Subcutaneous (subQ) fluids are a common at-home treatment prescribed for cats with chronic kidney disease (CKD), dehydration, or other medical conditions. While the thought of giving your cat fluids at home might seem intimidating, using the Calm & Cozy Cat Wrap can make the process much more manageable.
The Calm & Cozy Cat Wrap is designed to keep your cat calm, secure, and still – three things that are essential for safe and effective fluid administration.
Why Give SubQ Fluids at Home?
SubQ fluids help maintain hydration, support kidney function, and improve overall comfort for cats with certain medical conditions. Administering these fluids at home can reduce trips to the vet, minimize your cat’s stress, and help maintain consistent treatment.
Using a proper technique and setup is key. Below is a step-by-step guide to safely administer subQ fluids using the Calm & Cozy Cat Wrap.
What You'll Need
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1000mL bag of veterinary-prescribed subcutaneous fluids
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IV drip set (tubing with drip chamber and flow control)
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18- or 20-gauge needles (one per treatment session)
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Pot of warm water
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Coat hanger or wall hook (to hang the fluid bag)
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Treats for positive reinforcement
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Sharps container for needle disposal
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Clean hands!
Step-by-Step Guide to Administering SubQ Fluids at Home
1. Wash Your Hands
Before starting, wash your hands thoroughly to reduce the risk of contamination.
2. Prepare the Fluid Bag and Line
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Without touching the sterile spike, pierce the tubing into the exit port of the fluid bag.
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Remove the cap from the exit port of the fluid bag, being careful not to let it touch anything.
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Open the roller clamp and allow fluids to run through the entire length of the tubing until all air bubbles are removed. Close the clamp afterward.
3. Warm the Fluids
Place the fluid bag only (not the tubing or insertion point) in a pot of very warm water for about 10 minutes. The water should be comfortably warm to your hand, never hot or boiling. Never microwave fluids.
Warming the fluids makes the experience more comfortable for your cat.
4. Attach the Needle
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Open the round, non-sharp end of the needle without touching the inside.
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Attach the needle securely to the end of the tubing using the luer lock mechanism.
5. Secure Your Cat in the Calm & Cozy Cat Wrap
Wrap your cat snugly in the Calm & Cozy Cat Wrap according to the instructions, ensuring their body is secure and tightly swaddled. A snug wrap prevents squirming and helps keep your cat calm during treatment.
6. Choose and Prepare the Insertion Site
Most subQ fluids are given between the shoulder blades or at the nape of the neck. Gently tent the skin by lifting it to create a small pocket of space under the skin.
7. Insert the Needle
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Remove the cap from the sharp end of the needle.
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Insert the needle into the tented skin at a shallow angle, parallel to the spine. Avoid pushing too deep to prevent hitting muscle.
8. Start the Fluids
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Hang the fluid bag on a wall hook or coat hanger above your cat.
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Open the roller clamp and observe the drip chamber to ensure fluid is flowing.
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If you can't see the drip, squeeze the chamber and invert the bag slightly to adjust.
9. Monitor and Finish
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Administer the prescribed amount (usually 100-200mL).
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Close the clamp when you reach the correct volume.
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Gently remove the needle and immediately cap it. Always replace the needle with a new one before the next use.
10. Dispose of the Needle Safely
Place used needles in an approved sharps container. Do not throw them in regular trash.
11. Reward Your Cat
Once finished, give your cat a treat while they're still in the wrap. Positive reinforcement helps build a stress-free routine.
Tips for Success
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Stay Calm: Your confidence helps keep your cat calm.
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Use a New Needle Each Time: This ensures cleanliness and sharpness for a smoother insertion.
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Warm Fluids Gently: Place the fluid bag in a pot of warm water. Never use a microwave to warm the fluids directly.
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Don’t Skip the Wrap Practice: Familiarize your cat with the Calm & Cozy Cat Wrap in low-stress situations before attempting treatment.
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Hang the Bag High: Elevation helps fluid flow more easily.
Benefits for Cats & Humans
Using the Calm & Cozy Cat Wrap allows cat owners to safely and effectively administer life-saving subQ fluids at home. It reduces the need for stressful vet visits, promotes consistency in care, and keeps both cats and humans safe and calm throughout the process.
Because there’s no need to wrestle or forcibly restrain your cat, the experience is less stressful and more predictable. This gentle approach helps prevent negative associations with treatment, making future fluid sessions smoother for both you and your cat.
For cats, this means a more comfortable and familiar experience. For humans, it means peace of mind and greater control over their cat's healthcare routine.
