Elizabeth and Bertie
Member Since 2010
Welcome, UK Member. 
This post has info on feline diabetes supplies in the UK. [Note: This info is in the process of being updated 13/4/26]
Please know that diabetes is treatable! With good care a diabetic cat can often live as long and as happily as a non-diabetic. What's more, quite a lot of cats have the potential to go into 'remission' from their diabetes and become diet-controlled diabetics.
Things to know and do first...
1. MAKE A 'HYPO KIT.' Hypo (blood glucose that's too low) may never happen to your cat, but it's wise to be prepared in case you do need to raise blood glucose quickly.
Everyone with a diabetic cat should have a simple sugar source that can be grabbed fast in an emergency. Many UK people just use ordinary honey (sugar/glucose syrup is also fine).
Note: Glucose or honey rubbed onto the gums is the fastest way to raise blood glucose in an emergency.
Also get some high carb food and/or treats, such as Gourmet Gold 'in gravy' food, and/or Webbox 'Lick-e-lix' sachets (not the 'in jelly' ones)
If you're hometesting (testing blood glucose at home) make sure you have plenty of test strips for your glucose meter. You don't want to run out in an emergency.
2. TEST FOR KETONES. Get some ketone test strips (for example 'Ketostix') and monitor your kitty's pee on a regular basis. Crumpling clingfilm loosely in the litter tray (over the litter) is often a good way to catch a pee sample. You literally only need a drop. Some people just catch pee in a ladle or long handled spoon.
Be aware that not all ketones are registered by the ketone test strips. If you notice that your kitty's breath smells fruity or like acetone this can also indicate ketones.
If your cat has a history of ketones, or DKA, then you may want to invest in a blood ketone meter. Testing blood is more accurate than testing pee. The 'On Call Dual' meter is popular with UK folks.
3. LEARN TO HOMETEST BLOOD GLUCOSE. 'Hometesting' may sound a bit daunting at first, but it saves lives and makes managing diabetes so much easier. Most people can do it. And most cats can be tested. It shouldn't hurt them. And they'll still love you. Honestly!
Testing involves pricking the outer edge of an ear (or a paw pad) to get a tiny droplet of blood. That droplet is touched to a test strip in a glucose meter. The meter counts down and gives the result. Cat is rewarded with yummy treats or a cuddle.
GLUCOSE METERS
Many of us use ordinary glucose meters made for humans. Pet-specific meters are also available. Human meters ‘typically’ read a little lower than pet meters, and vice versa. This difference is often greater at higher numbers and less at lower numbers. Both are ‘correct’; it’s just a matter of understanding the range of numbers for the type of meter that you are using.
The most popular human glucose meter is currently the 'Gluco Navii'. It's also one of the cheapest to run. The most popular pet meter is the 'Alphatrak'. But this is pricey to use. Cheaper alternative pet meters include the The 'PetTest' and the 'Centrivet'. (Note: The 'Cerapet' pet meter is not recommended because it's been found to be unreliable, especially at lower blood glucose levels.)
Note: The insulin dosing protocols used here were devised using data from human glucose meters. So an adjustment will need to be made if you are using a pet meter.
The Freestyle Libre
The Freestyle Libre is a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) that some vets are now recommending for pets. It attaches to a small area of shaved skin. And it can monitor glucose trends for 'up to' 14 days. It measures interstitial fluid, not blood, and so is not as accurate as blood glucose testing. Low numbers on the Libre should be double-checked with a hand held blood glucose meter.
Some people have found the Libre useful to use while they're learning to test blood glucose. Some have found it useful for when they go on holiday, so that the cat sitter or cattery can keep an eye on the cat's situation without having to test blood glucose.
4. FEED AN APPROPRIATE LOW CARB DIET. If your cat is already on insulin learn to hometest before switching to low carb. (You may need to reduce the insulin to avoid hypo...) If your cat is waiting to go onto insulin you can switch to low carb first. There's a link to a low carb food list further down the page.
