My history with giving cats subq injections is mixed - the first time was for our friend who trained us with a video before getting to their house. The cat was EASY and just ate while inserting the needle.
The second cat hated it and we were lucky to have gotten through that with him but at the end we said: never again will we do a hosue sit where the kitty needs fluids.
Literally two days later our FAVORITE house sit texted me asking if we had sub q experience.
Had to say yes because we love them and love the cat (we are his "godparents!), but he is even more resistant than the other cats combined.
I think it’s something you need to be very comfortable with if it’s for a long period of time. I have had 2 cats (rescues) with kidney disease which required subway fluids for about 1 1/2 years.
For me, even with it being my own cat, I was very nervous in the beginning. After a couple of weeks it became second nature. Because of my experience, I would expect someone who is comfortable doing this procedure. Depending of the amount of dehydration, it’s can be a little difficult to insert the needle properly. Some cats don’t like being held let alone have a needle poke. Depending on how much fluid is required, the cat may not relent to be restrained for a period of time longer than a few minutes.
I would need to have someone who has been doing subs for a little bit and be able to contain the cat for as long as needed.
I did it twice a week for about 4-5 years with my old cat. She was easy, but still I would hook my thumb under her collar while the needle was inserted, just in case she tried to get away.
I kept the fluid set hanging in my bathroom, so she saw it often, even when I wasn’t medicating her. I think that helped. I’ve given fluids to a friend’s cat who ran when she saw the fluid set come out, because if the negative associations.
if the cat is really difficult to medicate, a cat grooming hammock might work.
I was able to easily subcu one of my now departed cats. I stopped because the vet I was working with on diet, basically said the cat could get enough water through food and more frequent feedings. Later, when he was really sick at the end, I briefly gave him fluids again. It was pretty easy because he was an amazingly mellow guy who genuinely understood that humans meant well and trusted me.
I wouldn’t judge someone for NOT doing this as it is not actual “dialysis” and is probably more palliative than life-saving. Some cats really can’t take it. (Some humans really can’t do it.) I wouldn’t do this with a cat who felt like they were being tortured. I probably wouldn’t take it on as a sitter unless it was an usually mellow cat who would allow a stranger to do it.
