Senior Cat Comfort & Care

The thought of giving subcutaneous (just under the skin) fluids at home may seem scary and overwhelming. But with a bit of practice, you’ll become a pro.

• Pick a quiet location without distractions or other pets. Try your cat on a table/counter, in your lap, resting in their favorite bed, or in a carrier that opens from the top.
• Having an assistant gently hold and reward your cat is helpful but not necessary
• Your cat may want a blanket to lie on or be wrapped in. Spray the blanket with a calming pheromone 30 minutes before starting.
• Reward your cat throughout the treatment to make it positive
• To make cold fluids more comfortable, lay some of the line in a bowl of warm water
• It will look like a giant balloon under your cat’s skin. The balloon can also shift to other areas. This is normal.
• Remove the needle and gently pinch the area to prevent fluids from leaking out
• A little blood at the injection site after you remove the needle is fine. When dry, clean the area with hydrogen peroxide. If you hit a big vessel and there seems to be a lot of blood, gently apply some pressure with a cloth or paper towel for a few minutes.