Just like humans, cats can develop diabetes. Older obese cats, usually males, are most at risk for developing feline diabetes. Many diabetic cats may require subcutaneous (under the skin) insulin injections twice daily. Giving a cat an insulin injection can be frightening for both the cat and the cat owner, and if the injection is done improperly, the cat's health may suffer from poor insulin absorption or infection. So learning properly perform an injection for diabetes in your cat is essential to maintaining his health.
Instructions
1. Read the prescription label on the packaging for the cat's insulin vial to determine the proper dosage for the cat's injection, and then look at the syringe to locate the point that matches the prescribed dosage.
2. Tip the insulin vial upside down and penetrate the rubber port with the syringe. Slowly pull back the plunger to suck the prescribed amount of insulin into the syringe.
3. Withdraw the needle from the vial of insulin and double-check that the prescribed dosage is contained within the syringe. If an air bubble is present, flick the syringe while pointing the needle toward the ceiling to make the bubble rise to the top and slowly depress the plunger to remove the air. If necessary, repeat step two to obtain more insulin or penetrate the rubber port with the needle and expel excess medication.
4. Replace the cap on the syringe.
5. Bring the cat over to the couch or a comfortable armchair and position the pet between your body and the arm of the couch or chair.
6. Relax with the cat for a few minutes by petting and offering treats. Soothing and relaxing the cat will make the experience less stressful for owner and cat.
7. Select an injection site on the cat's body. A different location should be selected for each injection. The flanks of the thighs are a good location. Another good injection site is the lower portion of the cat's side, right about where the stomach begins. Never give an insulin injection in the cat's scruff, as the blood flow is poor in this location and the cat's body will not properly absorb the medication.
8. Saturate a cotton ball with hydrogen peroxide and part the fur to cleanse the injection site. This will prevent infection.
9. Cleanse your hands using an antibacterial hand-sanitizing gel.
10. Pinch the cat's skin with your thumb, index finger and middle finger and pull the skin upward to create a "tent."
11. Uncap the syringe and inject the needle into the skin at the point just below your index finger. Pierce the skin quickly to lessen the pain. The entire needle should be inserted into the skin.
12. Pull back on the syringe plunger and look at the point where the needle meets the barrel of the syringe. Look to see if blood is appearing in the syringe. If blood is present, this means you've hit a vein and you must inject a different site. Insulin cannot be injected directly into the bloodstream.
13. Depress the syringe plunger to inject the insulin. Once complete, immediately withdraw the syringe and immediately cap the needle.
14. Saturate another cotton ball with hydrogen peroxide and use this cotton ball to apply pressure to the injection site and gently massage the injection site using a circular motion. This will stop any bleeding that may occur.
15. Offer verbal praise, attention and a cat treat after the injection is complete. If the cat is upset, pet him and sit with the cat for a few minutes following the injection to help calm the animal. Associating positive experiences like praise, attention and treats will help neutralize the negative experience of the injection.
16. Repeat the injection as prescribed by the cat's veterinarian. Most cats receive injections twice a day. Injecting at regular intervals (i.e., every 12 hours) will help ensure diabetic stability.
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