fluid seems to move (down your cats neck, back or to their shoulders) don't worry about the migration. It sometimes happens. The fluids will still be absorbed normally.
Can you give a cat too much subcutaneous fluids?
It IS possible to over hydrate so don't immediately think if some is good more is better. It's not. Only give the amount of fluids as recommended by your vet. Too much subcutaenous fluids can cause hypertension and cats that have heart problems can develop fluid buildup in the body.
Fluid buildup in a cat with heart problems can become a medical emergency. So to reiterate; only give the amount prescribed by your vet.
What does subcutaneous fluids do for cats?
Obviously the reason for giving fluids is to hydrate the cat. For cats with renal failure, their kidneys go through more fluids than normal (the cat pees a lot). You can lead a cat to water but you can't make it drink so giving fluids under the skin is the best way to help rehydrate them.
Subq fluids provide the cat with the extra fluids they need to feel well.
- The cat feel will feel better in general (the way you do when you're hydrated)
- The extra fluids will help slow down the progression of chronic kidney disease (renal failure)
- Fluid therapy is immensely helpful for chronic constipation, a side effect of renal failure. They'll help your cat poop. And you know how much better you feel if you poop.
Need more instruction? K, here I am giving Cleo her fluids.
Giving Subcutaneous Fluids to Older Cats.
A step by step guide to giving your cat with chronic kidney disease subcutaneous fluids at home.
Materials
- Vet prescribed fluids
- 18-20 gauge needles
Instructions
- Hang your fluid bag a couple of feet higher than you will be with your cat. I used a coat hanger.
- Remove the cap from the end of the tubing.
- Press your needle (with the protective cap still on) onto the nub.
- Twist the plastic nut a couple of twists to hold the needle in place.
- Remove the protective cap on the needle.
- Find the open hole on the needle. This should be inserted facing up into the cat.
- Put your cat where you’ll both be comfortable. You’ll need to keep your cat in place. I like to squish her between my legs on the floor near her favourite heating vent. Other people will sit their cat in the corner of a chair or couch to keep them from squirming away. Putting them in a very small box could work as well. Cats like boxes, they feel safe in them and it would help stop them from crawling away.
- Hold the needle in your dominant hand with the hole facing up. With your other hand pull the cat’s skin up by the scruff around her shoulder blades, forming a tent.
- DECISIVELY insert the needle (with the hole side up) into the tent of skin. Don’t hesitate. The first few times it’ll be gross and scary and shocking and you’ll hear the skin crunch and all sorts of awful things. You want the needle to go in the pocket of air between the skin and her muscle.
- Release the scruff and let the IV fluids flow by rolling the wheel upwards.
- Pet your cat to help make the experience a more pleasant one.
- Your vet will let you know how much fluid to give your cat but chances are it’ll be 100 ml if you have an average sized cat. When injected 100 ml looks like the size of a small orange on the back of the cats neck.
- Once enough fluids have been administered (check the size of the lump on the cats neck and the fluid line on the IV bag) you can stop the flow of IV fluids by rolling the wheel down, remove the needle and pinch the cat’s skin for a minute to stop the fluids from leaking out.
- Remove the needle by putting the protective cap back on and unscrewing it. Replace the blue protective cap to keep the line clean.
- Give the both of you a treat. You're done.
Notes
Using a smaller needle (20 gauge) will be more comfortable for your cat but will take longer to give the fluids.
Using a larger needle (18 gauge) will be less comfortable for your cat when you insert the needle but the job will be finished more quickly.
Cats breeds prone to CKD
- Persian
- Abyssinian
- Siamese
- Ragdoll
- Burmese
- Russian Blue
- Maine Coon
How to prevent renal failure in cats
You can help reduce the chances and severity of renal failure in any breed of cat.
- Keep their teeth cleaned and cared for. Gum disease and teeth issues contributes to renal failure in cats. A lot.
- Feeding food that's high in phosphorous will increase the chances of the disease and the faster advancement of it. Feed your cat high quality food from day one. And if they're diagnosed with chronic kidney disease immediately switch them to a food made specifically for renal failure cats.
- Toxins eaten by a cat (poisons, antifreeze, pesticides) may not kill them immediately but can cause a cat to develop chronic kidney disease.
- Indoor cats have a lower risk of renal failure because of their more limited exposure to toxins.
