I'm really struggling with my diabetic cat's insulin injections

Hi there. What if, despite trying every trick in the book – treats, his favourite wet food, and so on – nothing works and he just fights back by scratching or biting, before bolting and running away? Does anyone have any solutions? Just so you know, Senvelgo isn't an option as he has liver issues, so it wouldn't be suitable for him. Anyway, I'm completely at a loss too.

@Sherpa38, Rather than diving into those radical and somewhat harsh methods you might get from a vet's surgery—where they’re all about efficiency but don't have to live with your cat day in, day out—I’d suggest trying a gentler approach for both you and your cat, to keep your relationship on good terms. First, find a treat he really loves. I'm thinking of freeze-dried meat or fish (a brand like Cosma, for example). Specifically avoid things like Dreamies, which are full of carbs. The treat should be strictly reserved for this and only given in very small amounts to make sure it stays effective. Several times a day, do a "dry run" of the injection. Always do it the same way, in the same spot, with all the kit ready—but without actually doing the jab, of course—and finish with one or two treats. Prep the treat beforehand in a small, easy-to-open box so you can be quick and precise, and so he doesn't spot that you've got a whole stash. If he loves the treat, he’ll soon associate this moment with a bit of a reward; he'll focus on the treat box and let you get on with it. He’ll end up forgetting the times when you actually give him the injection. It’s important to do these "dummy runs" where you don't actually ***** him or force the issue, so that you build up trust through the reward of the treat. It might sound like a "carrot and stick" approach, but it really helps maintain a good bond. Best regards

Hi there. First off, your vet can show you some restraint techniques. This usually involves scruffing him firmly and lifting him up slightly. Some cats go limp and others don't; it varies. It’s the classic method, the most effective when you're on your own, and it leaves one hand free for the jab. But let’s be realistic—trying to do this alone with an energetic, stressed cat is next to impossible. You’ll end up hurting him, he’ll end up injuring you, and even if you manage the injection, it won't be done properly and could be risky for your cat. Normally, it's a two-person job at the very least, and even then, it can be a real struggle. In the clinic, the vet nurses are there for exactly that; it’s part of the job. So if you can, get a second person to help. A neighbour, a family member, a friend—basically, you need two of you. If you don't have anyone, or can't get help every day, you can try this trick: wrap him up tightly in a thick duvet, leaving only the area you need to needle accessible. It stops you from getting scratched. If done right, the cat has almost no room to move. Cats are quick, but they don't actually have much brute strength. You can bundle him up like a little burrito with the blanket. You can even lean on him a bit with your chest. Since the duvet acts as a cushion, you can apply a bit of weight—not too hard, obviously, but enough to keep him still. Another similar idea involves using a sturdy bag, like a "bag for life" or a strong carrier bag. You put him in so that only his head is poking out. Again, it avoids scratches, and if you find a bag that's the right size and fairly thick, I don't think you'll even need to use much force. Just keep the top of the bag closed so he doesn't jump out. The best part is you can combine both techniques: wrap him in a blanket or sheet first, then slide him into the bag with his head sticking out. That’s what I’d do. Good luck with your little hairy terror! I’d thought about that, but I wonder if I’ll actually manage to get him into the bag. I’ll go buy one and we’ll see... Thanks for the advice!

Yeah, at the vet’s he’s so stressed and timid that he just lets them get on with it. Maybe you could try doing it while he’s asleep? Usually, they wake up but aren't quite with it yet. That’s what I do with my cat for grooming; he doesn’t struggle as much for those few minutes until he’s properly awake. I completely agree! The waking-up trick... the trouble is I need to do it roughly every 12 hours. Since yesterday, I’ve been trying to distract him with some dry food... mixed results so far, but nothing better for the time being. 😔

Hello. Firstly, your vet can show you some restraint techniques. Firmly grabbing the scruff of the neck and lifting him slightly is the classic approach. Some cats go limp while others don't; it really varies. It’s the most effective method when you're on your own as it leaves one hand free for the injection. But being realistic, doing this solo with a lively, stressed-out cat is nearly impossible. You’ll likely hurt him, he’ll scratch you, and even if you manage the injection, it’ll be a messy job and risky for your cat. It normally takes at least two people, and even then it can be a struggle. At the clinic, the vet nurses are there for that; it’s part of their job. So if you can, do it with some help. A neighbour, a family member, a friend—whoever, you really need two of you. If you're on your own or don't have help every day, you can try being a bit sneaky: wrap him up in a thick duvet, leaving only the bit you need to inject accessible. This stops him from scratching. If it's done properly, the cat will have almost no room to move. Cats are quick, but they don't have much raw strength. You can make a "cat burrito" by swaddling him in the blanket. You can even lean over him with your chest; since the duvet acts as a cushion, you can apply a bit of weight. Not too much, obviously, but enough to keep him still. You can try something similar with a bag, like a tote or a sturdy paper shopping bag. Pop him in so only his head sticks out. Again, this avoids scratches, and if you find a bag that fits his size and is thick enough, you won't really need to use much force. Just keep the top closed so he doesn't leap out. The best part is you can combine the two: wrap him in a blanket or sheet first, then slide him into the bag with his head sticking out. That’s what I’d do. Good luck with your hairy little terror! I used the towel method once to clip my cat's back end because my mum, who I'd left him with for a month, couldn't manage to brush him. He ended up a total matted mess. I think it can work as a one-off, but I'm worried he'll quickly become wary. I'll mention it to my vet during our appointment on the 23rd of September. Thanks again. Best regards

To make things quicker and more effective, there’s a special cat restraint bag that all vets are familiar with: https://test3.cut.lueur.in.dmsc.fr/fr/soins-chats-chatons/1079-1794-sac-contention-chats.html. Best of luck! That’s definitely one way to do it, but I’m not sure if I’d manage to get my cat into a bag like that twice a day. He’ll probably fall for it once or twice, but after that, he’ll just bolt and hide the moment he sees me coming. I’ve got an appointment with my vet on the 23rd of September, so I’ll mention it to them then. Thanks again, Best regards