Worried & Frustrated Re: Difficult Cat

[Louellen]

I'm SO grateful to have this forum to turn to as our vet is not exactly the best at giving us information on Feline Diabetes and it's turning me into a nervous wreck with a VERY difficult cat to deal with.

Morrigan has held her weight at 14.4 lbs (she's a mix of long furred breeds, born feral). She was originally 15.8 lbs in December of 2014. Held her weight thus far at 14.4 lbs.
We've had her in for 2 curves at the vets as we insisted that we change diet FIRST...then, go to insulin and titrate it to the proper levels for the diet change (after reading things here about diet changes and insulin).

I am Canadian so my measurements are in Canadian measurements mmol/???

Her first reading was 21/23 (can't remember) BEFORE the diet change.
First curve numbers were 17, 15, 13, 17 WITHOUT insulin...only the diet change.
Yesterday, after a very nerve wracking ride to the vet's office,
19, 17, then, I took the last one at the vet's with the glucometer we will be using at home as practise. That was at 15.

So, today was her first shot of Lantus. The vet originally wanted to go with 2 units BUT...Nervous Nelly here...was concerned as she is not always "an eater" at meals in spite of taking up her food for 6 or more hours. She is a "grazer" and has been a "free feeder" on kibble for nearly 10 years. (She'll be 10 in May).
The vet conceded to the idea this morning when he called that perhaps, starting off with 1 unit would be best for our peace of mind (and, I'm sure...HIS too as I am a real worrier).

I gave her the first injection after getting her to nibble on some wet Fancy Feast (we're still working on the conversion to totally wet foods...a work in progress over 2 weeks). She only ate maybe, about 1/4 can but, went back to nibble on m/d kibble (yeah, I know...NOT ideal...but, I can't do more than give her the food and am still trying with different flavours/textures i.e.: pate, flaked etc from the list of foods below 10% and every brand available up here in Canada, recommended....doing my VERY best with her).

I have yet to try the home glucometer as doing so, would have turned her completely off of eating and had her hiding for hours and I wouldn't have gotten the shot into her. (I'm using the Lantus Solostar Pen...something the pharmacist recommended as "more accurate" using the actual pen itself as the injector). Ok, got the shot in by giving her 3 Luv's treats (I know...I know...NOT ultimate but, she won't eat the freeze dried stuff at all and turned her nose up at even tuna flakes in water but, going to try that tonight...at least I got the shot into her).

I'm going to try taking a reading later on but, I cannot have her turning away from me and hiding for hours, not eating etc. when it comes time for the next injection so....what to do???? She holds a grudge BIG TIME!

Question: Reading all of the above (so sorry!!!) and giving only 1 unit....can you offer any suggestions and help? I'm really a nervous wreck and at this rate...I am going to end up being hospitalized for either a break down or something else. (I really need to calm down).
Am I doing badly at this?

Thank you all for putting up with such a lengthy cry for help...make that BEG for help.

 

[BJM]

See my signature link Secondary Monitoring Tools for some assessments you can make, while you work on the home glucose testing. They'll help you monitor her condition.

 

[Patricia & Noodle]

Have you tried the Orijen freeze dried treats? I find the texture more similar to a "regular" treat than other freeze dried treats.

Give yourself a big hug. You're doing GREAT by even bothering to learn any of this. You're an excellent mom to Morrigan and are doing the best you can in what is a very difficult transition for every one of us who have been there. A few links you may find useful (sorry if this is redundant!):
Transitioning Dry Food Addicts to Canned Food
Where Can I Find....? (an incredibly useful post featuring a collection of lots of important information on the board)
Testing & Shooting Tips
More Hometesting Links & Tips

And this, which did so much to help me when I first found myself here
A Letter from Your Kitty to You

 

[Blamethecats and Hannah]

NO, you absolutely are NOT doing badly at this! You're acting quite normal for a newbie, believe it or not. I know this all seems so overwhelming at first. So many things that you mentioned sound like my own experiences when Hannah was diagnosed. You have a lot to learn, but you'll get there. It really does get better. It doesn't seem like it right now, but it will. First and foremost, you've come to the right place for encouragement and answers. Just start reading what others post and you will get quite an education. If you have questions, ask away. Someone will be along to help.

When Hannah and I began this journey in May of 2014, it scared me almost to death. I thought I was going to lose my sanity but knew I had to hang on for my furbaby. My blood pressure went up and I lost a lot of weight I couldn't afford to lose. I lost my appetite and I couldn't sleep at night. I was afraid to do BG testing on my sweet girl, and I absolutely couldn't do the injections without almost passing out. In short, this bean was a major mess! Little by little, with the help of the good folks here, I got "educated" about feline diabetes and started to regain my composure. I'm not 100% there, yet, but I'm much, much better.

Initially, Hannah didn't handle all the home testing and the injections well, either. She was a very sick kitty and spent most of her life hiding under our bed or in the fireplace wood box. Now, almost a year later, the testing and injections seem quite common place and she handles the routine like it's no big deal. Offering her favorite treats as a reward has helped with that. Since Morrigan doesn't like the freeze-dried kind, perhaps others here can offer advice on an alternative she might enjoy. And don't forget to pet her and praise her and scratch her under the chin for putting up with "the ordeal" ... Hannah loves that and immediately starts to purr. It makes me feel better, too.

Together, we have learned how to deal with this disease, all because of information, advice, and support we have gathered here. Hannah (a former kibble junkie) still has eating issues, but we continue to work on them, insisting that wet food is better for her and her dry kibble is history. And she's still a long way from remission or even regulation, but she feels so much better than she did almost a year ago. Me, too. I won't kid you... I still have days that I get flustered and discouraged, but things are sooooooo much better than they were when we first started on this journey. That will happen for you and Morrigan, too. Hugs and best wishes.

 

[Chris & China (GA)]

China doesn't like any of the freeze dried treats either...what worked for her was for me to just buy chicken at the store, bake or boil one piece, chop it up and put some in the refrigerator and the rest in the freezer to use as needed.

Here's a link to other Low Carb Treats....hopefully you'll find something that she really loves!

 

[Louellen]

I want you ALL to know that I am sitting here, crying like a baby right now, SO grateful for all of your help, encouragement, consolation, pats on the back and most of all, HOPE! More than anything for understanding what I am going through because you have all been there and for some, continue to try to improve both kitty and techniques. I can really feel the love coming from ALL of you and I cannot thank you enough (now, if I could only see the screen for the tears LOL...a MUCH needed "release" right now).

Are you sure all of you aren't "Earth Angels"? it sure as heck feels like it right now. I've always said that pet lovers are the best people on this planet and it's proving me right.