5. DOES YOUR CAT HAVE WEAK BACK LEGS (NEUROPATHY)? Neuropathy is nerve damage caused by chronic high blood glucose. It most often presents as weak back legs ('plantigrade stance'). But it can occasionally affect the front legs (a weakening at the 'wrists' just above the paws), and sometimes the bladder/digestive tract. Cats can recover from neuropathy. Supplements of methyl B12 can really help with healing. 'Dr's Best' methyl cobalamin capsules are easily available in the UK. Two 1500mcg capsules equal a 'typical' 3mg dose.
Note: Potassium deficiency can be another possible cause of leg weakness.
Some diabetic kitties can become low on potassium, especially if they are peeing a lot. A blood test will be needed to see if the cat's potassium levels are low. If low, potassium can be supplemented. But this must be done carefully, under the guidance of your vet.
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INSULINS IN THE UK - and other diabetic supplies:
Your vet might prescribe an insulin made for animals, or one made for humans.
The ISFM (International Society of Feline Medicine) and the UK's RVC both recommend the use of longer-lasting insulins, Prozinc, Lantus/glargine, or Levemir/detemir, over lente insulins such as Caninsulin for new cases of feline diabetes. (Of these, Prozinc is the only longer-lasting insulin actually licensed for cats in the UK.)
For more on the ISFM's and the RVC's guidelines on managing feline diabetes, please scroll to the 'USEFUL REFERENCE' info toward the end of this post.
There are two insulins licensed for cats in the UK, Caninsulin, and Prozinc. If it turns out that a veterinary insulin isn't controlling the diabetes sufficiently well your vet is able, by law, to prescribe a human alternative. However, some vets are unwilling to prescribe a human alternative. And, despite the UK guidelines that the first insulin prescribed should be one that is licensed for cats , a teensy weensy minority of vets (who prefer to use human insulins) will actually prescribe a human insulin as the first choice.
Attitudes between vets vary a lot when it comes to prescribing insulin for your cat...
VETERINARY INSULINS
Caninsulin and Prozinc are the the most commonly prescribed insulins for cats in the UK.
The RVC has said the current guidelines are that all newly diagnosed cases be prescribed Prozinc, the only long-lasting insulin in the UK currently licensed for cats.
Cats who are currently on Caninsulin and who are not doing well on it may benefit from switching to Prozinc (or one of the human insulins, such as Lantus or Levemir).
The RVC's research found that Prozinc can drop the blood glucose more slowly and last longer in the cat's system; thereby giving overall better glycaemic control than Caninsulin. This can lead to improved clinical signs, and an increased chance of remission. (Recent research has proved what some of us have long observed - that Prozinc has similar remission rates to the human insulin, Lantus.)
Even so, many vets still seem to prescribe Caninsulin. Prozinc has only been available in the UK for a couple of years, and old prescribing habits seem slow to change. Caregivers may need to be pro-active in specifically asking their vet for Prozinc.
SYRINGES
Caninsulin and Prozinc are U40 insulins; that means they have 40 units of insulin per ml of liquid. They are used with corresponding U40 syringes.
Syringes are usually far cheaper to buy online than from your vet. You could use the Caninsulin or Prozinc branded syringes, but many UK'ers use the generic U40 syringes as they are very much cheaper. However, these are all 0.5ml which, while the same size as the Caninsulin syringes, are larger than the (0.3ml) Prozinc syringes.
There are some generics made by VetUK, and there are also 'Sol-Vet' syringes, which cost a little more. (Some UK folks consider that the Sol-Vet U40's have clearer markings and sharper needles):
VetUK U40 syringes: VetUK 0.5ml U40 Insulin Syringe with Needle (Box of 100)
Sol-Vet U40 syringes: SOL-VET U40 Insulin Syringes 0.5ml Box of 100 | Low Prices
SOL-V Insulin U-40 Syringe & Needles
For basic information on using, handling and storing Caninsulin and Prozinc see the FDMB info stickies in the Caninsulin and Prozinc subforums (links below). You can also post in these forums for advice specific to your insulin. But if you need help quickly please post in the main health forum.
