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Subcutaneous Fluid Administration in Cats: Syringe Method
Why did my veterinarian recommend at-home subcutaneous fluid treatment?
Supplemental fluids can benefit cats with a variety of medical conditions. Home fluid therapy is most commonly recommended for cats with chronic kidney disease (also known as chronic renal failure). If your cat is diagnosed with a condition that will benefit from fluid therapy, your veterinarian can teach you to administer fluids subcutaneously (under the skin). It can be normal to feel hesitant or apprehensive about administering any treatment to your pet.
Giving injections is outside the comfort zone for most outside the medical profession. However, subcutaneous fluid administration is not nearly as difficult as it sounds. The benefits your cat receives will make it well worth your time to learn this simple technique.
There are two ways to give subcutaneous fluids at home: using a fluid bag with a drip set or using a syringe with a butterfly catheter. The syringe method offers more control, while the bag method is ideal for giving larger volumes and often works faster.
How do I administer subcutaneous fluids using the syringe method?
With the “Syringe Method,” you give fluids with a large syringe and a butterfly catheter (a needle attached to a long rubber tube).
1. Find the rubber stopper on the fluid bag and wipe it with alcohol.
2. Insert a needle and syringe through the stopper and into the fluid.
3. Slowly pull back on the syringe’s plunger to suck up the prescribed amount of fluid, then remove the syringe from the bag. Repeat this process with another needle and syringe, if necessary.
4. Remove the needle and replace it with a butterfly catheter (also known as a winged infusion set). Be sure to twist it on tightly to avoid leaks.
5. Place the syringe on a nearby surface while you place the catheter needle under your cat’s skin.
6. Make a “tent” in the skin by lightly pinching it between your thumb and index finger and pulling it up. You can do this anywhere the skin has some stretch.
7. Insert the catheter needle swiftly under the skin in the center of the tented area. The angle of the needle may be 45 degrees or less, depending on how high the “tent” is.
8. Hold the tube to prevent accidentally pulling it out.
9. Pick up the syringe and slowly depress the syringe’s plunger with your thumb or the palm of your hand to transfer the liquid from the syringe to the subcutaneous area. There will be some pressure as you depress the plunger; if there isn’t, the needle may have come out of the skin.
10. If you need a second syringe of fluid, do not remove the catheter needle. Instead, twist the empty syringe off the end of the butterfly catheter and replace it with the full syringe, and repeat the process.
11. Smoothly withdraw the needle of the butterfly catheter.
12. Some fluid and occasionally a small amount of blood might “leak” out after removing the needle. Pinch the area or apply light pressure for a few minutes and it should stop.
How should I store and dispose of syringes and needles?
Store the syringes with new, sterile needles to prevent contamination. Keep the equipment in a safe place until the next fluid administration. The fluids should be kept in a relatively cool location out of direct sunlight. Be sure to keep this and all medications out of the reach of children and pets.
Dispose of needles in a designated “sharps” container or in a firm, sealable, plastic container. Ask your veterinarian where to safely dispose of the container.
What other tips should I know?
© Copyright 2025 LifeLearn Inc. Used and/or modified with permission under license. This content written by LifeLearn Animal Health (LifeLearn Inc.) is licensed to this practice for the personal use of our clients. Any copying, printing or further distribution is prohibited without the express written consent of LifeLearn. This content does not contain all available information for any referenced medications and has not been reviewed by the FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine, or Health Canada Veterinary Drugs Directorate. This content may help answer commonly asked questions, but is not a substitute for medical advice, or a proper consultation and/or clinical examination of your pet by a veterinarian. Please contact your veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns about your pet’s health. Last updated on May 13, 2025.
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