Ventrolateral view, left internal jugular vein

Although the internal jugular vein is found in virtually all cats, it rarely takes the dye and it is relatively small.  Because of this it is difficult to find.  Typically, it is found in the carotid sheath, which includes the common carotid artery and the vagosympathetic trunk.  It usually joins the external jugular vein before the junction with the subclavian vein.