Letter from Kitty...oh my goodness. I'm afraid I will need a new computer if I read that right this moment. I'm going to save that for later when I can compose myself better.

I look into her little face and I talk to her, wondering if she understands me somehow, hoping that she'll forgive me and continue to love me for what I'm doing to her, knowing how much I love her. I wish that they could understand that it likely hurts us more than it does them. Hours later after pricking her for blood or jabbing her with a needle, I'm still a mess and she's off sleeping or grooming herself or nibbling on her dinner. I can't even get mine into me. I think BlameTheCats and Hannah knows what I mean as my blood pressure and appetite are both way out of whack as is my sleeping. Wow...and people say, "she's just a cat"???? Not to all of us, it seems.

Thank you all, I have some more reading to do from all of the links that you have all so graciously and lovingly provided for me to go through. I appreciate it more than you'll all ever know. And, besides sending my vet on yet another vacation...I'm going to need to work a third job to pay for a new computer as I've soaked this one with tears of gratitude to you all!

 

[Blamethecats and Hannah]

Awwwwww, it's okay to cry, so go right ahead. You're the proud and loving bean of a sugar kitty and that earns you the right! As a matter of fact, I just had of spell of tears about a week ago when Hannah's numbers were worse than usual. Sat down with my cup of morning coffee, cried my eyes out, then picked up where I left off and got on with the day. Worked for me.

I look into her little face and I talk to her, wondering if she understands me somehow, hoping that she'll forgive me and continue to love me for what I'm doing to her, knowing how much I love her. I wish that they could understand that it likely hurts us more than it does them. Hours later after pricking her for blood or jabbing her with a needle, I'm still a mess and she's off sleeping or grooming herself or nibbling on her dinner.

And isn't it wonderful how cats manage to do this?! I agree... I think they often handle it better than we do... and thank Goodness!!! And YES, she will definitely continue to love you. It amazes me how they manage to do that, but they do. I think they know we're trying to help.

Could we get you to set up a spreadsheet for Morrigan? It will help you (and the rest of us) to know how well she is responding to her insulin and whether or not changes in dosing are required. It assists in figuring out how low a particular dose takes her and how long it takes to start wearing off. Lots of folks here (unfortunately, I'm not one of them) are experts on interpreting spreadsheet info and can help you figure out if a particular dose is too much or too little for Morrigan. To keep things simple, most of us use the same spreadsheet template. Instructions for setting up a spreadsheet are HERE. If you can do that, it would be a really big help. It would also be helpful if you could set up a Signature that is automatically included at the end of every post you make. For that purpose, BJM has provided good instructions, HERE.

Again, don't be afraid to ask questions if you need help... or even if you just need a little hand-holding from time to time. Post away! Someone will be along to answer your questions and offer advice. Sometimes it takes a little while for a response, but there will ALWAYS be one. You can count on it.

 

[bsmith]

And this, which did so much to help me when I first found myself here
A Letter from Your Kitty to You

I had not seen this before. Thanks for linking it @Patricia & Noodle. @Louellen you can probably go ahead and read it now. It's definitely good for a few chuckles. In the meantime, hang in there. It does get easier with time and practice.

I definitely second @Blamethecats and Hannah on getting a spreadsheet set up. It really helps other people on the board to help you with issues or questions that may come up.

 

[Lisa and Witn (GA)]

I look into her little face and I talk to her, wondering if she understands me somehow, hoping that she'll forgive me and continue to love me for what I'm doing to her, knowing how much I love her. I wish that they could understand that it likely hurts us more than it does them. Hours later after pricking her for blood or jabbing her with a needle, I'm still a mess and she's off sleeping or grooming herself or nibbling on her dinner. I can't even get mine into me. I think BlameTheCats and Hannah knows what I mean as my blood pressure and appetite are both way out of whack as is my sleeping. Wow...and people say, "she's just a cat"???? Not to all of us, it seems.

Don't worry about her not understanding you. She knows you love her and are trying to make her feel better. Many of us find that the bond with our sugar kitty becomes stronger. I am sure that Morrigan's bond with you will grow too.

Our cats are not "just a cat". They are our 4 leg children.

 

[Louellen]

I finally got up the nerve and just read "Letter From Kitty" (not sure how to link yet in here but, I'll learn that too).
To the author and Patricia and Noodle...for pointing me to this....I have forever gratitude. I laughed, cried and laughed again! And, all of this was at WORK! I feel like hiding under my desk (like Morrigan hides under the end table in the living room when it's her "poke time") hoping my boss won't see me and fire me for personal stuff or being a total NUTCASE! I really do think people think I'm going insane. Maybe, I am...well, temporarily...

I will try to get that spreadsheet up, BlameTheCats and Hannah. And, I've just seen the "like" button so, I need to hit those "likes" now. I do have to tell you though that in spite of trying...I've yet to get a home reading. I only have numbers from the vet's. Getting a sample at home is like chasing a cat down under things, trying not to upset her so that I can use shaking hands to try to hit that "sweet spot" on the ear. I will try again today...when she comes out of hiding or stops running the moment she sees either one of us (hubby or I) coming into HER territory. But, I will work on both of those things now (spreadsheet and signature).
I AM so sorry that Hannah's numbers were still up. I have no real clue where Morrigan's are right now as we JUST started the Lantus yesterday and I couldn't get a reading from her yet. When she comes out of hiding from her spot (I'm home right now) later on today, I will try again. I guess she and I and hubby all have to get used to this.
I think besides technical support, I need the emotional support. I'm falling apart and I can see that Morrigan is not at all trusting of us in any way as she once was. The only time she distrusted us was in seeing the carrier come out to go to the vet's. Now...we just have to walk past her and she runs so, I'm trying hard, knowing that at 1 unit, she's likely not going into hypo state, to just let her be more than trying to poke and prod and upset her 17 times a day right now. Some cats may take easily to this...but, I've got to go with my gut with Morrigan's temperament and weigh out when to try and when to not try and just leave her be or go to try to give her some loving so that she doesn't feel that everything to do with us is about getting stuck with a needle. She was a feral cat and her temperament has never changed. I have to remember this about her personality as well and work with it or, I'm working against it...and HER. I also have to accept the idea that while I'm trying my heart out to be "ideal" in technical terms, it may not be possible for me to do that with her...now...or maybe not fully ever???? I am trying so hard but, I think I need to slow it down, recognize that I can't be "perfect" because she isn't being "the perfect patient" at this moment and hope that we all settle down and into this better. (Hoping that i get more than 3 hours sleep and actually eat something more than soup)

By the way...I LOVE the term "Sugar Cat". Hubby is diabetic too (not on insulin or meds for it...just diet and exercise) so, I just called him my "Sugar Honey Hubby" and he laughed.

