How to Give a Cat an Injection

One of the most unpleasant things you may have to do as a cat owner is give an injection. Some cats need daily injections for different diseases and conditions and other cats may only need an injection in an emergency situation like a severe allergy attack or a shock situation. The following steps will help you give your cat an injection with ease and confidence if the need arises.

Things You'll Need

  • Medication
  • Syringe with needle

Instructions

    • 1

      Draw up the appropriate amount of medication into the syringe. If you have a bottle of medication with a rubber top, make sure that you clean the top with an alcohol pad before sticking the needle through.

    • 2

      Make sure that you get all of the air out of the syringe before injecting the cat. To do this, point the needle upwards towards the ceiling and tap the syringe with your finger. This will help the air bubbles to rise.

    • 3

      Once the air bubbles have risen to the top, gently press the plunger to squeeze out all of the air. Once the fluid starts to come out of the needle, all of the air is out of the syringe and it's safe to give the injection.

    • 4

      It is easiest to give your cat an injection if you put him on a counter top or some other hard surface. If you are right-handed, hold the injection in your right hand and tuck the body of the cat underneath your right arm, with his body snuggly against yours.

    • 5

      With your left hand, pull up the loose skin over his shoulders. While the skin is pulled up, insert the needle horizontally with your right hand. As your cat may flinch for a second, you will want his body against yours as you hold him firmly.