How To Give Your Diabetic Cat An Insulin Injection

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1. Step 1: Type of Syringe

   It is important to understand that there are different concentrations of insulin. Therefore you need to make sure you have the proper syringe. A U-40 insulin requires a U-40 syringe and a U-100 insulin requires a U-100 syringe.

2. Step 2: How To Prepare the Syringe

   For more information on preparing your syringe, You can watch our VetVid video, “How to prepare an insulin syringe for Your Diabetic Cat.”

3. Step 3: Calm your cat

   When you’re ready to give the injection, place your cat on a stable surface. And take a moment to pet your cat before you begin! The injection will be easiest if both of you are calm.

4. Step 4: Decide on injection site

   Decide where you’re going to inject your cat. You can give the injection in your cat’s side or in the back of your cat’s neck. Just make sure you don’t use the same spot each time.

5. Step 5: Inserting the needle

   While you’re petting your cat, gently pull up a fold of skin at the spot you’ve chosen. Now quickly insert the needle into the fold of skin. The insulin needle is very thin and sharp, so it won’t hurt your cat, especially if you insert it quickly.

6. Step 6: Check for blood

   Pull the plunger back a little bit to make sure no blood enters the syringe. If you do see some blood inside the syringe, you should throw it away and start over with a new syringe.

7. Step 7: Pushing in the plunger

   Push the plunger all the way in, and then remove the needle. It’s that easy.

8. Step 8: Reward your cat

   Now reward your cat with more petting.

9. Step 9: Dispose of syringe properly

   You’ll need to dispose of the used syringe in an appropriate container. If you don't have a syringe disposal container like Lisa's ask your veterinarian for alternative options. And be sure to dispose of it according to local regulations.
   Please remember that no other information replaces the advice of your veterinarian, so don’t ever hesitate to contact your veterinary hospital with questions about your cat’s condition or treatment. I hope this video has been helpful. Thanks for watching.

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