Well, I think I will try to actually eat something now and recognize that I have to take the time to learn. One day isn't going to do it. I have to go easy on myself and 3 a.m. to get to sleep while watching her every eye blink, chasing her under tables and around the house, just isn't working for either of us (as the letter has so wisely said)
I will work on that spreadsheet with what numbers I have from the vet, learn more about these forums and how they work and will catch up with time.

 

[manxcat419]

I think it's very, very important that you still keep some regular time with Morrigan where she just gets the love and cuddles that she's used to. They really do adjust to the testing - Rosa went through a stage where she'd hide and then growl when I found her and went to get her, though at that point I couldn't really back off on the testing because she was already on her way down the dosing scale. But she came around fairly quickly. I just made sure that at least half the times I went looking for her I didn't do anything other than love her and tell her how good she was. Try and test when you get the chance, but not so much that she thinks that's all you're going to do every time you go near her. And monitor her secondary signs when you can't test so you're aware of her normal behavior - that way if she goes low you'll spot the subtle signs that she's not feeling 100%. When I look at Rosa now, scrambling at top speed to get on my chair before me so she can get cuddles, even though this chair is where I also do all her testing, I know that cats, even difficult ones, do come around to this whole routine - it just takes some longer than others, and you have to give her and you time to find a routine that works for both of you. And above all, try to relax around her - if you're tense because you're planning on trying to test her, she'll pick up on that. The calmer you can be (I know how difficult that is, I really do) the calmer she will be. You can try singing to her as well - that can calm some cats because they can hear your voice. You will get there just as the rest of us have - and so many of us thought we'd never be able to test or inject our cats - but it is going to take longer than a day or even a few days, so please be understanding with yourself as well as with Morrigan.

 

[Chris & China (GA)]

We all just do the best we can! You'll do fine too!!

Couple of other things for you to try to cram into your already overloaded brain...LOL

Regarding testing...What you can try to do is decide on one spot in your home that's going to be your "testing spot". (I liked the kitchen counter because it was a good height and already blocked two escape routes due to the wall and the backsplash) You can use anyplace though....even a rug on the floor as long as it's consistent

As many times a day as you can (and I understand right now she runs from you but you can only do your best!) take her there, give her ears a quick rub and immediately give her a treat she likes (hopefully you'll find one she really loves!!)

The more you can do that, the more she's going to associate that "spot" with the treats and she'll gradually learn to not care what you're doing with her ears.

For really hard to deal with cats, you can use things like Burrito Wrapping. Here's a quick video on how to do that

There's also the Cat in a Bag

Last for now is that I noticed you're using the syringe with the needles that come with it. We don't recommend that because when we do our dose adjustments, we do them in .25 unit increments and the needles that come with the pen only work in whole unit doses. You can just buy regular insulin syringes (WalMart's Relion brand are cheapest and they have half unit markings on them) You'll need U100 3/10ml insulin syringes with either 30 or 31 gauge needles

Your just pull the cap off the pen and use the little vial inside like the little vial it is! There's a rubber stopper just like a 10ml vial would have.

Keep asking questions!! You've already made a huge step in caring for your "extra sweet" Morrigan by coming here and we'll do all we can to help you!!

 

[bsmith]

You're already doing a great job by coming here and educating yourself about Morrigan's condition and what you will need to do to manage her diabetes. Even if you haven't been able to hometest yet, you're at least willing to learn about how to do it. With some cats it takes a bit to get them adjusted to such things, but hopefully you'll find a method that works for both of you.

Hometesting is an important tool that allows you to have a fuller picture of how your cat reacts to insulin and other changes. It will also help to keep her safe. Your willingness to learn and to try hometesting, even if it's difficult at first, is a wonderful thing. Also, at least you're able to give her injections already. That's definitely a step in the right direction.

@manxcat419 has some wise words about testing. Regular cuddling time is so important. My cat Edwin got to where he would run every time I came near him so I started making sure to stop and cuddle him at random times. I wanted to reassure him that every time I came near him that I was not wanting to "do" something to him.

@Chris & China's suggestions of a schedule and a standard testing spot helped greatly with Edwin too. The holds she's linked can be very helpful for some cats. Edwin's a bit of an oddball though in that the more he's restrained, the harder he fights. I actually find that the minimum amount of restraint is what works best for him. You'll just have to try a few different types of restraint on Morrigan until you find what works best for her.

Here are my thoughts on some things that will get you moving in the direction of being able to hometest. Maybe some of them might work for the two of you. Hopefully you'll be able to ease into testing.

1. Start by just playing with and cuddling your cat. Especially play with her ears so she gets used to you handling them. Play with her in the spot where you plan to do the testing so she gets comfortable being there. Some people test on a counter, but I chose to test on the floor. There was a spot on a rug where Edwin already liked to sit. He also really likes when I get on the floor with him. Testing then became let me play with you on the rug, then poke you a bit, and then more cuddling. A good time for all. Find a spot that works for both of you. Maybe some good treats in the designated testing spot will also help.
2. Get some practice testing by testing on yourself. At least you know why you're poking yourself . See if using the lancet device or just the lancet alone works best for you. I always just hand held the lancet as I was pretty sure Edwin wouldn't go for the clicking noise of the lancet device. Sometimes the capillary action in the test strips is not enough to draw the blood in and you'll need some gravity action too. This should help you get comfortable with using the lancet, the strips, and your meter without having to involve your cat yet.
3. About the test strips and the meter, I find it easier if you put the test strip into the meter just far enough to hold the strip, but not far enough in to turn the meter on. Do this before using the lancet so, once you do get blood, you don't have to fumble around to get the test strip into the meter. If you put the test strip all the way into the meter, thus turning on the meter, before finding blood you end up playing beat the clock to get blood before the meter times out. The pressure, the pressure! With the test strip just held in the meter, just push it the rest of the way in to start the meter once you have blood.
4. Warming your cat's ears makes testing easier. Raw rice in a sock or one of those microwaveable sinus packs with beads in them (I used this as I already had one) work well. Maybe try getting Morrigan used to you warming her ears, before you try starting testing, will help her get used to this.
5. If you've got to the point where you're ready to test on Morrigan, Neosporin (the petroleum jelly based kind) or Vaseline will help her blood to bead better and makes it easier for you to get a sample. Take a look at the back of her ear too as sometimes a good bead of blood is back there instead of on the front. Sometimes two pokes close together or massaging the ear to get the blood flowing can help also. Eventually her ears will "learn" to bleed better and testing will get easier. The practice helps too . As far as worrying that poking her ear is really hurting her, keep in mind that I've been able to test Edwin while he's sleeping without waking him up (though he's an old man who sometimes sleeps really hard and I'm really sneaky).

