what do inoculations feel like to you?

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Carolyn Ross

Carolyn Ross

Member Since 2017
What does giving an inoculation feel like to you? Since I haven't given one, does it feel like the needle is piecing vinyl or something else? I'm so nervous about giving those first few shots till I, and my cat, are comfortable. I don't know how much, or how little, force is necessary - even watching the videos doesn't give you an idea of the sensation.
 
I was scared at first too, and I made a lot of mistakes, still do:oops: one thing that helped me in the early days was shaving a patch in the area I was shooting. Being able to see the needle go in helped me get the feel for it.
 
I keep on pulling up a bit of skin just to get Sam used to the idea and the hair parts pretty well - I suppose I could clip a bit of hair. Aren't you supposed to give the shots in different spots, so you'd remove some hair on each side? I'm just afraid I'll go too slow causing him to he fidget and I'll have to start all over again.
 
Some cats are better if you shoot while they are eating, mine isn’t one of those. I feed him half his meal, shoot, then give the rest. After a few times he knew more food was coming so he sat still. I still occasionally give a fur shot, which means not all the insulin got in. If that happens, do not give another shot because you don’t know how much did get in and you don’t want to risk an overdose. Some vets have you practice with some saline while they talk you through it. I know you said he hates to ride in the car, but that’s one option. Yes, it’s better to rotate shot sites, but in the beginning I used just the scruff because it was the easiest and as my confidence grew I began the rotation.
 
Sharon14 said:
Some cats are better if you shoot while they are eating, mine isn’t one of those. I feed him half his meal, shoot, then give the rest. After a few times he knew more food was coming so he sat still. I still occasionally give a fur shot, which means not all the insulin got in. If that happens, do not give another shot because you don’t know how much did get in and you don’t want to risk an overdose. Some vets have you practice with some saline while they talk you through it. I know you said he hates to ride in the car, but that’s one option. Yes, it’s better to rotate shot sites, but in the beginning I used just the scruff because it was the easiest and as my confidence grew I began the rotation.
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If I touch Sam while he's eating, his back just sinks to the floor and he'll walk away. I think if he's laying down I might be luckier using the skin behind his front legs where it feels loose. The vet showed me how to give the shot in the scruff of the neck but I didn't get to do it myself, which is what I need, but I don't want to practice on Sam. (I wouldn't want someone to practice on me either)
 
Sharon14 said:
Most cats really don’t even notice the shot. When will you start insulin?
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I'm trying to get his BG numbers down right now but I'm preparing for the worst, hoping for the best. He was diagnosed a week ago and has been on a wet diet mostly FF since sunday. Numbers have been primary in the 200s with a couple lower but nothing below mid 100s. If he needs insulin, I'd be starting next week most likely. I noticed some people saying that Lantus stings and I hope that's not the rule.
 
Lantus can sting, but it’s rare and usually only at high doses (over 5 units). I hope the diet change does the trick, but if not I know you can do this!
Just remember to take a deep breath and relax. If you miss, it’s ok, we’ve all done it and you’ll get back on track. After awhile it will become second nature and you won’t even think about it!
 
Sharon14 said:
Lantus can sting, but it’s rare and usually only at high doses (over 5 units). I hope the diet change does the trick, but if not I know you can do this!
Just remember to take a deep breath and relax. If you miss, it’s ok, we’ve all done it and you’ll get back on track. After awhile it will become second nature and you won’t even think about it!
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Thanks, that's good to know! Everyone must be right because that's what they keep telling me, but I'd like to jump ahead to the point where, if it's necessary, that its just something I know I can do and I no longer dread it. Thanks for the encouragement!
 
Hi there!

Don't worry, you'll be able to give his shots when you need to. Insulin needles are super tiny, thin, my cat barely feels it. He only really feels the needle when he's dehydrated (which is really rare), the skin gets tougher to pierce.

Remember that if you're not sure that you got the shot done properly (I learned here that that's called a "fur shot" and it's the perfect name for it haha), don't try again, wait until the next shot ;)
 
CarolP said:
Hi there!

Don't worry, you'll be able to give his shots when you need to. Insulin needles are super tiny, thin, my cat barely feels it. He only really feels the needle when he's dehydrated (which is really rare), the skin gets tougher to pierce.