Even knowing Siamese are predisposed to this disease, and knowing how painful it was to hear the diagnosis and eventually have her put to sleep I still want another traditional Siamese cat. Desperately.
Cleo came to me when her owners discovered they were allergic. I can't remember who they were and have no idea where they got her, but if I knew I'd have another Siamese right now.
Immediately following this treatment, Cleo got 3 Temptations treats and I got a whiskey. Cleo always felt much better a few hours after her fluids. I usually feel a bit wobbly after mine.
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Jennifer Van Noland
Hi Karen,
I'm so sorry about your Cleo.
There's a good video on Netflix called Pet Fooled.
A lot of diseases are caused by feeding cats and dogs dry kibble. By feeding them this, they're in a constant state of dehydration which leads to so many diseases. I'm feeding my cats and dog a raw diet as much as possible after seeing that film.
Linda Bryant
As you requested, I am posting this to let you know that I was able to watch the video on your post.
Well done!
Laura Bee
Dear Karen:
You are braver than I. I have to look away when they prick my finger when checking my iron before I donate blood.
If my cat or kid needed a needle, I am pretty sure I would learn. But just thinking about it....I don't want to do that!
Mary W
I was amazed with your photography - was someone helping you hold the camera? Your nails did look just like your post - beautiful. Years ago, my son had a beautiful and very expensive hog for his 4H project and resulting sale at the Youth Fair. He bought her when she was young and raised her for the show. He spent hours each day teaching her to walk with his show cane and waching, brushing, and feeding her. She got very sick with pneumonia and needed shots every few hours to keep her alive. While he was at school, I got the job. To keep her temp down we made mud to put on her and then pull off when it got hot. The shots were EXTREMELY difficult to get into that thick hide. She just lay there quietly but I had to really jam the needle in then push so hard to get it through. She did eventually live but didn't gain enough weight to be eligible for the fair. We loved her by then and couldn't bear to auction her, anyway. We had her bred and she had 18 teets and 16 babies, first time. Boy was that exciting - my son had to blow into the mouth of one of the piglets and it began squealing which was a wonderful sound after thinking she was dead. We were so glad the shots worked and our lives on the 10 acres were so enriched with these animals. I feel for you for you cat and how much you will go through for her - you are such a good person! I know you will do what is right for her up until it is no longer right. Your strong like that. I love your blog.
Helen
Yes, your nails looked awesome, and I am sure it was just coincidence that there were plenty of "close up" hand shots :)
Lin N
Yer a good kitty mom! I have had to do the the hydration thing on my cat and my dog in the past. It helped them live a comfortable extra few years. Keep on, keepin on Cleo.
Therese
Great post. Thank you for sharing :). It brings up many great memories of treating various animals here on the farm.
I had a "duck emergency" on the weekend. Sadly, my intervention did not save her. This story did remind me of Lucy.
We do what we can for them, and as this post deals with life enhancement for many animals with this condition (or in need of sub Q), we all thank you.
You are brave. And creative. And beautiful. You go girl!
TEW
Jen Topp
It is INSANE that she lets you do this without holding her! I've had to do this with two cats and it was definitely a two-person job.
Chelsea
Hi Karen,
I didn’t read all the comments so I’m not sure if this came up already.. I’m a vet and there is a new drug that came out within the last couple years for cats in renal failure. It’s called Semintra and we have seen a lot of success with it! If Cleo is not already on it, I think it would be worth a discussion with your vet to see if that is an option for her..
Karen
Hi Chelsea. Yes! She is on it. :) She takes it daily along with a dose of laxative. Plus when she feels nauseated and won't eat I give her Cerenia for a few days. ~ karen!
Clover
My Siamese is 17-1/2 with renal failure.. I’m lucky to have a vet tech come in every three days to give SubQs but it’s only temporary relief and my cat is always wary of me when I approach him. I’m really wondering if I should just leave him in peace but don’t want him to feel terrible. He’s still eating but much less and getting thin. How will I know when it’s time. He’s like my child as I never had kids and I know my life will not be the same without him.
