Fluffy Face
Member Since 2016
I'll be starting insulin next week, and the thing I'm most concerned about is where I should inject my kitty. She is very skinny! I can hardly get a pinch of fat anywhere. Suggestions?
Giving shots to a skinny cat
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Misterbeesmom
Member Since 2016
well, its not really fat that we're aiming for. thats a different layer, and if it is injected into, that is ok but not ideal. my understanding is that the best absorption of the insulin happens when injecting just under the skin, hence "subcutaneous".did you veterinarian not show you how to tent kitty's skin and shoot? my vet showed me how, and by using needles with saline he had me practice right there with him to be sure i did ok.
the scruff is usually the easiest spot to shoot, unless kitty is extremely dehydrated.
cute kitty!
Fluffy Face
Member Since 2016
Thank you. I have seen some pictures of the tenting technique, so I'll try that when it comes times. My vet didn't show me, probably because I said my boyfriend's cat was recently diagnosed and assumed I'd learn it all from him. But now that you mention the fat vs just under the skin thing, I want to make sure he's doing right on his kitty! She's quite plump 
Tuxedo Mom
Member Since 2014
This link has good information of subcutaneous injections. Insulin is actually injected into the fatty layer between the skin and the muscle. There is a good picture there as well.
http://www.cc.nih.gov/ccc/patient_education/pepubs/subq.pdf
What is a subcutaenous injection? A subcutaneous injection is given in the fatty layer of tissue just under the skin. A subcutaneous injection into the fatty layer of tissue (pinched up to give the injection) under the skin. Source: NIH Medical Arts Why are sucutaneous injections given? These injections are given because there is little blood flow to fatty tissue, and the injected medication is generally absorbed more slowly, sometimes over 24 hours. Some medications that can be injected subcutaneously are growth hormone, insulin, epinephrine, and other substances.
http://www.cc.nih.gov/ccc/patient_education/pepubs/subq.pdf
What is a subcutaenous injection? A subcutaneous injection is given in the fatty layer of tissue just under the skin. A subcutaneous injection into the fatty layer of tissue (pinched up to give the injection) under the skin. Source: NIH Medical Arts Why are sucutaneous injections given? These injections are given because there is little blood flow to fatty tissue, and the injected medication is generally absorbed more slowly, sometimes over 24 hours. Some medications that can be injected subcutaneously are growth hormone, insulin, epinephrine, and other substances.
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