giving insulin shots to a cat that bites & scratches

[teacherspets]

I need help! I am catsitting for a female diabetic cat who doesn't know me very well yet. When I tried to give her the insulin shot tonight, she hissed and scratched me.(Her owner did not cut her nails before she left on her vacation.) I tried several times, but I was just stressing out the cat and myself. Does anyone have any tips?

 

[Sue and Oliver (GA)]

Lots of us give the shot while they are busy eating. Can you feed her and quickly tent some skin and stick the needle in?

 

[Donna & Shiloh (GA)]

I second to give while eating. Maybe some treats or deli turkey? Donna

 

[Lisa and Witn (GA)]

I second the deli turkey or some tuna (people food, not cat tuna). Something that the cat would not normally get. You may need to just skip a shot and just feed the treats and pet her to get her used to you. Bring it every time you go to feed her. Hopefully she will quickly associate you with yummy treats and be more cooperative.

 

[BJM]

In a calmer moment, it may be helpful to spend some time interacting positively with the cat, so it becomes more comfortable with you.

And (of course), you might want to trim the nails when the opportunity presents, to save your skin.

Otherwise, some folks will "burrito wrap" the cat in a towel for restraint, or use the clothspin "roach clip" to calm the cat. The latter uses clothespins to clip the loose skin along the back of the neck, an area where mom cat would pick up the kitten - it triggers a relaxation response in many cats. (anyone got a link?)

 

[Laurie and Mr Tinkles]

Here's the link for you...Clothes Peg Trick

I agree with the other suggestions about feeding, giving jackpot treats while petting...also you could progress to tenting the skin, then giving the treat....baby steps sometimes are needed.

 

[Lisa and Witn (GA)]

In a calmer moment, it may be helpful to spend some time interacting positively with the cat, so it becomes more comfortable with you.

And (of course), you might want to trim the nails when the opportunity presents, to save your skin.

Otherwise, some folks will "burrito wrap" the cat in a towel for restraint, or use the clothspin "roach clip" to calm the cat. The latter uses clothespins to clip the loose skin along the back of the neck, an area where mom cat would pick up the kitten - it triggers a relaxation response in many cats. (anyone got a link?)

The only thing that concerns me with using the burrito wrap is that this is a cat that does not know her well or trusts her yet. I'm afraid that if you try to restrain her in any way, she may hide from you and you will not be able to give her insulin at all.

 

[Anonymous]

arrive at the kitties house and quietly sit on the floor with the gift your brought her. (you do bring a gift right?) a catnip toy, or some bonita flakes...something nice.
stay on the floor for a while and if she comes to you of course just scritch her head, tell her how absolutely wonderful she is.
oh, i forgot, the syringe should be loaded and ready to go.
i hope you have the 'short needle' or do you have the longer needle?
reason? short needle does not require a pinch of skin...you can just poke and push.

when you present her meal to her..put it on the floor...as she comes to eat it just aim carefully at her side above the belly, below the ribs and stick it. she may not even notice.

honestly, some cats act like such babies about this...but i really do not think it hurts at all.