Flinching during shot

[Jen Z]

Cicero is 11 years old. He started Prozinc shots on Monday this week. He is noticeably flinching when I give him his shots, which worries me. I am using U-40 syringes. I hold him secure, scruff/tent the skin, and hold the needles at 45 degree angle to puncture the skin. I read posts that cats let you shot them while eating. I have not been doing that, since he definitely reacts to the shots. I do it after he eats, to make sure he gets a full meal before I upset him. But do cats get used the shot eventually? Are we just in the “new” phase and need to be patient that we will both get used to it? Appreciate any advice, as both of us clearly don’t like needles….

 

[CORKY]

don't worry is normal that they flinch, if you insert the needle straight down, it will be faster, in and out. just make sure you do not hit the bone, I pick up the scruff right below the shoulder straight up and shoot down pull quickly, Corky sometime even make a meau or grount sound but that's normal

 

[Evey]

Cicero is 11 years old. He started Prozinc shots on Monday this week. He is noticeably flinching when I give him his shots, which worries me. I am using U-40 syringes. I hold him secure, scruff/tent the skin, and hold the needles at 45 degree angle to puncture the skin. I read posts that cats let you shot them while eating. I have not been doing that, since he definitely reacts to the shots. I do it after he eats, to make sure he gets a full meal before I upset him. But do cats get used the shot eventually? Are we just in the “new” phase and need to be patient that we will both get used to it? Appreciate any advice, as both of us clearly don’t like needles….

I can relate to that. When I first started giving Evey insulin, my hand were shaking and it took a long time for me and the cat to get used to it. My cat flinches too. And sometimes she moves or jerks right as i am about to insert the needle! For me personally, doing it fast without hesitation is easier for both the cat and myself.

 

[Dyana]

My current cat is really food motivated. After I measure the dose, he is so anxious to get his food, he runs to the kitchen. Sometimes, when I inject him when he is on the ground he twists and jerks, but I still try to do it fast. He likes to jump up on my kitchen counter and watch me prepare the cat food bowls, and if I shoot him while he's up there he is so focused on seeing those food bowls he doesn't even notice the shot.