Karen
Hi Clover. I'm so sorry about your cat. I struggle with the same thing with mine. The confusing thing about renal disease is a cat can be terrible one day and great the next. They go through phases. You can only do what you think is right for you and your cat. Many renal failure cats are on Sub Q fluids for years much the same way a diabetic would be on insulin. If your cat was recently diagnosed, with medication and proper care it's possible she could still live for years. If he's truly in the end stage he'll refuse to eat at all and his eyes will tell you he does not like being here anymore. I know the stress you're going through and I wish I could tell you an exact moment to let your cat go but it's a decision that's personal and based on your own cat. Good luck. I know your pain. ~ karen!
Kris Wilson
You never cease to impress me with your willingness and capability to “do stuff”. You're a good person, Karen.
Suzanne Herbruck
Thanks Karen. Been there, tho not happily!
Hoping this post will bring up the video, as it did Monday.
Suzanne Herbruck
Yep, that worked.
Ev Wilcox
Karen, I forgot to thank you for this. You are a good person. Ev
Ev Wilcox
Had to give my sweet Reilly, a black lab that still lives in my heart after nine years, weekly injections to help fight the autoimmune disease that plagued him for years. We did many expensive things to try to help him, but he had a hard time of it. We never regretted a cent, and I send hugs to anyone who goes the extra mile for their beloved animal friends.
LibrarianNancy
Yep, did this for one of my foster golden retrievers every morning for a year and a half. I foster medical and hospice dogs for golden retriever rescue, and Teddy was 15 when he came into the rescue program with late stage kidney disease. The vet expected him to live about a month. One of the vet techs gave me a five minute lesson (and yes, the first few times I did it myself were scary, especially the lump afterwards). After doing sub-cu fluids daily for 18 months, I could show most vet techs how to do it! Your demo was spot on - the only thing I did differently was that after the needle was attached, I was told to open the rheostat (i.e., the wheel) to let the fluids flow through to the needle and clear the tube. I had the same kind of coat hanger arrangement, hooked to a vent high up on the kitchen wall, with a dog bed on the floor. When they heard the Keurig start brewing, Teddy and my golden boy would both come in the kitchen and lay down together. Other people have told me that they could never give fluids or shots because it's gross or icky (that's a technical term), and my response is, would you be able to do it if it was your child or your partner? Bless you, Karen and all the other commenters, who do what's needed to keep our fur-kids comfortable.
Sherry Sidner
I'm impressed beyond words! What an incredible person you are! Your heart is so beautiful to do this for your furry family member. We have had dogs our entire married life and it's so difficult to see them grow old. But you always have to keep things in perspective... you've given them a wonderful life and they've given us unconditional love. So we do whatever is necessary to complete their lives. Blessings to you and yours, Sherry @ Edie Marie's Attic
Diana
Thanks for that information.
My 17 year old cat has been dealing with hyperthyroidism for a few years and recently has developed renal problems. Besides the fluids, is there anything else your vet recommended? Just curious if I'm doing all I can for now. We've switched to a k/d dry and wet food.
If we ever get to the point of needing subcutaneous fluids this will be a big help. Thanks!
Claire
We had to do this with both our Burmese (one longhair, one short - sisters) as well. Luckily, we had two of us to do the job, so one got to hold the bag up. The lump is, in my mind, the most alarming part just because it looks so weird and takes awhile to dissipate.
My dad also has an 18 year old black cat who has had diabetes pretty much his entire life (and thus most of mine as well) so I'm well used now to jabbing kitties.
Dawn
As a trained Veterinary Assistant (and a farmer) this doesn't bother me one twit. I've done so many grosser things in the name of saving an animal. But you are brave and I congratulate you on doing this for your kitty.
Shawna
I've lost two cats to renal failure. One at 11 and it was totally out of the blue, unexpected and fast! The other lived until she was almost 19 and we did subcutaneous fluid as well with her for a bit. She tried to hang on but it was time to go and she passed in our arms at home. It was a sad experience and was a tough lesson for our three kids and we miss her still (it's been four years).
Hugs to you and Cleo. I know that's weird, but since we have met in real life I think the hugs won't be that weird!
Dawn
What a fabulous Kitty mama you are! She's a lucky kitty.
Jenni
This post could not have come at a better time. My cat was diagnosed over the weekend after a scary trip to the emergency vet, and subcutaneous fluids was mentioned as a possibility down the road. Now I’m a lot less nervous about it, and hope I can get another 2 years with my buddy, too.
Jenny
What a gorgeous kitty! Hope everything goes well for you both, giving you plenty more time together!