Hopefully some of these things will help ease Morrigan, and you, into being able to hometest. Also, remember to breathe. It will get easier and better.

In the meantime, monitoring Morrigan's clinical signs will be very helpful. If she's acting oddly there are a few things you can check. For hypos it's like a drunk test. If she's sleeping you'll have to wake her up. Check if she's alert, if she can walk normally in a straight line, and if her pupils are overly dialated. For high blood sugar, see if she's drinking and urinating a lot. Also, check to make sure that her breath does not smell fruity or like nail polish remover, which can indicate keytones. @BJM's Secondary Monitoring Tools, which he mentioned previously in this thread, are very helpful.

And then breath some more.

 

[SuePea]

. I only have numbers from the vet's. Getting a sample at home is like chasing a cat down under things, trying not to upset her so that I can use shaking hands to try to hit that "sweet spot" on the ear. I will try again today...when she comes out of hiding or stops running the moment she sees either one of us (hubby or I) coming into HER territory. But, I will work on both of those things now (spreadsheet and signature).

The ear is so tricky, I tried it once and gave up. I use the "palm" of Charlie's paw and it works just fine. It's a lot easier to control and I get a sample just fine. I do have to use a larger lancet though.

 

[Louellen]

I might try the paw once...but, she is VERY finicky about touching her feet. Even nail clipping is a nightmare!
Thank you Sue Pea!

 

[Louellen]

You're already doing a great job by coming here and educating yourself about Morrigan's condition and what you will need to do to manage her diabetes. Even if you haven't been able to hometest yet, you're at least willing to learn about how to do it. With some cats it takes a bit to get them adjusted to such things, but hopefully you'll find a method that works for both of you.

Hometesting is an important tool that allows you to have a fuller picture of how your cat reacts to insulin and other changes. It will also help to keep her safe. Your willingness to learn and to try hometesting, even if it's difficult at first, is a wonderful thing. Also, at least you're able to give her injections already. That's definitely a step in the right direction.

@manxcat419 has some wise words about testing. Regular cuddling time is so important. My cat Edwin got to where he would run every time I came near him so I started making sure to stop and cuddle him at random times. I wanted to reassure him that every time I came near him that I was not wanting to "do" something to him.

@Chris & China's suggestions of a schedule and a standard testing spot helped greatly with Edwin too. The holds she's linked can be very helpful for some cats. Edwin's a bit of an oddball though in that the more he's restrained, the harder he fights. I actually find that the minimum amount of restraint is what works best for him. You'll just have to try a few different types of restraint on Morrigan until you find what works best for her.

Here are my thoughts on some things that will get you moving in the direction of being able to hometest. Maybe some of them might work for the two of you. Hopefully you'll be able to ease into testing.

1. Start by just playing with and cuddling your cat. Especially play with her ears so she gets used to you handling them. Play with her in the spot where you plan to do the testing so she gets comfortable being there. Some people test on a counter, but I chose to test on the floor. There was a spot on a rug where Edwin already liked to sit. He also really likes when I get on the floor with him. Testing then became let me play with you on the rug, then poke you a bit, and then more cuddling. A good time for all. Find a spot that works for both of you. Maybe some good treats in the designated testing spot will also help.
2. Get some practice testing by testing on yourself. At least you know why you're poking yourself . See if using the lancet device or just the lancet alone works best for you. I always just hand held the lancet as I was pretty sure Edwin wouldn't go for the clicking noise of the lancet device. Sometimes the capillary action in the test strips is not enough to draw the blood in and you'll need some gravity action too. This should help you get comfortable with using the lancet, the strips, and your meter without having to involve your cat yet.
3. About the test strips and the meter, I find it easier if you put the test strip into the meter just far enough to hold the strip, but not far enough in to turn the meter on. Do this before using the lancet so, once you do get blood, you don't have to fumble around to get the test strip into the meter. If you put the test strip all the way into the meter, thus turning on the meter, before finding blood you end up playing beat the clock to get blood before the meter times out. The pressure, the pressure! With the test strip just held in the meter, just push it the rest of the way in to start the meter once you have blood.
4. Warming your cat's ears makes testing easier. Raw rice in a sock or one of those microwaveable sinus packs with beads in them (I used this as I already had one) work well. Maybe try getting Morrigan used to you warming her ears, before you try starting testing, will help her get used to this.
5. If you've got to the point where you're ready to test on Morrigan, Neosporin (the petroleum jelly based kind) or Vaseline will help her blood to bead better and makes it easier for you to get a sample. Take a look at the back of her ear too as sometimes a good bead of blood is back there instead of on the front. Sometimes two pokes close together or massaging the ear to get the blood flowing can help also. Eventually her ears will "learn" to bleed better and testing will get easier. The practice helps too . As far as worrying that poking her ear is really hurting her, keep in mind that I've been able to test Edwin while he's sleeping without waking him up (though he's an old man who sometimes sleeps really hard and I'm really sneaky).

Hopefully some of these things will help ease Morrigan, and you, into being able to hometest. Also, remember to breathe. It will get easier and better.

In the meantime, monitoring Morrigan's clinical signs will be very helpful. If she's acting oddly there are a few things you can check. For hypos it's like a drunk test. If she's sleeping you'll have to wake her up. Check if she's alert, if she can walk normally in a straight line, and if her pupils are overly dialated. For high blood sugar, see if she's drinking and urinating a lot. Also, check to make sure that her breath does not smell fruity or like nail polish remover, which can indicate keytones. @BJM's Secondary Monitoring Tools, which he mentioned previously in this thread, are very helpful.

And then breath some more.

Thank you so much Bsmith! I'm trying to breathe. I'm taking everything you've said here into action plan!

 

[Louellen]

We all just do the best we can! You'll do fine too!!

Couple of other things for you to try to cram into your already overloaded brain...LOL

Regarding testing...What you can try to do is decide on one spot in your home that's going to be your "testing spot". (I liked the kitchen counter because it was a good height and already blocked two escape routes due to the wall and the backsplash) You can use anyplace though....even a rug on the floor as long as it's consistent

As many times a day as you can (and I understand right now she runs from you but you can only do your best!) take her there, give her ears a quick rub and immediately give her a treat she likes (hopefully you'll find one she really loves!!)

The more you can do that, the more she's going to associate that "spot" with the treats and she'll gradually learn to not care what you're doing with her ears.

