If your cat has kidney disease or another disorder that needs to be regularly treated with subcutaneous fluids or injections, you may be struggling with the process. Sticking a needle in a cat you care for can make you feel guilty, anxious, or scared that you're hurting your kitty. However, these treatments can prolong a cat's life and improve their overall health, so skipping them isn't a good idea. If you're struggling to give your cat their subcutaneous injections, read this guide for some tips to make it easier.

Ask for the Thinnest Gauge Needle

If you're anxious about your cat being hurt, one of the best ways to make it easier for both you and your cat is to ask your vet for as thin a needle as possible. Veterinarians often choose needles of a certain gauge, or thickness, in order to get the fluids into a cat's body as quickly as possible. However, if you don't mind the process taking a little longer, choosing a thinner needle may make it a more comfortable procedure for your cat. 

Make it a Treat

Whether or not the needle is hurting your cat, your kitty may seem a bit on-edge while you're trying to give them fluids. Being poked by a needle and having fluid gradually flow into their body probably feels weird to them. Make this process a little easier for your kitty by giving them a nice distraction, like their favorite treats.

In addition to keeping them focused on something other than the subcutaneous injection, it will help to reinforce that good things happen when you give your cat subcutaneous fluids. 

Dilute Your Injections

If you're giving your cat injections of something other than Ringer's Solution, like a vitamin B supplement or iron, take care to time your injection carefully to reduce your cat's discomfort.

These injections can sometimes be a bit irritating to cats, causing itching or even slight burning when they're injected. Instead of giving it directly to your cat, try injecting it into the IV line that your Ringer's Solution flows through. This will help to dilute the vitamin which will ease the discomfort and make the process less irritating for your kitty.

Pet owners may not always feel comfortable with giving their cats subcutaneous injections, but it can significantly aid a cat's health. Through practice and these tips, you'll be able to make the process easier for yourself and your cat. Contact a business, such as the Spring Hill Veterinary Clinic, for more information.