Remember that if you're not sure that you got the shot done properly (I learned here that that's called a "fur shot" and it's the perfect name for it haha), don't try again, wait until the next shot ;)
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Thanks! One things for sure, this forum really can prepare you for what to expect before it happens. I've got so many things to remember now that weren't even a part of my life a month ago. I hope I can do as well as so many of you have.
 
This forum is great!
I really wish I knew about it when Orlando was first diagnosed with diabetes... I found this forum a week ago, he's been sick for a few months now.
We learn so much more from this forum than any vet here we I live could teach me. It's incredible!

You'll do just fine with your cat, trust me ;) And everything will become natural to you in a while, it becomes part of your routine. There might be some scares now and then, but this forum is the perfect place to come look for answers or just a "shoulder to cry on" :)

Good luck!!

Carolyn Ross said:
Thanks! One things for sure, this forum really can prepare you for what to expect before it happens. I've got so many things to remember now that weren't even a part of my life a month ago. I hope I can do as well as so many of you have.
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You are in good hands here!
I do not have any problems giving the shots, but it took me awhile to get proficient with the ear pricks. Monster got his shots while eating. The shots did not bother him and he never became resistant (7 months on insulin...almost off the juice).
Also, it helps to write down the ideas that you get from here. I keep ideas, food notes, etc. on a notepad. Don’t forget to create the spreadsheet and keep it updated. The spreadsheet is an amazing resource!

Good luck and breathe. You will be just fine!
 
nmveasey said:
You are in good hands here!
I do not have any problems giving the shots, but it took me awhile to get proficient with the ear pricks. Monster got his shots while eating. The shots did not bother him and he never became resistant (7 months on insulin...almost off the juice).
Also, it helps to write down the ideas that you get from here. I keep ideas, food notes, etc. on a notepad. Don’t forget to create the spreadsheet and keep it updated. The spreadsheet is an amazing resource!

Good luck and breathe. You will be just fine!
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Thanks, I've been keeping the spreadsheet but haven't added it on-line - I'd sure love to see some green readings! I had no problem with the ear pricks but my vet did say those are much harder to get the hang of doing - I'll judge that if I start the insulin - I'd think that the shots would be much harder! I'm still concerned about checking for low numbers especially over night.
 
CarolP said:
This forum is great!
I really wish I knew about it when Orlando was first diagnosed with diabetes... I found this forum a week ago, he's been sick for a few months now.
We learn so much more from this forum than any vet here we I live could teach me. It's incredible!

You'll do just fine with your cat, trust me ;) And everything will become natural to you in a while, it becomes part of your routine. There might be some scares now and then, but this forum is the perfect place to come look for answers or just a "shoulder to cry on" :)

Good luck!!
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I'm the kind of person who has to get a handle on everything that I'm faced with -I freak out about not being prepared, so I always jump in with both feet and generally become overwhelmed. Trying to take in so much information all at once probably isn't the best thing to do. It's a scary prospect to have to become responsible for keeping your pet in good health when they have a disease and we aren't vets, with all their knowledge. I want to be competent, but I didn't want to HAVE to, if you know what I mean. This whole web site is an amazing resource!
 
I was scared to do shots too. So afraid to do it wrong. But it gets easier. Still give a furshot or 2 but everyone has. The thing is to just do it. I cried happy tears when I accomplished the first shot. I did it afraid. Shaking hands and all. You got this! Just breathe. :)
 
Phoebes said:
I was scared to do shots too. So afraid to do it wrong. But it gets easier. Still give a furshot or 2 but everyone has. The thing is to just do it. I cried happy tears when I accomplished the first shot. I did it afraid. Shaking hands and all. You got this! Just breathe. :)
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Thanks for the encouragement. I know everyone here was at this point in the beginning. I think I'll be pretty shaky too! But I know it's the best way to keep my cat feeling well, so I won't have a choice.
 