For really hard to deal with cats, you can use things like Burrito Wrapping. Here's a quick video on how to do that

There's also the Cat in a Bag

Last for now is that I noticed you're using the syringe with the needles that come with it. We don't recommend that because when we do our dose adjustments, we do them in .25 unit increments and the needles that come with the pen only work in whole unit doses. You can just buy regular insulin syringes (WalMart's Relion brand are cheapest and they have half unit markings on them) You'll need U100 3/10ml insulin syringes with either 30 or 31 gauge needles

Your just pull the cap off the pen and use the little vial inside like the little vial it is! There's a rubber stopper just like a 10ml vial would have.
View attachment 14713

Keep asking questions!! You've already made a huge step in caring for your "extra sweet" Morrigan by coming here and we'll do all we can to help you!!

Thank you so very, very much Chris & China! That was a lot that you've provided and so very much appreciated!

 

[manxcat419]

Edwin's a bit of an oddball though in that the more he's restrained, the harder he fights.

Yep, Rosa's another one like that - I absolutely cannot restrain her without her getting terribly distressed and fighting me, but the more she's learned that I'm going to test her whether she likes it or not, the more she's learned that sitting still while I get it done will make it quicker and easier on us both. Even when she went through her little phase of really objecting to being tested about 3 or 4 weeks ago, I didn't and couldn't restrain her - she'd let me test, but she grouched about it the whole time and would get a little nip or scratch in if she could.

 

[Louellen]

LOL Manxcat....I love bandaids and polysporin...for ME! I need 'em and am looking to buy in bulk!

 

[Blamethecats and Hannah]

LOL, indeed!! Hannah's GA civie, Daisy, had major cattitude. I can't even count the times I was bitten or scratched. No restraining her, either. Glad she wasn't a sugar kitty. There would have been NO WAY we could have tested or given insulin. When she went to the vet for blood work (she was hyperthyroid), they always had to sedate her. Never heard a cat yowl and growl like she did... even under sedation. No towels for her, either. Heck, she even got grumpy when she watched me fold laundry. Still, she was one of the most amazing animals I have ever known. I cannot explain it. She definitely had her good side, too.

 

[manxcat419]

LOL Manxcat....I love bandaids and polysporin...for ME! I need 'em and am looking to buy in bulk!

Maybe we could put in a joint order to get a discount!

 

[bsmith]

Heck, she even got grumpy when she watched me fold laundry.

Ohhh, you make me laugh. Moving towels, even dish (tea) towels, make Edwin freak out. Stationary towels are to be closely watched too. They could jump out and grab you at any time.

 

[manxcat419]

Moving towels, even dish (tea) towels, make Edwin freak out. Stationary towels are to be closely watched too. They could jump out and grab you at any time.

Of course they could - you can't trust towels you know. Regan would completely agree with Edwin about those. And many other things too - so many of our normal household items are apparently very untrustworthy and dangerous to cats!!

 

[bsmith]

Of course they could - you can't trust towels you know. Regan would completely agree with Edwin about those. And many other things too - so many of our normal household items are apparently very untrustworthy and dangerous to cats!!

You mean like the broom and the mop? Those terrify Edwin, though the vacuum cleaner seems to be better. You need to watch it closely, but at least you don't have to run from it. The kitty I grew up with actually loved the vacuum cleaner and would come running so you could vacuum her.

I attribute this deviant behavior to my kitty living with grandmother for a few months (to see if it would help my allergies). My grandmother would vacuum the cat everyday. Though never with the TV on at the same time. You do know that vacuuming next to a TV that's on will electrocute you, right? That's what my grandmother always claimed. Strangeness abounded in that house.

By the way, if you and @Louellen need bulk medical supplies I could probably point you in the right direction. Luckily for me I inherited, from the same grandmother as above, her complete collection of bandaging supplies including all sort of different types of tapes and gauze (I know you're jealous). When trying to give Edwin the hated tramadol this has really come in handy. Plus, sometimes my skin just falls off on its own, you know, like happens to normal people.

 

[manxcat419]

You mean like the broom and the mop?

Oh definitely those - and Regan's really not sure about the vacuum either. I think she's decided it's safer to hide from that just in case! We keep threatening to vacuum the cats to help Michael's allergies but none of them really seem too keen on the idea!! We should probably be extremely careful when vacuuming though - the number of computers, games consoles and TVs in the house it's a miracle we're still alive! My grandmother had some strange ideas like that too - I think because she'd grown up without a TV she didn't really understand how it worked.

I am very jealous of the medical supplies - I've had to buy so many bandaids recently that I've taken to buying the novelty ones with Hello Kitty or the Smurfs on them just for some variety! Michael came back from New York with a whole box of medical supplies from finishing off cleaning out his late mother's house ready for it to be sold but they really didn't last very long. And yes, the only allergies I have are skin ones so I'm all too familiar with having skin fall off for no apparent reason.

 

[bsmith]

We keep threatening to vacuum the cats to help Michael's allergies but none of them really seem too keen on the idea!!

I am very jealous of the medical supplies - I've had to buy so many bandaids recently that I've taken to buying the novelty ones with Hello Kitty or the Smurfs on them just for some variety!

You could always try soaking your cats in water for 20 minutes as that is proven to reduce dander levels. Though, given your cats' attitudes, that may be a "bloodbath" after only a few minutes (now that was a terrible pun). There are also products like allerpet that reduce dander, but you have to saturate your cat with them. That probably won't work really well for you either.

About the novelty bandaids, watch out for the glow in the dark ones. Years ago I had some of those. I woke up in the middle of the night and, half asleep, proceeded to freak out because there was something glowing on my hand and I couldn't get it off no matter how hard I shook my hand. Another special moment. I just stick with Scooby-Doo now, much safer.

 

[manxcat419]

You could always try soaking your cats in water for 20 minutes as that is proven to reduce dander levels.

Yeah, I think I'll have the ambulance on standby before I try that one!! Fortunately Michael does pretty well with zyrtec once a day so I'm not sure we have to resort to dangerous tactics just yet.

Oh, I haven't seen the glow in the dark bandaids - that's probably just as well though. Being as sleep deprived as I was while Rosa was coming down the dosing scale, I have no doubt I'd have had a few freak out moments if I'd tried using those then!!

 

[rhiannon and shadow (GA)]

I have one suggestion that will help you.
Either find a bunch of shoe boxes or cut and tape boxes of your own to fill most of the space under your bed. You want it to be the right height.
Just leave about a foot or so on each side so Morrigan can still think she's hiding but you are able to grab her if you really need to.
That might come in handy on a day where you are worried about low numbers.....

 

[SuePea]

Or get some of those under-bed storage boxes. We got one of those just because we needed it, but it sure did reduce Charlie's ability to hide.

 

[Blamethecats and Hannah]

The kitty I grew up with actually loved the vacuum cleaner and would come running so you could vacuum her.

