What is the best temp for a sub-q

For those of you giving you pet a sub-q I was wondering what temp you used? People say to heat it up but they don't say how much it should be. My vet said room temp is fine but I am trying to make this as easy as possible so I have been heating them to 97 degrees and this will cool as it goes through the line into the cat. Does this even matter to cats? My cat doesn't fight it either way so I can't really tell if he prefers it one way or the other.

Thanks for any input.

I just got it somewhere around body temp.  I filled the sink with hot water (not boiling), then put the bag in the water.  I left the drip chamber and tubing out of the water since I didn't want to risk infection.  Once warmed I ran the fluid through the line to get out any air bubbles and get to the warmed fluid.  My cat loved her subQ's.  She of course wasn't crazy about getting stuck with a needle but once the fluids started she'd flop onto her side and smile.  I guess the warm fluids were soothing on her old body in the winter.

i actually don't warm my snick's sub-q fluids. this time of year (summer) it stays pretty warm. and during the cool/cold weather, i have the wood burning stove keeping our home plenty warm day and night.

i think it does matter, the temp of the fluids. if the fluids are too cold, it can be uncomfortable for the cat.

Hi,

Warming it to 97 is fine. Most cats that need fluids will appreciate your warming them. I also would do in the way Peaches described.

A buddy gave me an old Arduino controller that he was using to make beer so it has a temp probe and a 120 volt controlled output. I wrap a fish tank heater around the sub-q bag and then put the probe under the bag and let it heat the bag up all wrapped in a towel. A full bag takes about 45 minutes so it is not fast heat but it gets it there without a problem, easily maintains the temp if it sits, and it is accurate. I was trying 99 degrees but he seems to twitch a bit when the flow starts and when you increase it. He is much better with it at 97 but the vet was saying room temp was fine so I wanted to check. Cats are pretty tough and mine takes it either way but it seems nicer to warm it up a little first.

Yes, if you think about it, cats are the same as we are, we feel it when it is colder or warmer than our body temp, same with subs for cats.

I'd think anywhere from 95-100 is ideal.

I have a thin cat that is not well, and on sub-q fluids to help support her kidneys. Room temp is much too cold for her. She shivers if the sub-q is room temperature especially in the colder months. I'd rather heat the bag in hot water for a few minutes than have her using up much needed energy regulating her body temperature.