What is Subcutaneous (SQ) Fluid Administration for?

Subcutaneous (SQ) Fluid Administration is a common method of helping to manage and prevent dehydration in cats. It is most commonly recommended for cats with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), as cats with CKD lose the ability to conserve water and filter toxins from their blood.

SQ Fluid Administration can also benefit cats with a variety of medical conditions, depending on recommendation from your vet. Most cats tolerate this well. Only do this if instructed by your vet.

Preparing a space in your home

If it is your first time, find a room in your house that has the least spots that your cat can likely hide in, if your cat runs and hides, it will deter you from administering fluids. Close the room door while administering fluids.

Choose a comfortable position for your cat, this may differ with different cats. Some cats are comfortable on laps, while others may prefer to be in an open top cat carrier/their bed/tabletop. Some trial and error to find the best spot for fluid administration may be needed during the first few sessions.

Preparing the Equipment

This is a step which will be covered by the Vet/Vet Nurse during your visit to the vet, as the equipment will be prescribed by the vet.

1. Fluid Bag
2. Fluid Line
3. Needles

All equipment are sterile and should be in sealed wrappers. Do not open them until they are to be used.

Optional equipment:

Weighing scale:
Weighing scales are useful for tracking the amount of fluids that has been given to your cat. Vet nurses weigh the bag before the fluid administration, and weigh it periodically during the session for accurate fluid measurement. 1ml:1g.

The Process

1. Hang the fluid bag about above the level of your cat’s head. You may create a bag hanger using a coat hanger, over the door clothes hanger, etc. The higher it is, the faster the flow may be.

2. Bring your cat to your chosen location. Be sure that both of you are in a position that will be comfortable for about 5-10 minutes. The end of the fluid set should easily reach your cat without much tension.

3. Pick up a roll of loose skin in one of the locations shown in the illustration below.

4. Lay the point of the needle at the base of the roll of skin with the needle horizontal and pointing toward the cat’s head (assuming that the cat is lying on its chest).

5. Advance the needle slightly forward while pulling the roll of skin towards the needle. This motion should be firm and steady, not shaky and timid, and will place the point of the needle just under the skin.

6. Release the roll of skin. The point of the needle should remain under the skin. You may hold on to the back end of the needle with one hand for more security.

7. Grasp the fluid set lock in one hand. Begin the flow of fluids by rolling the roller upward. (If the fluid is dripping too slowly into the bulb chamber, you may need to adjust the needle). You can squeeze the bag to increase the flow rate, but this can also increase the pressure of the fluids entering your cat’s skin, causing some discomfort.

For a detailed video, you can view the procedure here: https://youtu.be/5va-ORFesqw