This comment makes me chuckle and brings back additional memories of Hannah's GA civie, Daisy. She LOVED to be vacuumed and came to check it out whenever she heard the cleaner turn on. I smile each and every time I watch this video. It's a little long and repetitious, but I'm so glad I have it to share. Daisy crossed over Rainbow Bridge on July 16, 2014. Oh, and we DID vac next to the TV when it was turned on and as far as I can remember, we weren't electrocuted and didn't get abducted by aliens.

 

[Chris & China (GA)]

@Blamethecats and Hannah ...that video is awesome!!!

I'd give just about anything to be able to vacuum my cats, especially this time of year with winter coats shedding!

 

[Lori & Lulu]

@Blamethecats and Hannah ...that video is awesome!!!

I'd give just about anything to be able to vacuum my cats, especially this time of year with winter coats shedding!

Hear, hear! I even have an 'animal vacuuming' attachment thingy for my Dyson, but my crew would disappear and not come out of hiding for days if I tried to use it on them.

 

[Blamethecats and Hannah]

I even have an 'animal vacuuming' attachment thingy

LOL... I had one for my vac, too. But, wouldn't ya know... Daisy preferred the common and ordinary dusting brush, so the pet attachment went to the local animal shelter's annual yard sale.

 

[bsmith]

LOL... I had one for my vac, too. But, wouldn't ya know... Daisy preferred the common and ordinary dusting brush, so the pet attachment went to the local animal shelter's annual yard sale.

I thought you were already using the correct attachment in that video. That's the upholstery/cat attachment, right? I had no idea that they have an actual "animal vacuuming" attachment for pets now. Will wonders never cease.

I'm glad to hear you weren't electrocuted or abducted by aliens when vacuuming by a turned on TV. I'd suggest a tinfoil hat, but that might just make things more dangerous. I had a friend who as a kid made an "electron collector" out of tinfoil to collect the static electricity off of the TV screen. He managed to shock himself pretty good. In order to build up that much of charge you'd need one of those older tube type TV's and a lot of patience. Those new LCD/LED TV's just don't produce nearly enough static. On second thought, if you have a newer TV go ahead and put that tinfoil hat on. Wear it with pride.

 

[manxcat419]

I'm glad to hear you weren't electrocuted or abducted by aliens when vacuuming by a turned on TV. I'd suggest a tinfoil hat, but that might just make things more dangerous. I had a friend who as a kid made an "electron collector" out of tinfoil to collect the static electricity off of the TV screen. He managed to shock himself pretty good. In order to build up that much of charge you'd need one of those older tube type TV's and a lot of patience. Those new LCD/LED TV's just don't produce nearly enough static. On second thought, if you have a newer TV go ahead and put that tinfoil hat on. Wear it with pride.

Oh that made me laugh - thank you for the mental image of all of us vacuuming with tinfoil hats on...LOL!!

 

[SuePea]

oh, no... the Laser Lady lives....

 

[bsmith]

oh, no... the Laser Lady lives....

Laser Lady? I'm not familiar. Googling "Laser Lady" shows a comic with a superhero who is often made to remove her clothes, laser engraving, or laser hair removal. I don't think I've found the correct reference. Sooooo confused.

 

[Blamethecats and Hannah]

I love how these posts can sometimes turn around and get silly every now and then. We all need to laugh, especially since dealing with feline diabetes sometimes can take that away from our daily lives.

put that tinfoil hat on

This brings back another memory. (OMG, I'm turning into my mother and living in the past, something I always said I would never do!) The last time I put on a tinfoil hat was when I was about six. Made myself a tinfoil crown, complete with "authentic" paper jewels. Thought it would turn me into a princess. It didn't!

 

[SuePea]

The Laser Lady was an actual person; she passed away several years ago, but she was a paranoid schizophrenic who would call police stations and tell them that the aliens were shooting lasers into her head and we needed to turn up the shields. She was mentioned in Joseph Wambaugh's "The Choirboys".

 

[Louellen]

LOL, indeed!! Hannah's GA civie, Daisy, had major cattitude. I can't even count the times I was bitten or scratched. No restraining her, either. Glad she wasn't a sugar kitty. There would have been NO WAY we could have tested or given insulin. When she went to the vet for blood work (she was hyperthyroid), they always had to sedate her. Never heard a cat yowl and growl like she did... even under sedation. No towels for her, either. Heck, she even got grumpy when she watched me fold laundry. Still, she was one of the most amazing animals I have ever known. I cannot explain it. She definitely had her good side, too.

OMG...I am laughing so hard at the idea that she would get upset at even watching you fold the laundry! Morrigan isn't quite that bad but...close!

 

[Louellen]

Wait...you mean that putting tin foil on your head while vacuuming isn't normal? I never vacuum without it.
And, I wear "Glow In the Dark" bandages just to find myself at night. (The ones on my feet kind of freak me out a bit though. I keep thinking something is in bed with me...besides hubby. I'm plastering a few of them on him too now. )

Oh that made me laugh - thank you for the mental image of all of us vacuuming with tinfoil hats on...LOL!!

 

[Louellen]

My dog, Cassidy (a Havanese) is in the groomers being fully shaved down today. I think Morrigan will think we've brought in another dog and freak out even more. I think I can just hear her saying..."no...not another one of those things. I was just tolerating the other one!"

And yes...I needed to laugh so badly. Like was said, taking care of Sugar Kitties can and does become all consuming. My life and I feel totally upside down right now so, laughing really DOES help quite a bit.

 

[bsmith]

I love how these posts can sometimes turn around and get silly every now and then. We all need to laugh, especially since dealing with feline diabetes sometimes can take that away from our daily lives.

This brings back another memory. (OMG, I'm turning into my mother and living in the past, something I always said I would never do!) The last time I put on a tinfoil hat was when I was about six. Made myself a tinfoil crown, complete with "authentic" paper jewels. Thought it would turn me into a princess. It didn't!

I agree wholeheartedly with the need for some silliness to help take a break from the pain and the worry. It's definitely a needed outlet.

By the way, the reason that tinfoil crown didn't turn you into a princess is because you forgot to make a magic wand too. Try it again with the wand. If it doesn't make you into a princess at least it will keep you from turning into your mother. I also find it disturbing when I hear my mother's words come out of my mouth. You're not alone there.

The Laser Lady was an actual person; she passed away several years ago, but she was a paranoid schizophrenic who would call police stations and tell them that the aliens were shooting lasers into her head and we needed to turn up the shields. She was mentioned in Joseph Wambaugh's "The Choirboys".

Ahh, now it makes sense, sort of, I guess. Well the reference makes sense, but the whole needing to turn up the shields is pretty odd. I'll have to look that book up.

