How to give a cat insulin injections November 17, 2008
Posted by CamdenKiwi in : Miscellany , trackbackA few weeks ago, my wee cat Thelma was diagnosed with diabetes. So far, she’s fine, so long as I keep giving her daily insulin injections. A few friends are being kind enough to be shown how to do it in case I need to call on them, and have asked for explicit instructions. I was quite worried when told I’d need to do this, so by explaining how simple it is, this post might put some other minds at rest. But do make sure you get advice from your vet if you’re in this situation – your cat may be different.
The insulin is kept in the fridge. Its in a small bottle with the nail varnishes – the small, clear bottle, NOT the green and red ones with brushes. Rotate the bottle gently to make sure the insulin is spread evenly through the liquid. It should be a cloudy suspension.
Take a hypodermic, remove the caps at top and bottom, and insert the needle into the rubber circle over the top of the bottle. Holding the bottle above the needle like they do in movies and draw down the dose (5 iu as at May 2009, but this might change, so check on the bottle).
Find Thelma, and hold her somewhere comfortable for both of you, perhaps on your lap, or sit beside her on the bed. Take a fold of skin at her shoulder or hip, and gently but firmly insert the needle before pushing the plunger. The needle is very small and very sharp, so if you’re confident and have a steady hand, she will barely notice. Remove the needle, and gently stroke the area to help circulation.
It’s much, much easier than giving a cat a pill, and not difficult unless you’re nervous of needles.
Make sure she gets each dose between 22.5 and 25.5 hours after the previous one (ie. 90 minutes either way, each day). Write the date and time on the sheet on the boiler.
Hypodermics can be reused 2 or 3 times. When one is finished, put it into the bottle with the other old ones, not the bin (that’s illegal and very unsafe for the binmen).
If you prick yourself, don’t push the plunger. If you do push the plunger, call a doctor or the NHS helpline immediately. It’s not likely to be damaging because its a very small dose, but it isn’t a good thing.
Comments»
Just stopping in from the nablo blogroll! I’ve given horses and dogs injections before – but never a cat! Thanks for the tips, now I’ll know what to do if the need arises!
Cheers