The fluids are given under the skin.Cats need fluids when they are too sick to drink on their own.A sick cat could become very dehydrated without the fluids.You will need to learn how to set up a fluid bag, insert a needle, and let the fluid flow if your cat needs it.Giving your cat fluids will help it feel better.
Step 1: You can choose a location to give the fluids.
Determine where you want to give the fluids before setting up the equipment.If you want to prevent your cat from escaping, choose a small enclosed space.The area should be out of the way of children and pets.
Step 2: The protective packaging needs to be removed.
You will need a fluid bag, fluid line, and needle to give fluids.Your vet is likely to give you these supplies.The fluid bag and fluid line will be encased in plastic.Remove the covering.The fluid has a color.It should be obvious.Do use the bag if it is cloudy and discolored.There is a chance that the fluid is colored to indicate that it is contaminated.The fluid line has something on it.The fluid line needs to be squeezed together at the clamp.This will keep fluid out of the line when you don't want it to.
Step 3: Attach the bag to the fluid line.
A large spike will go into the bag at the top end of the fluid line.Remove the rubber covering on the spike and put it into the bag.Don't let the spike touch anything before you put it in.To make sure the spike fits in the fluid bag, twist it.
Step 4: The chamber needs to be filled about halfway.
You can see how fast the fluid is flowing in the drip chamber at the top of the line.The chamber is halfway full when you squeeze the fluid bag.
Step 5: Run through the line.
The fluid will flow better if there are no air bubbles.The protective cover should be removed from the bottom of the fluid line.The fluid can run through the line and out the bottom opening if you loosen the roller.The fluid line's bottom opening should not be touched.The needle will go here.The fluid shouldn't get on the floor if it's positioned by a sink or trash can.You don't want to waste a lot of fluid if you close the roller clamp after a few seconds.Air bubbles will not hurt your cat.If you don't get all the air bubbles out, minimize them as much as possible.
Step 6: Attach a new needle
A plastic covering may be on the bottom of the needle.Attach the connecting piece on the needle to the bottom of the fluid line if the covering is removed.The actual needle that is injected under the skin will be protected by another covering.You should not remove the covering until you are ready to give the fluids.
Step 7: The bag should be hung.
The fluid bag needs to be above the cat.If you don't have an IV pole, you can slide the top hole of the fluid bag onto the coat hanger.If you are in a bathroom, hang the shower curtain rod over the door.
Step 8: Put your cat in a position.
Keeping your cat comfortable will make it easier to give it fluids.Put your cat in your lap or on the top of the washer or dryer.If your cat gets uncomfortable, ask someone else to hold it.The person holding the cat should use gentle restraint.Too much restraint can make a cat want to leave.The cat needs to be comfortable for 10 to 15 minutes.When your cat is in position to receive fluids, petting it will make it feel more comfortable.
Step 9: You can make a skin tent.
You will make a skin tent to make sure the fluids go under the skin.The shoulders or hips have a lot of loose skin.Pull up some skin to make a tent.If you don't have a dominant hand, make the skin tent with your nondominant hand.
Step 10: Place the needle.
The plastic covering on the needle needs to be removed.The needle should be positioned parallel to your cat's back and facing the skin tent.Make sure the needle is facing up.Rest your hand on your cat's back.
Step 11: The needle should be inserted.
The needle should be moved forward until most of the needle is in the tent.Release the skin tent when the needle is in.The needle is small and sharp, so your cat won't feel it as it enters the skin tent.Make sure you don't poke the needle in the other side of the tent as you slide it in.
Step 12: The fluid line should be opened.
The fluid can flow with the needle in the tent open.Keep an eye on the fluid bag so you don't give too much.It is possible to mark the bag with a marker so you know when to stop the flow of fluids.The bag holds 100 liters of fluid.
Step 13: There is a lump to form.
A lump will form when the fluid flows under the skin.This is not unusual.As your cat absorbs the fluid, the lump will fall.The lump will get tighter with fluid.If the lump is tight but you haven't given the full amount of fluids, you'll need to give the rest of the fluids in a different skin tent.If you have to do it, use a new needle.
Step 14: Reposition the needle.
You should keep an eye on the chamber.The needle might have moved against the skin, blocking the flow, if you notice the fluid isn't moving into it.Place the needle under the skin without removing it from the tent.You might need to do this a few times to make sure your cat gets all the fluids it needs.The needle can be moved by rotating it in the skin.
Step 15: The needle needs to be removed.
To stop the flow of fluids, close the roller clamp after you have given all the fluids.Take the needle out of the tent.To make sure fluid doesn't leak out of the tent, pinch the skin for a few seconds.You can see blood when you remove the needle.A little bit of fluid can leak out.This is not unusual.The old needle should be taken off and replaced with a new one.The old needle should not be thrown in the trash.It should be in an area that other pets and children can't access.Your vet will tell you where to discard the needles.