Giving Your Cat Subcutaneous Fluids at Home

How to administer subcutaneous fluids at home for your cat

In this post, we’ll guide you through giving your cat subcutaneous fluids at home, which we may recommend if your cat has chronic kidney disease and is prone to dehydration. This process is simple, well-tolerated by most cats, and a helpful part of long-term care.

What you need:

A bag of fluids
A giving set (with tubing)
A needle

Setting up:

Prepare the fluids:
Remove the plastic outer bag and expose the blue cap where the giving set connects.

Attach the giving set:
Insert the sterile white spike from the giving set into the blue cap on the fluid bag. Make sure the tubing is secure.

Prime the tubing:
Open the roller clamp to let the fluid flow through the tubing and flush out any air.

Attach the needle:
Place the needle onto the end of the tubing, keeping the connection clean and sterile.

Administering the fluids:

Warm the fluids:
Ideally, warm the fluids to room or body temperature for comfort.

Position your cat:
Find a comfortable position for both you and your cat. Some prefer having the cat on their lap; others find it easier with the cat on a table.

Insert the needle:
Lift the loose skin at the back of the neck and insert the needle parallel to the spine. Open the roller clamp to start the fluid flow.

Monitor the drip:

Ensure the fluids are flowing. If not, gently adjust the needle until the drips resume.
Depending on your cat’s needs, you’ll typically administer 50 to 100 ml of fluid two to three times weekly.

After the procedure, you may notice a “jelly wobble” under the skin, which will reabsorb in a few hours.

Giving your cat subcutaneous fluids at home

Aftercare

Reward your cat with their favourite treat or extra cuddles.

This process is well-tolerated, and with time, your cat will likely become comfortable with it.

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us at the clinic.

We’re here to help!

Are you worried about your cat’s health?

If you are concerned about your cat, please reach out to our friendly team. Call us on 1300 228 377 or fill out the contact form below. In an emergency, please contact your local vet.

For vets – to refer a patient or book a telehealth consultation, please call us on 1300 228 377, book through the portal or fill in the form.

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Contacting Us

Pet Owners
If you would like to talk about treatment for your cat, call us on 1300 228 377 or fill in the form.
In an emergency, please contact your local vet.

Vets and Nurses
To refer a patient or book a telehealth consultation please call us on 1300 228 377, book through the portal or fill in the form. For advice calls, please see the guidelines here.

1300 228 377

1-15 Lexington Rd,
Underwood, QLD, AU, 4119

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