More often than not, we are shown how to give insulin injections at the vet clinic before heading home with our diabetic cats. Typically we are instructed to give the shot into the scruff at the back of the neck area which is not optimal because there isn't great blood flow in the scruff which can result in the insulin not being absorbed, or working as well as it should. The reason our vets teach us to inject in the scruff is because they won't get bitten if they give shots there.

Insulin should be injected into the subcutaneous fat layer (just below the skin) for absorption to be most efficient. If the insulin is injected too deeply, it could be injected into muscle which can accelerate the rate of absorption and cause the BG to drop more quickly. Alternatively, if insulin isn't injected deeply enough, there may be some leakage after the shot, which also reduces how effective the shot will be.

Many find there are better absorption results if the bevel of the syringe is facing outwards from the body when giving shots. Injecting with the bevel side facing up/out allows for the needle to slide into the skin much easier resulting in shots being less painful. For more information click here.

There is a lot of "real estate" when it comes to where to give cats their injections - anywhere from approximately 2 inches away from the spine, right down to the belly area, between the front and back legs is ideal. Giving shots at an angle, depending on the length of needle and the amount of fat layer your cat may have also helps with insulin absorption.

Rotating where insulin shots are given is important to help prevent scar tissue from developing. Moving shots around the area and from side to side daily is recommended.