giving cat subcataneous fluids

[theotherfossilsister]

Our beautiful four and a half year old cat has bad kidney damage from ingesting poison as a kitten. He's now at stage four according to blood tests but seems well in himself) and hates renal food so we have to mix it with normal food.

The vet showed DP how to give subcataneous fluids and it's really important we do this twice a week to get more time with him, but we just tried it at home and he completely freaked out and cried. Apparently he was fine when the vet did it.

Any advice, please?

he's gone off to chase a fly now, he literally screamed and struggled free when we tried to put the needle in, it was horrible

I know someone who did this with their cat. But I'm not sure I'd want to do it with mine. I'm not sure it's fair on them
If it stresses them out and upsets them.

I would be having a think about weather more time with him is in his best interests.

S/C fluids are painful, especially with large amounts of fluid stretching the skin. Ask if you vet can place a subcutaneous catheter which stays under the skin with a port you connect to the syringe - no needles. There has been success with these, but not all vets have them or know about them/like them. I would try harder with the kidney diet though, as this will help enormously. Have you tried Royal Canin Renal trial pack - it contains different flavours and dry samples to see what they may like/give variety. I feel sorry for you all, as cats should have a much better life expectancy, but whilst there is quality of life, try what you can. Injecting sub cut fluids will make him hate you though, so try a catheter if you can, or stick to the diet. Good luck and I hope you have more quality time with him.

I have done this with very many cats and they don't seem to particularly react to it - but then they are normally pretty ill when I'm doing it (which is why I'm doing it), so maybe that's why I don't get much of a reaction.

At which point does he react? To the initial needle or to the fluid going in? I always make sure the fluid is warmed (in a microwave) ever so slightly - I aim for blood temperature.

@Toddlerteaplease we are desperate for more time with him, and also for him not to be in pain, which kidney damage causes. He's such a young cat and so loved. He really bounced back after eating poison (perhaps lillies or ibuprofen, we don't know) and he loves his life, chasing insects and eating them and jumping up on the top of doors.

Would the vet have recommended it if it was cruel? He didn't seem stressed when she was doing it.

@sananbaz that sounds really great. We buy the Royal Canin stuff but have to mix it with other food, but I will ask the vet about the catheter.

@ he reacts to the needles, it's hard to get it in because he's a long haired cat. I just wish we could make him understand.

I did it with my cat, but he was very poorly and therefore placid. He didn't have the energy to object. I don't think it's something you can do if the cat isn't cooperative as it'll just cause more stress.

I think the port idea is a good one.

thank you @daisycottage - did it help at all? he is active and well but his blood markers show serious kidney problems x

Oh, he was end stage and his pancreas was kicking up, so he had to be put to sleep unfortunately.

Kidney disease is awful. I hope your kitty gets some relief soon.

ah I'm sorry. The thing with Olives is he seems so well but his blood tests say otherwise.

He was acutely ill as a kitten with the poisoning and we nearly lost him then (lethargic, being sick, we didn't know what was up although dp called emergency vet as it happened on a friday night.) Still don't know what he ate which poisoned him.

Cats are so beautiful, and he is a lovely one, who sleeps on our bed.

I did this with 2 of my cats and gave subcutaneous injections to a third. The trick is to be careful to keep it just under the skin, any deeper and it can be painful for them. One of mine was long haired, you need to part the fur before sticking the needle in (not easy I know, a few squirts of fluid ended up in the wrong place on a few occasions).

Neither of mine were particularly poorly at the time, just dehydrated and after a week of drips ever other day bounced back and were healthy and vibrant for a few more months/years. As soon as I saw the effect was negligible and offered only a little relief I stopped it so as not to stress the cat unduly.

thank you @Melassa

Olives is very long haired which makes it harder, but I really want to help him in any way I can.

I understand. I was initially perturbed by the idea of a drip but when I saw how much it helped them I got over my aversion. Did your vet teach you to bunch up the skin at the scruff of the neck to make a v? That would be the point you stick the needle in and would help ensure in remain subcutaneous and doesn’t go in further.

My beloved cat was long haired too so I am well aware of the issues. Lots of puddles on the chair to start with and nothing in the cat. You do need 2 people to do it initially or if you have a rebellious cat. While they’re on the drip stroke and cuddle them a lot (I used to sing to mine , it seemed to calm them).

@Melassa thank you, no the vet sowed DP but not me, and he couldn't see brilliantly as she did it through the window as no one is allowed into the surgery at the moment, he just said it seemed fine when she did it and Olives didn't fight to escape.

I will try bunching his skin into a V.

He is a lovely lovely cat and we are so lucky to have him.