Wait...you mean that putting tin foil on your head while vacuuming isn't normal? I never vacuum without it.
And, I wear "Glow In the Dark" bandages just to find myself at night. (The ones on my feet kind of freak me out a bit though. I keep thinking something is in bed with me...besides hubby. I'm plastering a few of them on him too now. )

Louellen, you sure do like living on the edge. A tinfoil hat while vacuuming AND glow in the dark bandaids? You indeed live a dangerous life. Good thinking on plastering glow in the dark bandaids on your hubby too. That way you can tell he's a "friendly" rather than an "enemy" in the dark. He may be confused about why you're putting glow in the dark bandaids on him, but just assure him that it's for his own safety.

 

[Blamethecats and Hannah]

By the way, the reason that tinfoil crown didn't turn you into a princess is because you forgot to make a magic wand too. Try it again with the wand. If it doesn't make you into a princess at least it will keep you from turning into your mother.

Hmmmmm, never thought about a magic wand! How could I have forgotten that?! First thing tomorrow morning, I'm heading to A.C. Moore to get a dowel stick, cardboard, silver paint, and lots and lots of glitter/magic dust. Must have an overabundance of magic dust, you know. I've heard it's very important. And if the wand project doesn't turn me into a princess, I am very sure it WILL keep me from turning in to Mom! There's absolutely no way she would ever have put on a tinfoil crown and tiptoed around the house with a wand in her hand. (However, I do remember her standing on the front porch of our house in her underwear in the middle of winter, trying to cool down from a hot flash. Oh, gosh... looks like the little apple hasn't fallen so far from the tree, after all.)

 

[SuePea]

I agree wholeheartedly with the need for some silliness to help take a break from the pain and the worry. It's definitely a needed outlet.

Ahh, now it makes sense, sort of, I guess. Well the reference makes sense, but the whole needing to turn up the shields is pretty odd. I'll have to look that book up.
.

He describes her quite well. I had to speak to her at least once, working as a dispatcher for LAPD back in the 1990's. I once actually saw her at a Police Commission meeting and was floored to see a neatly dressed elderly lady. W

 

[Blamethecats and Hannah]

Okay, setting the fun aside for a bit and getting back to the subject topic of this post. @Louellen, how's it going? Good job at setting up that spreadsheet. I notice that Morrigan is still being fussy about eating canned/wet food. Don't feel alone with that issue, as there are many of us here who have that same problem with our sugar kitties. Transitioning from kibble to wet can sometimes be tricky. Hannah is still really picky when it comes to eating her FF classics and would go back to her dry kibble in a minute, if offered. It's been a real challenge for us, but I'm trying to hold my ground. Just be patient and see what develops. Lots of kitties do finally adjust to wet food over time. Hopefully, Morrigan will be one of them.

I also noticed your comment that Morrigan has taken to hiding and not wanting to be around you. Sorry to hear that. I know how sad and frustrated that probably makes you feel. But there's a very good chance she will get over that, given a little time. Hannah did a lot of that early on, too, but she's now pretty much gotten over it. It took a while, but she finally decided she wanted to be a part of her family once again.

So keep doing the great job that you're doing. This whole thing takes a lot of patience. I think that's the hardest part of it all. If you can manage to put on those "patience pants" that everyone talks about here, that's so important. Best wishes and we'll be checking in to see how you and Morrigan are doing.

 

[Louellen]

Thanks Blamethecats....But, don't stop the joking around, please! I love it! For the first time in a few weeks, I was actually sitting here, feeling much lighter and laughing as I was reading along.
I'm usually popping Advil, confused and ready to go hit someone. Now, I've got out my 100' roll of aluminum foil and was about to make myself a crown and wand! I've been feeling more like a "cat butler" so, I figured a crown and a magic wand might make me feel a bit like a princess for a change. Well...at least until the guys with the white coats come to get me.
Honestly, humour has been the ONE thing that has gotten me through a lot in my life so, I love it!

Yes...Morrigan has been more than a handful. She has been hiding and refusing to eat more than 1/8th of a can of food (the 5.5 oz) at a time. But, I got into BIG trouble with her when I refused to put out the dry kibble for 2 days! She stopped eating, stopped urinating and the vet was furious at me. He simply said...."give her the m/d kibble, leave it out as you usually did and offer her the canned foods as often as you need to get her to eat". I did and she finally returned to normal. Phew....that scared the living daylights out of me. Even then, she really doesn't like the m/d kibble and I so wish that Canada would supply us with more low carb foods than the prescription formulas. I know it's impossible really to get a low carb kibble but, we really are in a mess here in Canada.

And, yes...Morrigan has hidden from us and run and stayed in the basement (fully finished family room) and won't come upstairs unless we are in bed (she knows there is no more poking past that point) and the dog is downstairs in his crated area (not locked in, just gated off with his crate bed in the area so that Morrigan can roam freely and he doesn't mind it one bit.)

I did speak to the vet yesterday (hubby thinks we're having an affair since he calls if I don't now) and told him what numbers I was getting and what her demeanour was like. His suggestion was that at these numbers, there's no need to test her quite so often...maybe, every other day for now and once or twice...not as often as some members in here test. He said that it's "establishing trust with her in the shots first, eating then, testing can be done more regularly if I want to". He was saying that people can get carried away with numbers and testing and it's not always necessary. He was calmly trying to stop me from having a break down by telling me that many patients only bring their cats in once every 3 months for a curve and NEVER get a number at home...they don't even own glucometers...something that made me gasp with a "I couldn't do that" response. He said that he likes it that I'm trying so hard and that I'm getting the numbers at home (as that is a truer measure than while in his office) but, that going overboard in testing is not necessary at this level and it's only turning Morrigan into a nervous mess with her personality as it is (he has needed glow in the dark bandaids with her too). He said that with more placid and trusting cats (who don't hold grudges like Morrigan does), testing is up to each individual and that while he totally advocates home testing for those who can and will, it's not necessary to be fanatical about it if we do....unless they are near the low end of the scale in which case, it's better to test more frequently.
And, being me...the Nervous Nelly that I am...I also called our previous vet (now moved quite a distance and only in practise 2 days a week but, I trust with everything in me), asking HIM too. He gave the SAME answer as our current vet, not knowing what the other had said.
He also said that it's important to get a gauge but, not be obsessed with it all and not to feel guilty in taking a rest or doing it every few days....and the only time that they want more frequent home testing is when a dosage is changed (up or down) or the cat/dog seems to be "off" (in action or eating). So, that kind of made me feel a bit more relieved in taking a rest yesterday from doing meter readings and letting her just get her shots. I did watch her like a hawk though and tested this morning pre-shot. Both of them said one thing that struck me...."what good is it for you or her in having a cat that dreads you and won't come out of hiding?"