Beginner's Guide to Caninsulin (Vetsulin)
Caninsulin/Vetsulin subforum: Caninsulin / Vetsulin and N / NPH
BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO PROZINC/ PZI INSULIN FOR DIABETIC CATS
Prozinc/PZI subforum: Prozinc / PZI
HUMAN INSULINS
If a veterinary insulin is not producing good results in your cat your vet can, by law, prescribe insulin that is made for humans, such as Lantus/glargine or Levemir. These insulins can often produce longer, flatter, blood glucose curves than the veterinary insulins.
The human insulins - Lantus/glargine and Levemir are U100, and have 100 units of insulin per ml. They are used with the corresponding U100 syringes.
Most UK'ers use BD U100 syringes with half unit markings ('BD microfine + demi' syringes). The cheapest place to buy them currently (July 2019) is online at Alldaypharmacy:
http://www.alldaypharmacy.co.uk/products/BD-Micro%2dFine-Demi-0.3ml-Syringe-0.3mm-(30G)-x-8mm-Box-of-100.html
For basic info on Lantus and Levemir see the info stickies on the Lantus and Levemir forum. And you can also post on this forum for advice specific to your insulin.
Lantus and Levemir subforum: Lantus / Levemir / Biosimilars
- - - - - - -
WHAT TO FEED A DIABETIC CAT?
FDMB recommends that diabetic cats eat wet/canned/raw foods that have less than 10% calories from carbohydrates. (And some cats do best on carb levels in the region of 4% - 6%.). See below for a list of low carb UK foods.
If your cat has other health issues, for example kidney disease, IBD, or pancreatitis, this may further affect your food choices.
A note of caution about switching to a low carb diet...
If your cat is already on insulin and is currently eating a higher carb food then we recommend that you only transition to lower carb food if you can hometest (test your cat’s blood glucose at home) and are able to monitor the effect of the change on your cat’s blood glucose.
That’s because lowering the carb content of the diet can greatly reduce your cat’s blood glucose level, and the insulin dose may need to be reduced accordingly.
Too much insulin can cause hypoglycaemia.
If your cat has not yet started on insulin this is the perfect time to transition safely to low carb wet food. Be sure that your cat's blood glucose is properly tested after the diet change, so that any reduction in blood glucose can be taken into account when deciding the insulin dosage.
POPULAR ONLINE SUPPLIERS include: Zooplus Online Pet Shop, Pet Food, Supplies & Accessories - zooplus; Bitiba Big Discounts on Dog Food, Cat Food, Pet Accessories and more at bitiba!; Nature’s Menu Nutritious Raw Dog Food, Real Ingredients | Natures Menu; Fetch (offshoot of Ocado): Pet Supermarket
UK FOOD LIST <<< click on link for a long list of foods
Note: Be aware that some apparently low carb foods might still spike your cat's blood glucose levels. There are a number of possible reasons for this, but it may be due to a food intolerance (not uncommon).
Sometimes, finding out what works for your cat will be a matter of 'trial and error'.
LOW CARB CAT TREATS/REWARDS
Many of the most popular commercial cat treats are laden with carbohydrates. Avoid if possible.
Try to stick with treats that are entirely made from meat or fish. These are the lowest in carbohydrate.
Popular freeze dried treats include; Thrive, Pet Munchies, HiLife 100% meat, Wilko freeze dried treats, Orijen freeze dried treats, Iams 'naturally' pure meat treats. Also from Zooplus; Zoolove 'cat snacks', Cosma snackies (avoid the Cosma ‘Thai’ treats as these contain rice.), Wild Freedom lamb lung or chicken hearts (chicken hearts are a great source of taurine too!), Purizon cat snacks.
Another option is the semi-moist treats, often in stick form. These tend to be a bit higher in carbohydrate but should still be below 10% cals from carbs (often below 5%). Nature's Menu 95% meat treats, Waitrose 7 deli snack sticks, Tesco cat sticks, Asda tiger '6 Stix', Webbox 'tasty sticks'. And from Zooplus, Feringa meat/fish cat sticks, Feringa fish snacks, Tigeria cat sticks, Catessy cat sticks, Sanabelle tasty treats.
