Download Article
An expert guide to setting up a feline IV
Download Article
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.
Steps
-
Choose a location to give the fluids. 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] X Research source This area should be free of distractions and away from children and other pets. [2] X Research source
-
Remove the protective packaging. 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] X Research source 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] X Research source
- The fluid line will have a roller clamp. Roll the clamp so the fluid line is squeezed together at the clamp. [5] X Research source This will keep fluid from flowing through the line when you don’t want it to.
Advertisement -
Attach the fluid line to the bag. 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] X Research source
- Give the spike a twist to ensure it fits snugly in the fluid bag. [7] X Research source
-
Fill the drip chamber about halfway. 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] X Research source
-
Run fluid through the line. 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] X Research source
- Do not allow anything to touch the fluid line's bottom opening. This is where the needle will go. [10] X Research source
- 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] X Research source
- Fortunately, air bubbles won’t hurt your cat. [12] X Research source Don’t worry if you don’t get all the air bubbles out, but minimize them as much as you can.
-
Attach a new needle. 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] X Research source 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.
-
Hang the fluid bag. 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] X Research source
Advertisement
-
Position your cat. 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] X Research source
- Make sure the cat is positioned so that it will be comfortable for 10 to 15 minutes. [16] X Research source
- Quietly talking to your cat and petting it will help it feel comfortable after it’s in position to receive fluids. [17] X Research source
-
Make a skin tent. 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] X Research source 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] X Research source
-
Insert the needle. 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] X Research source Because the needle is small and sharp, your cat probably won’t even feel it as it enters the skin tent. [23] X Research source
- 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.
Advertisement
-
Open the fluid line. With the needle in the tent, open the roller clamp to allow the fluid to flow. [24] X Research source 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.
-
Watch for a lump to form. 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] X Research source
- 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] X Research source Use a new needle if you have to do this.
-
Reposition the needle. 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] X Research source
- You can also try repositioning the needle by slightly rotating the needle in the skin. [28] X Research source
-
Remove the needle. Once you’ve given all the fluids, close the roller clamp to stop the flow of fluids. [29] X Research source 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] X Research source
- Take the old needle off and replace it with a new one on the fluid line. [31] X Research source
- 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] X Research source
Advertisement
Expert Q&A
Search
-
QuestionWhat is the best temperature for administering fluids?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.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.
-
QuestionWhy do the unit markers from 7 to 8 and from 9 to end of bag look larger? Especially from 9 on?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.The markers appear this way because the bag is tapered at the top and gets wider at the base.
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
Advertisement
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] X Research sourceThanks
- Most pets tolerate receiving subcutaneous fluids pretty well. [34] X Research source However, if your cat just won’t stay still, ask your vet to give your cat the fluids.Thanks
- 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.Thanks
Submit a Tip
All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
Name
Please provide your name and last initial
Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
Advertisement
Video
References
- ↑ https://www.avmi.net/resources/client-resources/hyperthyroidism/aftercare/
- ↑ http://www.lbah.com/word/fluid-therapy/
- ↑ https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/subcutaneous-fluid-administration-in-cats
- ↑ https://criticalcaredvm.com/subcutaneous-fluid-therapy-want-poke/
- ↑ http://www.vet.bc.ca/give-subcutaneous-fluids.pml
- ↑ https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/subcutaneous-fluid-administration-in-cats
- ↑ http://statecollegevethosp.com/how-to-give-subcutaneous-fluids.pml
- ↑ http://www.lbah.com/word/fluid-therapy/
- ↑ http://www.vet.bc.ca/give-subcutaneous-fluids.pml
- ↑ https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/subcutaneous-fluid-administration-in-cats
- ↑ http://statecollegevethosp.com/how-to-give-subcutaneous-fluids.pml
- ↑ http://www.lbah.com/word/fluid-therapy/
- ↑ http://statecollegevethosp.com/how-to-give-subcutaneous-fluids.pml
- ↑ https://pethelpful.com/cats/Giving-a-cat-subcutaneous-fluids
- ↑ https://www.avmi.net/resources/client-resources/hyperthyroidism/aftercare/
- ↑ https://criticalcaredvm.com/subcutaneous-fluid-therapy-want-poke/
- ↑ http://www.lbah.com/word/fluid-therapy/
- ↑ https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/subcutaneous-fluid-administration-in-cats
- ↑ http://statecollegevethosp.com/how-to-give-subcutaneous-fluids.pml
- ↑ http://statecollegevethosp.com/how-to-give-subcutaneous-fluids.pml
- ↑ http://www.lbah.com/word/fluid-therapy/
- ↑ http://www.vet.bc.ca/give-subcutaneous-fluids.pml
- ↑ http://www.lbah.com/word/fluid-therapy/
- ↑ https://criticalcaredvm.com/subcutaneous-fluid-therapy-want-poke/
- ↑ https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/subcutaneous-fluid-administration-in-cats
- ↑ http://statecollegevethosp.com/how-to-give-subcutaneous-fluids.pml
- ↑ https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/subcutaneous-fluid-administration-in-cats
- ↑ http://www.vet.bc.ca/give-subcutaneous-fluids.pml
- ↑ http://www.vet.bc.ca/give-subcutaneous-fluids.pml
- ↑ http://statecollegevethosp.com/how-to-give-subcutaneous-fluids.pml
- ↑ https://criticalcaredvm.com/subcutaneous-fluid-therapy-want-poke/
- ↑ http://www.lbah.com/word/fluid-therapy/
- ↑ https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/subcutaneous-fluid-administration-in-cats
- ↑ 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!
Did this summary help you?
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 205,299 times.
Reader Success Stories
- "Instructions on how to give subcutaneous fluids to my kitty were very good. My vet told me how to do it, but the details here in the instructions are very good. A few more photos/drawings would be better. " ..." more
Advertisement
97%
of readers found this article helpful
.
Click a star to add your vote
% of people told us that this article helped them.
"Instructions on how to give subcutaneous fluids to my kitty were very good. My vet told me how to do it, but the details here in the instructions are very good. A few more photos/drawings would be better. "
..."
more
"It gave me all the information I needed. Plus extra tips!"