So, I'm walking the tight rope of trying to get her to eat (we are trying Wellness Core Grain Free canned Chicken & Turkey & Chicken Liver) and if I sprinkle some FortiFlora on it...she'll nibble at it. She loves to try new foods and will eat it more at first or second trials, then trails off after a feeding or two. I'm resigning myself to the idea that she needs to eat (after the trouble we ran into, trying too hard as mentioned above) and if she'll eat the m/d kibble AND SOME canned food...I have to let her and keep on trying.

I have to remember that Rome wasn't built in a day and today is only one week of all of this. It's new to her and to us. We're all going to have to adjust with a bit of patience and a lot of love, I guess. Even Hubby, the "it doesn't bother me...it needs to be done, cavalier man" said last night..."I HATE doing this to her!" Somehow, that made me feel a bit stronger. I guess it's knowing that my feelings aren't that far off. But, I am going to take our vet's (the 2 of them) advice and just relax a bit with the testing and just concentrate on getting her to eat, trust us and come out of hiding! I don't even know that I have her until it's time to hunt her down, give her a shot/test. That's no life for her or us.

How are all of you doing?

 

[Blamethecats and Hannah]

Well, I'm certainly glad to hear that you've enjoyed our little trip down memory and tinfoil lane and that it's helped you to smile. Actually, it's helped me, too. I'm pretty sure we'll run into more of this silliness along the way, somewhere, sometime. It's bound to happen again. It always does. THANK GOODNESS!!!

I agree that it's first and foremost that you get Morrigan to eat. At this point, she really needs to eat, so feed her what she likes... within reason, of course. If it boosts her BG, then you can always adjust the insulin accordingly (with the help of your vet or someone here) while you continue to work on finding an appropriate food that she likes and is better for her. Granted, she may need a bigger dose of insulin for a while, but she's got to eat. A diabetic kitty that doesn't eat is lined up for additional problems the two of you do not need.

Yes, some of us do go overboard on testing, but many of us have very good reasons for that and you'll figure the reasoning out if and when the time comes. At the very least, in spite of what your two vets say, I would recommend ALWAYS testing prior to giving insulin, just in case Morrigan decides to give you some much lower numbers that you wouldn't see coming without testing. And it's good to get in at least one mid-cycle test, too, as that will give you an idea of just how low a particular dose takes her and how long the insulin lasts. I'm not familiar with using Lantus, but there are folks here that know it well and can guide you as to how to best use it. Don't be afraid to ask for help and to trust the advice given.

Both of them said one thing that struck me...."what good is it for you or her in having a cat that dreads you and won't come out of hiding?"

Hmmmmm, I guess that statement has some validity, but I don't agree fully. Yes, it's no fun for either you or Morrigan if she spends her life scared and in hiding, but neither one of you will get past that if you don't slowly start to work your way out of the situation. And... what good is it for you or Morrigan if she stays in hiding and remains sick? That doesn't work, either. Hannah was like that for quite a while, mostly because she was feeling scared and crappy. Once we got into a routine and she started to feel a bit better, she gradually got over it. That can happen for you and Morrigan, too. It's just something you both have to keep working on. You'll get there. Take a break every now and then, that's fine, but keep in mind that you can do this.

I have to remember that Rome wasn't built in a day and today is only one week of all of this. It's new to her and to us. We're all going to have to adjust with a bit of patience and a lot of love, I guess. Even Hubby, the "it doesn't bother me...it needs to be done, cavalier man" said last night..."I HATE doing this to her!" Somehow, that made me feel a bit stronger. I guess it's knowing that my feelings aren't that far off. But, I am going to take our vet's (the 2 of them) advice and just relax a bit with the testing and just concentrate on getting her to eat, trust us and come out of hiding! I don't even know that I have her until it's time to hunt her down, give her a shot/test. That's no life for her or us.

You've included a lot of wise insight in this paragraph. You're one week in and on the right track! You're in uncharted territory, at least for now. It is a BIG adjustment... yup!! And it definitely takes time and a lot of patience to regain the trust you mentioned. We know, we've all been where you are, now. None of us LIKE doing this to our fur babies, but if it can give them a better quality of life, then we just have to go for it and do the best we can.

Sending lots of hugs and encouragement your way,
Carole

 

[SuePea]

I have got an enormous amount of respect for you, fighting like you are! I have 2 cats and the one with the problem is the most laid-back animal I have ever met. I can do almost anything with him. I don't know what I'd do if it was my spunky younger one. He'd slice me to ribbons the first time I tried to get a BG sample from him. You are doing an amazing job & don't let yourself tell you otherwise!

 

[bsmith]

@Louellen, I'm glad the humor has been helping you. I laughed at the thought of your hubby thinking you're having an affair with the vet since you're calling each other so frequently. Keep making those tinfoil crowns and wands. However, you and @Blamethecats and Hannah should be wary of using glitter. You do know that glitter is the herpes of craft supplies, right? Once you use some of it, you will never be able to get rid of all of it and bits of it will continue popping up in odd places for the rest of your life. BEWARE THE GLITTER!

Seriously though, I think that you've expressed some wonderful insights in your post and @Blamethecats and Hannah's reply was everything that I would have liked to write too (though I would have used more commas and ellipsis ). Dealing with illness and trying to get your cat to eat the appropriate foods can be so difficult. I had a little meltdown myself last night after learning that I need to switch Edwin's canned food again. I've spent so much time in the past month already dealing with food (combing through the food lists, standing in the cat food aisle reading labels and cursing, and trying to get Edwin to eat the food that I've brought home.) I'm almost to the point of going to the pet store and buying a bunch of feeder mice and releasing them into the house. I think that a fabulous idea, don't you?

As far as the dry food to wet food switch, you could also try sprinkling a little of the dried food that Morrigan likes on top of the canned food. You could also try grinding the dry food up and sprinkling a bit of that on top. This might make the canned food more appealing. In the meantime, here are a few links on getting your cat to eat more and transitioning your cat from dry to canned food:

How to Stimulate Your Kitty's Appetite

Tempting Your Cat to Eat

Transitioning Dry Food Addicts to Canned Food

I went through both the appetite lists trying to get Edwin to eat. Once you start garnishing your cats plate (a little sprinkle of catnip around the edges with an amuse bouche of freeze dried beef liver), it starts getting a little ridiculous, but I would have done anything if it would just get him eating. I was considering the addition of spinning plates on sticks to the act, but my lack of coordination and, thus, the plates falling to the floor would have probably scared the cat. Now it's better living through chemistry and adding Cyproheptadine to Edwin's meds has him eating much better.

Hugs to you and here's hoping that Morrigan starts eating better and becomes more comfortable with home BG testing soon.