Little pieces of plainly cooked or raw meat, or cooked fish, also make good treats. And some cats like a tiny piece of cheese or a lick of plain unsweetened yoghurt.
Treats to hide tablets in - and make pill-giving easier;
Nature's Menu soft 95% meat treats seem to be really good for this. Break off a piece, flatten, and mould around the pill. (If you find the treats too stiff or dry, just moisten with a touch of water.) Then follow with a couple of pieces of treat that have no pill inside to leave the cat on a 'happy'
.
Tasty toppings to encourage kitty to eat:
A sprinkle of something yummy on top of food can help transition a kitty to low carb wet foods, and can help to tempt a jaded appetite. Crushed freeze dried cat treats are really good for this (especially dried liver treats). Other options include a little bit of grated cheese, Engevita yeast flakes, and 'Fortiflora' probiotic.
DRY FOOD
We do not recommend dry food for cats.
Firstly, almost all dry foods are far too high in carbohydrate. Secondly, dry foods are....um.....'dry'. Cats have a low thirst drive and may not get all the water they need on a dry diet.
However, some cats come here 'addicted' to dry foods, and it can take time to transition them to low carb wet. In the meantime, it may be possible to transition them to a dry food that is lower in carbs than the one the kitty is currently eating.
There are also some cats who seem determined to only eat dry food despite their caregiver's best efforts to convert them to wet. So these foods may also be suitable for these kitties.
There are currently (May 2020) three dry kibble foods in the UK that are relatively low in carbohydrates (close to 10% cals from carbs or a bit above). These are: Porta 21 Sensible 'grain free' from Zooplus, and Thrive premium plus ('chicken' and 'chicken & turkey' flavours - NOT the fish flavour..)
There is also Ziwi Peak air-dried cat food which is less than 10% calories from carbs. This is really dried meat with nutritional additives, so the texture is not like that of regular kibble.
Be aware that, if switching to a lower carb food - even if that food is dry - it is still important to be monitoring the cat's blood glucose at home and reducing the insulin dose if necessary in order to avoid hypoglycemia.
'CONVALESCENCE' FOODS - For when an older or sick kitty needs a little extra support.
Liquivite is a liquid food for cats. The consistency is a bit like thick chicken soup. Many cats find it very palatable, especially if warmed. It is low in carbohydrates, and phosphorous, but also fairly low in calories. Very useful for helping kitties to stay nourished and hydrated. For more info see here: Liquid food - Ideal for weaning kittens or puppies. Also appeals to the sick or older cat or dog
Gourmet Gold pates are quite high in calories have been used by some folks for getting extra calories into kitties, or for 'syringe feeding'. The food is smooth and quite easily mixed with water to make it into a good consistency for syringing. Miamor pates from Zooplus and Little Big Paw would probably do a similar job.
Ingredients to avoid feeding my cat?
Some things you may wish to be aware of:
Cats with CRF/CKD may wish to avoid cranberry (acidifying) and dandelion (diuretic) . Thanks to Critter Mom for raising awareness of this.
More info on this can be found on the Tanya CRF website:
http://www.felinecrf.org/holistic_treatments.htm#cautions
Allergies/intolerances: Beef, fish/salmon, chicken, grain and soya seem to be most common.
Carageenan has been observed to affect some kitties. (And carageenan is known to be an inflammatory agent.)
'Vegetable protein extract' is used in a number of cat foods and has been found to raise blood glucose in a minority of kitties, sometimes quite dramatically. ('VPE' may be made from soya or other vegetable protein). Felix 'As Good As It Looks' seems, historically, to have been the main culprit in this regard, but there are newer foods that also list this in their ingredients.
