How to give a cat an injection at home? - briefly
To safely administer an injection to your cat at home, follow these steps: First, ensure you have all necessary materials including the medication, syringe, and alcohol swabs. Then, gently restrain your cat, insert the needle into the muscle or under the skin as instructed by your vet, and press the plunger slowly until the medication is fully administered.
How to give a cat an injection at home? - in detail
Giving your cat an injection at home requires careful preparation and understanding of the process. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you administer the injection safely and effectively:
First, gather all necessary materials: the medication, a syringe with a fine needle (usually 25 or 27 gauge), alcohol wipes, cotton swabs, and gauze pads. Ensure that the medication is at room temperature and shake it gently if instructed by your veterinarian.
Next, choose a quiet and comfortable location for the injection. Place your cat on a stable surface where you can easily access both sides of its body. You may need assistance to hold the cat securely without causing stress or injury.
Before administering the injection, familiarize yourself with the correct injection site. Common sites include the loose skin at the back of the neck (scruff), under the armpit (axilla), and along the side of the body (flank). Avoid areas with bones, large blood vessels, or previous injection sites.
Once you have selected the appropriate site, gently lift the skin to create a small tent using your non-dominant hand. With your dominant hand, hold the syringe like a pencil and approach the injection site at a 45-degree angle. Insert the needle quickly and firmly into the tented skin, ensuring that the entire length of the needle is inserted.
After inserting the needle, pull back slightly on the plunger to check for blood. If you see blood, it means the needle has entered a blood vessel, and you should withdraw the needle and select a new injection site. If no blood appears, proceed with slowly pressing the plunger to administer the medication.
Once the medication has been injected, remove the needle from the skin quickly and firmly. Apply gentle pressure to the injection site using a gauze pad for about 30 seconds to prevent any bleeding or leakage of the medication. You can also use an alcohol wipe to clean the area if necessary.
Finally, dispose of the used syringe and needle safely in accordance with local regulations. Provide your cat with comfort and reassurance after the injection, offering treats or favorite foods as a reward for good behavior. If you encounter any difficulties or notice unusual reactions during or after the injection, contact your veterinarian immediately for guidance and support.