Carolyn Ross said:
Thanks for the encouragement. I know everyone here was at this point in the beginning. I think I'll be pretty shaky too! But I know it's the best way to keep my cat feeling well, so I won't have a choice.
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I think the small #31 needle size helps. I was honestly amazed at how easily it goes into the skin. My Baby is on a small dose & in less than 1 second, it’s done! She wonders why I even grabbed her skin? So - just tent & shot. It goes just easily into the skin- not into the muscle- parallel to body & you will be amazed at how smoothly it will go! Good luck & hopefully the diet will keep him in lower numbers. You can do this! My Baby is blind & very touchy; to say the least so if I can do this (me:nervous nelly) you’ll be a pro in no time!!
 
Becky & Baby Girl Kitty said:
I think the small #31 needle size helps. I was honestly amazed at how easily it goes into the skin. My Baby is on a small dose & in less than 1 second, it’s done! She wonders why I even grabbed her skin? So - just tent & shot. It goes just easily into the skin- not into the muscle- parallel to body & you will be amazed at how smoothly it will go! Good luck & hopefully the diet will keep him in lower numbers. You can do this! My Baby is blind & very touchy; to say the least so if I can do this (me:nervous nelly) you’ll be a pro in no time!!
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My prescription is for the 31 gauge needle as well - is the length of the needle only about 1/2"? I was thinking that there's more loose skin behind the front legs on the side of the body. Do you think that a good area to use or do you use the scruff of the neck? I was also thinking this morning about when I would need to test again after giving a shot and planned to look up the recommendations.do you keep a watchful eye on your cat for a few hours or can you just relax and check a few hours later? So many things rolling around my brain, and you call yourself a "nervous Nelly"! -that's me!
 
I was shown & taught by my vet using saline. He grabbed in the back (2 “ away from spine) right behind the top of shoulders. About 3” down frim her scruff. She seems to have extra skin there & I rotate sides. She has long hair & I part it & grasp on either side. She has easy skin to pierce.
If you do a pre shot test- then give insulin if the number is over 200. I really watched her actions in the beginning, & would test at different stages throughout the day.
I was new in Sept. & now in remission. Some of the other members will be more than willing to help you with this part as they are more knowledgeable. You should probably post a new thread asking for Testing times- help, when the time comes.
Have you home tested yet? ( sorry if you have already mentioned this- I am wrestling a turkey!) I haven’t been able to read all this thread. Janet has a great video on testing. Sharon14 has been a great help to me also. Desensitizing your cat. Just learn one step at a time & this helps not to be overwhelmed. First things first,.. then if you remain calm while shooting or testing; low breath, singing a relaxed song while doing this- it helps your cat remain calm too! I was so keyed up that I made Baby more nervous; until I took the much appreciated advice from these pros! They helped so much.
Prayers that low carb food is all u will need.
Happy Thanksgiving :cat:
 
Becky & Baby Girl Kitty said:
I was shown & taught by my vet using saline. He grabbed in the back (2 “ away from spine) right behind the top of shoulders. About 3” down for I’m her scruff. She seems to have extra skin there & I rotate sides. She has long hair & I part it & grasp on either side. She has easy skin to pierce.
If you do a pre shot test- then give insulin if the number is over 200. I really watched her actions & would test at different stages throughout the day.
I was new in Sept. & now in remission. Some of the other members will be more than willing to help as they are more knowledgeable. You should probably post a new thread asking for testing time help when the time comes.
Have you home tested yet? ( sorry if you have already mentioned this- I am wrestling a turkey!) I haven’t been able to read all this thread. Janet has a great video on testing. Sharon14 has been a great help to me also. Just learn one step at a time & this helps not to be overwhelmed. First things first,.. then if you remain calm while shooting or testing; low breath, singing a relaxed song while doing this- it helps your cat remain calm too! I was so keyed up that I made Baby more nervous; until I took the much appreciated advice from these pros! They helped so much.
Prayers that low carb food is all u will need.
Happy Thanksgiving :cat:
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Thanks and Happy Thanksgiving to you too! That's great that your kitty is now in remission, although I'm hoping the diet alone will work, I think I'll probably still end up giving low doses for awhile. I read a lot of the posts last week before I really was coming to grips with doing the shots. There were quite a few YouTube videos and some good suggestions here about slightly rolling the skin to expose it and give it a bit of a stretch that I think will work, and I think the area you described is where I, too, think will be easiest to grab. I need to go back and watch and read again though. Thanks for all your suggestions!
 
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