Soya: Some folks choose to avoid this because of a possible link to thryoid problems. Dr Lisa Pierson of catinfo.org says;
"Note that there is a negative relationship between soy and thyroid health. Given how common hyperthyroidism is in cats, I will not feed soy to any cat in my care.”
www.catinfo.org
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OTHER GENERAL INFO
CARB CALCULATORS - calculating 'percentage of calories from carbs'
If you're considering a food that isn't on the food list, or the food you've bought seems to have different data to that same food on the list, then you can easily calculate the percentage of calories from carbs yourself. You just need to look at the label and get the %'s for protein, fat, ash, fibre, and moisture. Then you can use either of these calculators.
Online calculator from 'Balance IT':
https://secure.balanceit.com/tools/_gaconverter/index.php?
Calculator created by FDMB member 'Hellolucy':If you click on the link below you can open with Google sheets and save a copy for your own use.
%CalsCalc.xlsx
DRY MATTER CALCULATOR
http://fnae.org/dmb.html?inputboxm=77&inputboxi=1.7&button.x=75&button.y=21&button=Click
Some things are best compared on a dry matter basis; phosphorous for example (for cats with kidney disease.) This 'dry matter calculator' is a useful tool for this; and could also be useful for comparing fat content (especially for those pancreatitis kitties who’ve been found to benefit from lower fat intake).
GETTING SUPPORT
UK Feline Diabetes Support Group (Facebook).
This is a really friendly and helpful little community of UK folks with diabetic kitties. It is a great place to chat (and occasionally laugh) with other UK folks, or to find the latest info on food and/or supplies in the UK, or to get advice/support with injecting, or with testing blood glucose.
Note: The group is completely independent and is not directly affiliated to any other group.
Facebook
USEFUL REFERENCE INFORMATION ON MANAGING FELINE DIABETES
The full international ISFM guidelines on managing feline diabetes are here:
http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/1098612X15571880
UK-specific info from the Royal Veterinary College is here: 'Guide to feline diabetes. Diagnosis and treatment guidelines of the RVC Diabetic Remission Clinic'.
https://www.rvc.ac.uk/Media/Default/small-animal/documents/feline-diabetes-guide.pdf
GETTING A CAT USED TO INJECTIONS OR HOMETESTING
Many cats are fine from the outset with insulin injections and/or hometesting. Establishing a routine, and the use of rewards, can help a lot. Many people will just give the cat her insulin injection while she's eating a meal, for example, and all is fine.
But for some sensitive cats it can be helpful to deliberately build positive associations to make the process easier and more comfortable, even 'pleasurable'...
For cats who enjoy food or treats it's possible to use the pleasure association of food to make the injections easier. This really good little video shows the principles of 'desensitisation and counter-conditioning':
This post has info on feline diabetes supplies in the UK. [Note: This info is in the process of being updated 13/4/26]
Please know that diabetes is treatable! With good care a diabetic cat can often live as long and as happily as a non-diabetic. What's more, quite a lot of cats have the potential to go into 'remission' from their diabetes and become diet-controlled diabetics.
Things to know and do first...
1. MAKE A 'HYPO KIT.' Hypo (blood glucose that's too low) may never happen to your cat, but it's wise to be prepared in case you do need to raise blood glucose quickly.
Everyone with a diabetic cat should have a simple sugar source that can be grabbed fast in an emergency. Many UK people just use ordinary honey (sugar/glucose syrup is also fine).
Note: Glucose or honey rubbed onto the gums is the fastest way to raise blood glucose in an emergency.
Also get some high carb food and/or treats, such as Gourmet Gold 'in gravy' food, and/or Webbox 'Lick-e-lix' sachets (not the 'in jelly' ones)
If you're hometesting (testing blood glucose at home) make sure you have plenty of test strips for your glucose meter. You don't want to run out in an emergency.
2. TEST FOR KETONES. Get some ketone test strips (for example 'Ketostix') and monitor your kitty's pee on a regular basis. Crumpling clingfilm loosely in the litter tray (over the litter) is often a good way to catch a pee sample. You literally only need a drop. Some people just catch pee in a ladle or long handled spoon.
