How to Inject Lantus Into a Cat

Pre-Injection Instructions

• Ask your veterinarian to recommend an appropriate feeding schedule for your cat. He or she will typically suggest feeding your cat twice daily about 12 hours apart. Your cat must eat a good portion of his food before injecting insulin. Review your veterinarian's instructions to make sure you are administering the correct type of Lantus and are using the appropriate syringes. Check the Lantus label and syringe markings to ensure both indicate the correct units of insulin.

Preparing the Syringe

• Remove the Lantus insulin bottle from your refrigerator. Check the expiration date and observe the contents to ensure it is clear, colorless and has no particles in it. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water and dry them. Remove the protective metal cap from the bottle. Wipe the rubber top with an alcohol pad to disinfect it. Draw the plunger out of the insulin syringe until the rubber stopper aligns with the dosage of insulin. Insert the needle into the rubber top of the vial and press the plunger to expel the air into the bottle. Turn the bottle upside down with the needle remaining in it. Draw the syringe plunger down to fill it to the required dosage.

Removing Air Bubbles

• Observe the syringe for air bubbles while it is still inserted in the vial. Gently tap the syringe to remove any air bubbles and draw more insulin into it if need be to the correct dosage. Pull the syringe out of the vial and do not let the needle tip touch anything. Lay the syringe on a flat surface and allow the insulin to come to room temperature. Replace the cap on the vial and return it to the refrigerator.

Injection

• Place your cat on your lap or a flat surface where you have control of him and can keep him still. Pull up his fur on the scruff of his neck with one hand to form a triangle. Insert the needle into the center of the skin and retract the plunger slightly. If you see blood enter the syringe, move the needle tip over slightly and check it again. Push the plunger entirely in and leave the needle in place for 10 seconds. Remove the syringe and press on the injection site for two to three minutes to disperse the insulin. Dispose of the syringe in a sharps container.

Warnings

• If you miss a dosage of Lantus, give it to your cat as soon as you remember. If you remember only a few hours before a second dose is due, wait until the normal dosage time. Most cats on an insulin regime require two doses per day.

  Change your pet̵7;s food and exercise schedule only under veterinarian advice.

  Discard opened vials of Lantus after four weeks and always use a new syringe for each injection.

  Call your veterinarian if you are uncertain if all of the insulin was injected. Injecting too much insulin can be dangerous so never give a second injection immediately after the first unless directed by your vet.

  Human insulin syringes and syringes typically used on cats offer different dosages. Human insulin syringes are typically labelled "U-100" and insulin syringes for companion animals are usually marked "U-40." Never use insulin syringes meant for humans on animals or vice-versa. Using human insulin syringes without a vet's approval can result in incorrect dosing.