>>>First, has anyone had experience with giving sub-qs to a very difficult cat? <<<

I too have (had) a difficult cat. Nutmeg used to be my Mom's cat and I don't know why she doesn't like to be handled (my Mom treated her very well). After I got her she grew to trust me and let me pick her up (but even to this day she growls), but it took many years before she'd let my husband pick her up.

When I started giving her fluids it was terrible! I usually had to stick her 3 times and sometimes didn't get any fluids in her. I always had a fight. And I have had plenty of experience since I have been giving my other cat fluids for 1-1/2 years then. Then one day I laid her on her side - and presto!!! She laid still (she still growls though)! I think the bottom line is you should try all different methods until you find one that works better than the others. Don't give up until you feel like you've "given it that old college try", you might be surprized like I was!

I know there is the emotional issue that we go though as parents, it's tough to see your furbaby going through all this. I think cats are very forgiving though. And think how much better your kitty will feel if you can find the "secret recipe" for giving fluids!

These are some things I can think of, and have heard on this list:

1. warm the fluids.
2. use a warmed heating pad under the cat.
3. try a different size needle(s).
4. slow down or speed up the flow.
5. try a different room.
6. give a treat during or after fluids.
7. don't use vitamin b in the fluid (maybe it stings?).
8. give less fluids 2x a day.
9. try a different position of the cat- lay on side or belly.
10. don't restrain the cat so much (some actually fight that not the fluids).
11. try confining the cat in a cardboard box with the top off during fluids.
12. do fluids when the cat is in a good mood (wake him up from a nap).
13. try different times of the day.
14. vary the location of the stick from day to day.
15. try different locations to stick - skin in some areas is thicker than other areas.
16. use a towel to restrain the cat.
17. try the thin wall needles (Terumo), they hurt less.
18. try holding the cat on your lap, put him on the counter, or the floor.
19. recruit a partner to hold and calm the cat.
20. give fluids by yourself (maybe they get stressed by all the "helpers").
21. use a confident, "this is easy" attitude - don't let him know you are nervous.

>^..^<
Debbie T., Frisky and Nutmeg

You know you're a cat person when... you snap your fingers and pat the sofa beside you to invite your guests to sit down.