Be aware that not all ketones are registered by the ketone test strips. If you notice that your kitty's breath smells fruity or like acetone this can also indicate ketones.
If your cat has a history of ketones, or DKA, then you may want to invest in a blood ketone meter. Testing blood is more accurate than testing pee. The 'On Call Dual' meter is popular with UK folks.
3. LEARN TO HOMETEST BLOOD GLUCOSE. 'Hometesting' may sound a bit daunting at first, but it saves lives and makes managing diabetes so much easier. Most people can do it. And most cats can be tested. It shouldn't hurt them. And they'll still love you. Honestly!
Testing involves pricking the outer edge of an ear (or a paw pad) to get a tiny droplet of blood. That droplet is touched to a test strip in a glucose meter. The meter counts down and gives the result. Cat is rewarded with yummy treats or a cuddle.
GLUCOSE METERS
Many of us use ordinary glucose meters made for humans. Pet-specific meters are also available. Human meters ‘typically’ read a little lower than pet meters, and vice versa. This difference is often greater at higher numbers and less at lower numbers. Both are ‘correct’; it’s just a matter of understanding the range of numbers for the type of meter that you are using.
The most popular human glucose meter is currently the 'Gluco Navii'. It's also one of the cheapest to run. The most popular pet meter is the 'Alphatrak'. But this is pricey to use. Cheaper alternative pet meters include the The 'PetTest' and the 'Centrivet'. (Note: The 'Cerapet' pet meter is not recommended because it's been found to be unreliable, especially at lower blood glucose levels.)
Note: The insulin dosing protocols used here were devised using data from human glucose meters. So an adjustment will need to be made if you are using a pet meter.
The Freestyle Libre
The Freestyle Libre is a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) that some vets are now recommending for pets. It attaches to a small area of shaved skin. And it can monitor glucose trends for 'up to' 14 days. It measures interstitial fluid, not blood, and so is not as accurate as blood glucose testing. Low numbers on the Libre should be double-checked with a hand held blood glucose meter.
Some people have found the Libre useful to use while they're learning to test blood glucose. Some have found it useful for when they go on holiday, so that the cat sitter or cattery can keep an eye on the cat's situation without having to test blood glucose.
4. FEED AN APPROPRIATE LOW CARB DIET. If your cat is already on insulin learn to hometest before switching to low carb. (You may need to reduce the insulin to avoid hypo...) If your cat is waiting to go onto insulin you can switch to low carb first. There's a link to a low carb food list further down the page.
5. DOES YOUR CAT HAVE WEAK BACK LEGS (NEUROPATHY)? Neuropathy is nerve damage caused by chronic high blood glucose. It most often presents as weak back legs ('plantigrade stance'). But it can occasionally affect the front legs (a weakening at the 'wrists' just above the paws), and sometimes the bladder/digestive tract. Cats can recover from neuropathy. Supplements of methyl B12 can really help with healing. 'Dr's Best' methyl cobalamin capsules are easily available in the UK. Two 1500mcg capsules equal a 'typical' 3mg dose.
Note: Potassium deficiency can be another possible cause of leg weakness.
Some diabetic kitties can become low on potassium, especially if they are peeing a lot. A blood test will be needed to see if the cat's potassium levels are low. If low, potassium can be supplemented. But this must be done carefully, under the guidance of your vet.
- - - - - - - -
INSULINS IN THE UK - and other diabetic supplies:
Your vet might prescribe an insulin made for animals, or one made for humans.
The ISFM (International Society of Feline Medicine) and the UK's RVC both recommend the use of longer-lasting insulins, Prozinc, Lantus/glargine, or Levemir/detemir, over lente insulins such as Caninsulin for new cases of feline diabetes. (Of these, Prozinc is the only longer-lasting insulin actually licensed for cats in the UK.)
For more on the ISFM's and the RVC's guidelines on managing feline diabetes, please scroll to the 'USEFUL REFERENCE' info toward the end of this post.
