Not sure if I can do this

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SuziB

SuziB

Member Since 2019
I’m struggling with my little cat. Reece has started really freaking out at shot time. She has had a history of being difficult with shots since she was a kitten. Having to give her injections twice a day is proving to be extremely stressful. Initially, she was distracted by her food. Now that she’s feeling better, it is a snarling, full restraint kind of affair. The other day she actually stalked me after her injection. If looks could kill, I would not be here today! This morning I had to hold her between my knees on the floor, while holding her head/shoulders down with one hand and injecting with the other, with her snarling and growling the whole time. I have rewarded with freshly cooked salmon, freeze dried treats, etc. She is just miserable and seriously stressing me out! I have a call in to the vet to see about using a smaller needle (currently using 28G). Maybe that will help? I’m just not sure I can go through this twice a day, every day.
 
Try something - this is going to sound weird but please try it. SING! Start when you're getting the shot ready, continue as you get her and all the way thru the shot and few seconds afterwards. Singing releases natural calming chemicals into OUR bodies which, in turn, translates to our cats. Cats sense your feelings - a natural calm feeling will translate to more calm for kitty.
 
If you are feeling stressed when you give her shots, she will pick up on that and become stressed also. The singing is a good idea.
 
Wiser heads than mine may say this is a horrible idea but...

The situation sounds bad enough at this point that maybe both of you need a time-out. A few days without trying to give her insulin. You are still transitioning off DM and off dry right? You could use the break to get her completely shifted over to just low-carb wet. And you would continue with testing for glucose level.

...like I said, others may respond that they would not recommend this approach.
 
A diabetic cat not getting insulin will literally starve to death while eating everything in sight. Insulin is the key to unlock the cells for the glucose to be used. Not having insulin when needed also causes the body to begin breaking down and using the body's fat instead of the food. When this happens, you not only end up ketonic and heading toward Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) which can be fatal without a long vet stay. It also causes hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver) which also requires a vet stay.
 
Thank you for all your kind and thoughtful replies! Tonight I tried singing, but she was on to me. As soon as I tried touching her in the kitchen, she started growling. I gave her lots of pats and a treat, even though I didn’t even try the shot. I might try again while she’s resting and calmer.

I will order smaller needles and see if that helps. If I have to take a break until they get here, so be it. I understand that’s not ideal, but I can’t have her terrified of me, or afraid to eat in the kitchen, either.

Edited to add: she is totally transitioned off dry food and solely eating FF classic pates, freeze dried salmon treats and poached plain salmon as treats.
 
I found the best time to shoot with the wild one was while he was eating cuz he would stand perfectly still not sure if it's best practice but man it worked well.
 
When I had to give fluids to a couple of my semi feral cats I used a pet taxi that had the top opening in addition to the front door and it made it much easier. Went through the top of the pet taxi. Maybe that will work in your situation.
 
Congratulations on getting Reece's diet shifted over. That's a big win for you.

Despite the rough patches I'm sure that, with your love, you'll be able to give Reece the care she needs.
 
If you look at your needle and turn it around you would be able to see a slightly lower part to the needle, on my needles there is a slight difference in the color. Take that part of the needle and inject into her skin while giving her shot. If you go to the Lantus forum and read the stickies, one of them explain about the needle. Your kitty will not even feel the injection if you do this.
Most everyone has problems with this to begin with, but PLEASE do not put your kitty's life and well being in jeopardy by not giving your kitty their insulin. Also, all the money you will be spending at the vet trying to save your kitty's life if you don't give the insulin.
 
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