A few readers here are not cat-people or at least not familiar with some specific cat-problems. So I'll mention that Marley has some kidney issues and needs subcutaneous fluid injection 2x a week and a special diet. The vet will do the injections at no cost (though I have to buy the bag of fluids, but bringing him to the vet place 2x a week is a pain.
They said it wasn't that hard to do it myself. I doubted that, but after watching them do it several times, I decided I could. But I wanted to do it a couple times under their supervision. The first time, I spoke the steps out loud while mimicking the procedure with the equipment.
They said I had it right. So I did it myself in the clinic 2x while they watched. I passed, and have been doing it myself since mid-September. It helps that Marley is a calm tolerant cat.
It has been an odd experience. I don't mind getting annual flu and covid shots at all myself. But doing it to a pet feels different. Thankfully, it is not a muscle shot. You lift up the scruff of the neck and insert a needle under the skin but above the flesh.
A hanging bag drips fluid into the loose area. I hold Marley and the needle with a folded washcloth and watch the bag drip through a tube to the needle. The better-positioned the needle is, the faster it drips. The faster it drips, the shorter Marley has to sit unmoving. There are markings on the fluid bag for each dose and a clamp to open or pinch the dripline tube.
It isn't expensive. A monthly bag costs only $40 and the tubing and needles are included. At least cost is not an issue.
That's the theory. The "fun" part is that the needle has to be changed every time. The needle comes with a protective plastic cover. It is easy to put a new one on the tube. The needle fits on easily and there is a plastic screw at the base that tightens easily.
It's getting the old one off that is a problem. I've tried several ways. First, I just pulled. Then I pried with a screwdriver. Finally I used needle-nose pliers. I've "only" stabbed a finger 3 times out of 12 injections...
OUCH!
OK, I've gotten better about that. But I was really stupid at first. I was throwing away the protective cap after I attached the new needle. So it occurred to me to save the protective cap. 😂
That helped. Though, to make it even safer, I got the idea of taking a 2" 90 degree metal support bracket.
I'll cut a slot through the top hole and screw it to the subQ station I've set up.
Then just set the needle base in the slot and pull it safely off.
I have plenty of things to do on my workbench and outside, but after getting stabbed a 3rd time on Thursday, it went way higher on my list! LOL! I mean, that is a used needle, and it doesn't take much pressure to get stabbed 1/4" deep.
I seem to be pretty immune to general infections and I heal quickly. But I'd be a fool to tempt fate... Anything I can think of doing to make the subQ injections easier and safer is high on my To Do list!
Marley will go back to the vet for a blood test in 3 months to see how much the injections are helping. I have been told it can keep him relatively healthy and happy for several years.