There are two insulins licensed for cats in the UK, Caninsulin, and Prozinc. If it turns out that a veterinary insulin isn't controlling the diabetes sufficiently well your vet is able, by law, to prescribe a human alternative. However, some vets are unwilling to prescribe a human alternative. And, despite the UK guidelines that the first insulin prescribed should be one that is licensed for cats , a teensy weensy minority of vets (who prefer to use human insulins) will actually prescribe a human insulin as the first choice.
Attitudes between vets vary a lot when it comes to prescribing insulin for your cat...
VETERINARY INSULINS
Caninsulin and Prozinc are the the most commonly prescribed insulins for cats in the UK.
The RVC has said the current guidelines are that all newly diagnosed cases be prescribed Prozinc, the only long-lasting insulin in the UK currently licensed for cats.
Cats who are currently on Caninsulin and who are not doing well on it may benefit from switching to Prozinc (or one of the human insulins, such as Lantus or Levemir).
The RVC's research found that Prozinc can drop the blood glucose more slowly and last longer in the cat's system; thereby giving overall better glycaemic control than Caninsulin. This can lead to improved clinical signs, and an increased chance of remission. (Recent research has proved what some of us have long observed - that Prozinc has similar remission rates to the human insulin, Lantus.)
Even so, many vets still seem to prescribe Caninsulin. Prozinc has only been available in the UK for a couple of years, and old prescribing habits seem slow to change. Caregivers may need to be pro-active in specifically asking their vet for Prozinc.
SYRINGES
Caninsulin and Prozinc are U40 insulins; that means they have 40 units of insulin per ml of liquid. They are used with corresponding U40 syringes.
Syringes are usually far cheaper to buy online than from your vet. You could use the Caninsulin or Prozinc branded syringes, but many UK'ers use the generic U40 syringes as they are very much cheaper. However, these are all 0.5ml which, while the same size as the Caninsulin syringes, are larger than the (0.3ml) Prozinc syringes.
There are some generics made by VetUK, and there are also 'Sol-Vet' syringes, which cost a little more. (Some UK folks consider that the Sol-Vet U40's have clearer markings and sharper needles):
VetUK U40 syringes: VetUK 0.5ml U40 Insulin Syringe with Needle (Box of 100)
Sol-Vet U40 syringes: SOL-VET U40 Insulin Syringes 0.5ml Box of 100 | Low Prices
SOL-V Insulin U-40 Syringe & Needles
For basic information on using, handling and storing Caninsulin and Prozinc see the FDMB info stickies in the Caninsulin and Prozinc subforums (links below). You can also post in these forums for advice specific to your insulin. But if you need help quickly please post in the main health forum.
Beginner's Guide to Caninsulin (Vetsulin)
Caninsulin/Vetsulin subforum: Caninsulin / Vetsulin and N / NPH
BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO PROZINC/ PZI INSULIN FOR DIABETIC CATS
Prozinc/PZI subforum: Prozinc / PZI
HUMAN INSULINS
If a veterinary insulin is not producing good results in your cat your vet can, by law, prescribe insulin that is made for humans, such as Lantus/glargine or Levemir. These insulins can often produce longer, flatter, blood glucose curves than the veterinary insulins.
The human insulins - Lantus/glargine and Levemir are U100, and have 100 units of insulin per ml. They are used with the corresponding U100 syringes.
Most UK'ers use BD U100 syringes with half unit markings ('BD microfine + demi' syringes). The cheapest place to buy them currently (July 2019) is online at Alldaypharmacy:
http://www.alldaypharmacy.co.uk/products/BD-Micro%2dFine-Demi-0.3ml-Syringe-0.3mm-(30G)-x-8mm-Box-of-100.html
For basic info on Lantus and Levemir see the info stickies on the Lantus and Levemir forum. And you can also post on this forum for advice specific to your insulin.
Lantus and Levemir subforum: Lantus / Levemir / Biosimilars
- - - - - - -
WHAT TO FEED A DIABETIC CAT?
