Syringe Preferences

[davidscat]

I've had a very difficult time injecting my cat due to a phobia about hurting him, but after over two months of terror, everything finally clicked and I've been able to inject without fear and hesitation for a couple of months. Just recently everything changed and injections are difficult again. More times that not I can't get the needle to penetrate the skin on the first try, so I poke and poke and poke trying to get the needle in. This evening Snowy hissed at me to express his displeasure, something he's only done once or twice in 11 years. I don't know if the issue is a subtle change in my technique or something to do with syringes.

My latest problems seemed to coincide with the arrival of a new batch of syringes, although this my be pure coincidence. I'm using BD Pet Syringes, U-40, 29G, 1.5 ml. I've looked at a few needles under a microscope and then look plenty sharp to me. Has anyone encountered a "bad" batch of syringes or can you recommend something better?

 

[Christie & Maverick]

Are you able to see the bevel edge on the syringe needle? You want to have the bevel edge facing upward when you inject or else it can drag and pull on the skin which can be why you feel it isn't going in properly.

 

[davidscat]

Good tip! (No pun intended). I tried beveled edge up this morning and the needle went in first time. I'll keep doing that and see how it goes. Thanks!