The skin has fluids under it.Cats need fluids when they're too sick to drink on their own, such as if they have a serious disease.A sick cat could become very dehydrated if it didn't have the proper fluids.You will need to learn how to set up a fluid bag, insert a needle, and let the fluids flow if your cat needs them.Giving your cat fluids will help it feel better even though it isn't feeling well.
Step 1: The location to give the fluids should be chosen.
Decide 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 away from children and pets.
Step 2: The protective packaging should be taken away.
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 protected from the elements.Carefully remove the covering.The fluid has a color.It should be clear.If it is cloudy and discolored, use the bag.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 at the clamp.This will keep fluid out of the line when you don't want it to.
Step 3: Attach the fluid line to the bag.
A large spike will go into the bag at the top 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.Make sure the spike fits in the fluid bag by twisting it.
Step 4: The chamber has to be filled about halfway.
You can see how fast the fluid is flowing from the top of the line.The chamber is halfway full when you squeeze the fluid bag.
Step 5: Run the fluid through the line.
The fluid will flow better if there are no air bubbles.The fluid line has a protective cover on it.You can watch the fluid 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 won't hurt your cat.If you don't get all the air bubbles out, minimize them as much as you can.
Step 6: Attach a new needle to something else.
There is a plastic covering 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 have another covering.You should not remove this covering until you are ready to give the fluids.
Step 7: The bag should be hung.
The fluid bag needs to be above your cat.If you don't have an IV pole, you can slide the top hole of the fluid bag onto a coat hanger.If you are in a bathroom, hang the shower curtain rod on top of the door.
Step 8: Put your cat in 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.If you are holding your cat, use gentle restraint.Too much restraint can make a cat want to run away.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: The tent should be made of skin.
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: The needle should be positioned.
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 put in.
Move the needle forward until most of it 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.If you poke the needle in too far, it will come out the other side of the tent.
Step 12: The fluid line can be opened.
The fluid can be opened with the needle in the tent.Keep an eye on the fluid bag to make sure 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 contains 100 liters of fluid.
Step 13: A lump to form is something to watch for.
A lump will form when the fluid flows under the skin.This is normal.As your cat absorbs the fluid, the lump will go down.The fluid will cause the lump to get tight.You need to give the rest of the fluids in a different skin tent if you notice the lump is tight.If you have to do this, use a new needle.
Step 14: Put the needle back into place.
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.Don't remove the needle 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 can be removed.
To stop the flow of fluids, close the roller clamp after you have given all the fluids.Pull the needle out of the tent.To make sure fluid doesn't leak out of the tent, pinch the skin for a few seconds.When you remove the needle, you may see some blood.A small amount of fluid may leak out.This is normal.The old needle should be taken off and replaced with a new one.Don't throw the old needle in the trash.It should be in an area that other pets and children can't access.The vet will tell you where to discard the needles.