How to Give Subcutaneous Fluids to a Cat

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An expert guide to setting up a feline IV
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Subcutaneous fluids are given under the skin. Cats need subcutaneous fluids when they are too sick to drink on their own, such as when they have serious kidney disease, liver disease, or cancer. Without subcutaneous fluids, a sick cat could become very dehydrated, making it feel even worse. If your cat needs subcutaneous fluids, you will need to learn how to set up the fluid bag, insert a needle under your cat’s skin, and let the fluid flow. Even though your cat may not feel too well, giving it subcutaneous fluids will help it feel at least a little better.

Part 1
Part 1 of 3:

Setting Up the Equipment

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  1. Before setting up the equipment, decide where you want to give the fluids. To prevent your cat from escaping, choose a small enclosed space like a bathroom. [1] This area should be free of distractions and away from children and other pets. [2]
  2. To give subcutaneous fluids, you will need a fluid bag, fluid line, and a needle. Your vet will probably provide you with these supplies. The fluid bag and fluid line will be sealed in their own plastic protective coverings. [3] Carefully remove this covering.
    • Look at the color of the fluid. It should be clear. If it’s discolored and cloudy, do not use the bag. Discolored fluid could indicate contamination. [4]
    • The fluid line will have a roller clamp. Roll the clamp so the fluid line is squeezed together at the clamp. [5] This will keep fluid from flowing through the line when you don’t want it to.
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  3. The top end of the fluid line will have a large spike that will go into the fluid bag’s bottom opening. Remove the spike’s rubber covering and insert the spike into the fluid bag. Do not let the spike touch anything before you insert it. [6]
    • Give the spike a twist to ensure it fits snugly in the fluid bag. [7]
  4. The top of the fluid line has a drip chamber that allows you to see how fast the fluid is flowing. Squeeze the fluid bag until the chamber is about halfway full. [8]
  5. The fluid will flow more easily when it's free of air bubbles. To run fluid through the line, remove the protective cover off the bottom of the fluid line. Loosen the roller clamp and watch the fluid run through the line and out the bottom opening. [9]
    • Do not allow anything to touch the fluid line's bottom opening. This is where the needle will go. [10]
    • Position the fluid line by a sink or trash can so the fluid doesn’t get on the floor.
    • Close the roller clamp after a few seconds so you don’t waste too much fluid. [11]
    • Fortunately, air bubbles won’t hurt your cat. [12] Don’t worry if you don’t get all the air bubbles out, but minimize them as much as you can.
  6. The bottom of the needle (where it attaches to the fluid line) may have a plastic covering. Remove this covering if present, and attach the connecting piece on the needle to the bottom opening of the fluid line. [13] The needle will have another covering protecting its top end (the actual needle that is injected under the skin). Do not remove this covering until you’re ready to start giving the fluids.
  7. The fluid bag will need to hang about three feet above your cat. If you do not have an IV pole, you can slide the top hole of the fluid bag onto a coat hanger. Hang the coat hanger over the top of a door or, if you’re in a bathroom, the shower curtain rod. [14]
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Part 2
Part 2 of 3:

Inserting the Needle

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  1. Keeping your cat comfortable will help you give it subcutaneous fluids more easily. Position your cat in your lap or on a smooth, flat surface (table, top of washer or dryer). If your cat gets squirmy, considering asking someone else to gently position and hold your cat.
    • Whoever is holding your cat should use gentle restraint. Too much restraint can make a cat want to get away. [15]
    • Make sure the cat is positioned so that it will be comfortable for 10 to 15 minutes. [16]
    • Quietly talking to your cat and petting it will help it feel comfortable after it’s in position to receive fluids. [17]
  2. To ensure the fluids go under the skin, you will make a skin tent. Choose an area that has a lot of loose skin, such as the shoulders or hips. [18] Using your thumb and another finger, pull up some skin to create the tent.
    • Make the skin tent with your nondominant hand (the hand you don’t write with) so your dominant hand can guide the needle. [19]
  3. Take the plastic covering off the needle. Position the needle so its sharp end is parallel to your cat’s back and facing the skin tent. Make sure the needle’s hole is facing up. [20]
    • Rest the hand holding the needle on your cat’s back. [21]
  4. In one swift motion, move the needle forward until most of the needle is in the tent. When the needle is in, release the skin tent. [22] Because the needle is small and sharp, your cat probably won’t even feel it as it enters the skin tent. [23]
    • As you slide the needle in, make sure you don’t poke the needle in so far that it comes out the other side of the tent.
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Part 3
Part 3 of 3:

Administering the Fluid

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  1. With the needle in the tent, open the roller clamp to allow the fluid to flow. [24] Keep watch on the fluid bag so you administer only as much as your vet prescribed.
    • Before you start the fluids, it may help to mark the bag with a marker so you know when to stop the flow. Each line on the bag represents 100 milliliters of fluid.
  2. As the fluid flows under the skin, a lump will form. This is normal. The lump will go down as your cat’s body absorbs the fluid. [25]
    • The lump will eventually get tight with fluid. If you notice the lump is tight but you haven’t given the full amount of fluids, you’ll need to give the rest of the fluids in a different skin tent. [26] Use a new needle if you have to do this.
  3. Keep an eye on the drip chamber. If you notice the fluid isn’t moving into it, the needle might have moved against the skin, blocking the flow. Gently reposition the needle under the skin without removing it from the tent. You may need to do this a few times to ensure your cat gets all the fluid it needs. [27]
    • You can also try repositioning the needle by slightly rotating the needle in the skin. [28]
  4. Once you’ve given all the fluids, close the roller clamp to stop the flow of fluids. [29] Slowly remove the needle by backing it out of the tent. Next, pinch the skin for a few seconds to make sure fluid doesn’t leak out of the tent.
    • You may see a little blood when you remove the needle. A little bit of fluid may leak out as well. This is normal. [30]
    • Take the old needle off and replace it with a new one on the fluid line. [31]
    • Do not discard the old needle in your regular trash. Place it in an area that other pets and children can’t access. Your vet will tell you where to discard the used needles. [32]
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    What is the best temperature for administering fluids?
    Lauren Baker, DVM, PhD
    Veterinarian
    Dr. Lauren Baker is a Veterinarian and Assistant Scientist at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. With over 10 years in veterinary medicine, she specializes in the concept of “one health,” which uses insights from veterinary medicine to help human medical research. She holds a Ph.D. in Comparative Biomedical Sciences, a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, an MS in Comparative Biomedical Sciences, and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
    Lauren Baker, DVM, PhD
    Veterinarian
    Expert Answer
    It is safe to give subcutaneous fluids that are at room temperature. Many vet hospitals have commercial fluid warmers, but it would not be safe for you to try to heat fluids yourself at home.
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  • Question
    Why do the unit markers from 7 to 8 and from 9 to end of bag look larger? Especially from 9 on?
    Lauren Baker, DVM, PhD
    Veterinarian
    Dr. Lauren Baker is a Veterinarian and Assistant Scientist at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. With over 10 years in veterinary medicine, she specializes in the concept of “one health,” which uses insights from veterinary medicine to help human medical research. She holds a Ph.D. in Comparative Biomedical Sciences, a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, an MS in Comparative Biomedical Sciences, and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
    Lauren Baker, DVM, PhD
    Veterinarian
    Expert Answer
    The markers appear this way because the bag is tapered at the top and gets wider at the base.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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      Tips

      • Do not store the fluid bags in the refrigerator. This will make the fluids cold, which will feel uncomfortable to your cat. Keep the fluid bags at room temperature. [33]
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      • Most pets tolerate receiving subcutaneous fluids pretty well. [34] However, if your cat just won’t stay still, ask your vet to give your cat the fluids.
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      • Keep a detailed record that includes when you gave the fluids, how much you gave, and where you made the skin tent. Your cat’s fluid needs may change over time, so keeping a written record will help you keep better track of how much fluid your cat has received.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.avmi.net/resources/client-resources/hyperthyroidism/aftercare/
      2. ↑ http://www.lbah.com/word/fluid-therapy/
      3. ↑ https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/subcutaneous-fluid-administration-in-cats
      4. ↑ https://criticalcaredvm.com/subcutaneous-fluid-therapy-want-poke/
      5. ↑ http://www.vet.bc.ca/give-subcutaneous-fluids.pml
      6. ↑ https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/subcutaneous-fluid-administration-in-cats
      7. ↑ http://statecollegevethosp.com/how-to-give-subcutaneous-fluids.pml
      8. ↑ http://www.lbah.com/word/fluid-therapy/
      9. ↑ http://www.vet.bc.ca/give-subcutaneous-fluids.pml
      1. ↑ https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/subcutaneous-fluid-administration-in-cats
      2. ↑ http://statecollegevethosp.com/how-to-give-subcutaneous-fluids.pml
      3. ↑ http://www.lbah.com/word/fluid-therapy/
      4. ↑ http://statecollegevethosp.com/how-to-give-subcutaneous-fluids.pml
      5. ↑ https://pethelpful.com/cats/Giving-a-cat-subcutaneous-fluids
      6. ↑ https://www.avmi.net/resources/client-resources/hyperthyroidism/aftercare/
      7. ↑ https://criticalcaredvm.com/subcutaneous-fluid-therapy-want-poke/
      8. ↑ http://www.lbah.com/word/fluid-therapy/
      9. ↑ https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/subcutaneous-fluid-administration-in-cats
      10. ↑ http://statecollegevethosp.com/how-to-give-subcutaneous-fluids.pml
      11. ↑ http://statecollegevethosp.com/how-to-give-subcutaneous-fluids.pml
      12. ↑ http://www.lbah.com/word/fluid-therapy/
      13. ↑ http://www.vet.bc.ca/give-subcutaneous-fluids.pml
      14. ↑ http://www.lbah.com/word/fluid-therapy/
      15. ↑ https://criticalcaredvm.com/subcutaneous-fluid-therapy-want-poke/
      16. ↑ https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/subcutaneous-fluid-administration-in-cats
      17. ↑ http://statecollegevethosp.com/how-to-give-subcutaneous-fluids.pml
      18. ↑ https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/subcutaneous-fluid-administration-in-cats
      19. ↑ http://www.vet.bc.ca/give-subcutaneous-fluids.pml
      20. ↑ http://www.vet.bc.ca/give-subcutaneous-fluids.pml
      21. ↑ http://statecollegevethosp.com/how-to-give-subcutaneous-fluids.pml
      22. ↑ https://criticalcaredvm.com/subcutaneous-fluid-therapy-want-poke/
      23. ↑ http://www.lbah.com/word/fluid-therapy/
      24. ↑ https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/subcutaneous-fluid-administration-in-cats
      25. ↑ http://www.lbah.com/word/fluid-therapy/

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To give subcutaneous fluids to a cat, you’ll need to start by attaching the fluid line to the bag and running some fluid through the line to clear out as many air bubbles as possible. Then, attach a new needle to the line and hang the bag about 3 feet above your cat. Next, use your thumb and another finger to pull up some loose skin on your cat’s shoulder or hip. After that, remove the cover from the needle, insert it through the loose skin, then release the skin. Finally, open the fluid line and administer the prescribed amount of fluids. For more information from our Veterinary co-author, including how to remove the needle once you’re done, read on!

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