How to prepare and give an injection to a cat

     The vet or assistant will go through the steps to instruct you how to administer the injection to your cat. When you leave the office, you don't feel that confident about giving the shots. but you can be successful. I can share with you what the doctor already told you, so you can have this handy until you become comfortable. First thing is that you need to know an injection does not hurt the cat. You are needing to give this shot rather than make visits to the vet for this medication administration. By doing these shots yourself, you save time going back to your vet and money in fees too.

      Since the liquid is in suspension, you need to roll the bottle several times on a flat surface to have it mix. Check the bottom of the bottle to make sure you see no sediment. I roll my medicine (insulin) while I sing "Yankee Doodle Dandy"  for 2 minutes.  Do  not shake. This causes bubbles. You want medicine in the syringe not bubbles. Make sure when you draw up the liquid from the bottle that you insert the amount of air into the bottle so the liquid can be pushed out of it for your use. If you are giving 5 cc you need to insert 5 cc of air beforehand. When you draw out the liquid hold the bottle upside down so you get liquid and not air in the syringe.The needle has to be below the surface of the liquid so air is not drawn into the syringe. Check the dosage for accuracy.

    I learned some things that can benefit you by my experience giving my cat the injection. One thing to know is that you are helping your pet gain better health by your treatment. That feline is dependant on you for this care.

1.  Prepare a towel or cloth like a table cloth, so the cat will be able to have the food, in a dish, that you will place before the cat put in front of the cat. The food is a diversion.

2.  Put the moist or dry food on the cloth, on a surface that is easy for you to reach. Having the cat with its food at a level comfortable for you is essential. I use my bed. You can select couch or chair, washing machine or dryer top. Any surface that is handy can be used. If you use the dryer or washing machine, make sure the appliance is not running at the time you will be giving the shot.

3.  Prepare the injection as ordered by your vet. Place it near where you have put the cloth with the food placed on that cloth. Get this all ready before you put your cat on the cloth.

4.  Gently pet animal or scratch behind the ears to have that cat get used to you touching them before you give the injection.

5.  Very gently, with one hand, pull up some fur on hind quarters of the cat.  Hold the injection in the other hand.Place the needle into the flesh pointing downward so the liquid goes into the skin and does not go into the air. Push on the syringe to disperse all the liquid that is to be given.Immediately remove needle after all liquid is dispersed. Keep the needle as clean as possible.My vet instructed me to run the needle under hot water and recap and reuse many times. Follow your vet instructions.