FDMB recommends that diabetic cats eat wet/canned/raw foods that have less than 10% calories from carbohydrates. (And some cats do best on carb levels in the region of 4% - 6%.). See below for a list of low carb UK foods.
If your cat has other health issues, for example kidney disease, IBD, or pancreatitis, this may further affect your food choices.
A note of caution about switching to a low carb diet...
If your cat is already on insulin and is currently eating a higher carb food then we recommend that you only transition to lower carb food if you can hometest (test your cat’s blood glucose at home) and are able to monitor the effect of the change on your cat’s blood glucose.
That’s because lowering the carb content of the diet can greatly reduce your cat’s blood glucose level, and the insulin dose may need to be reduced accordingly.
Too much insulin can cause hypoglycaemia.
If your cat has not yet started on insulin this is the perfect time to transition safely to low carb wet food. Be sure that your cat's blood glucose is properly tested after the diet change, so that any reduction in blood glucose can be taken into account when deciding the insulin dosage.
POPULAR ONLINE SUPPLIERS include: Zooplus Online Pet Shop, Pet Food, Supplies & Accessories - zooplus; Bitiba Big Discounts on Dog Food, Cat Food, Pet Accessories and more at bitiba!; Nature’s Menu Nutritious Raw Dog Food, Real Ingredients | Natures Menu; Fetch (offshoot of Ocado): Pet Supermarket
UK FOOD LIST <<< click on link for a long list of foods
Note: Be aware that some apparently low carb foods might still spike your cat's blood glucose levels. There are a number of possible reasons for this, but it may be due to a food intolerance (not uncommon).
Sometimes, finding out what works for your cat will be a matter of 'trial and error'.
LOW CARB CAT TREATS/REWARDS
Many of the most popular commercial cat treats are laden with carbohydrates. Avoid if possible.
Try to stick with treats that are entirely made from meat or fish. These are the lowest in carbohydrate.
Popular freeze dried treats include; Thrive, Pet Munchies, HiLife 100% meat, Wilko freeze dried treats, Orijen freeze dried treats, Iams 'naturally' pure meat treats. Also from Zooplus; Zoolove 'cat snacks', Cosma snackies (avoid the Cosma ‘Thai’ treats as these contain rice.), Wild Freedom lamb lung or chicken hearts (chicken hearts are a great source of taurine too!), Purizon cat snacks.
Another option is the semi-moist treats, often in stick form. These tend to be a bit higher in carbohydrate but should still be below 10% cals from carbs (often below 5%). Nature's Menu 95% meat treats, Waitrose 7 deli snack sticks, Tesco cat sticks, Asda tiger '6 Stix', Webbox 'tasty sticks'. And from Zooplus, Feringa meat/fish cat sticks, Feringa fish snacks, Tigeria cat sticks, Catessy cat sticks, Sanabelle tasty treats.
Little pieces of plainly cooked or raw meat, or cooked fish, also make good treats. And some cats like a tiny piece of cheese or a lick of plain unsweetened yoghurt.
Treats to hide tablets in - and make pill-giving easier;
Nature's Menu soft 95% meat treats seem to be really good for this. Break off a piece, flatten, and mould around the pill. (If you find the treats too stiff or dry, just moisten with a touch of water.) Then follow with a couple of pieces of treat that have no pill inside to leave the cat on a 'happy'
.Tasty toppings to encourage kitty to eat:
A sprinkle of something yummy on top of food can help transition a kitty to low carb wet foods, and can help to tempt a jaded appetite. Crushed freeze dried cat treats are really good for this (especially dried liver treats). Other options include a little bit of grated cheese, Engevita yeast flakes, and 'Fortiflora' probiotic.
DRY FOOD
We do not recommend dry food for cats.
Firstly, almost all dry foods are far too high in carbohydrate. Secondly, dry foods are....um.....'dry'. Cats have a low thirst drive and may not get all the water they need on a dry diet.
However, some cats come here 'addicted' to dry foods, and it can take time to transition them to low carb wet. In the meantime, it may be possible to transition them to a dry food that is lower in carbs than the one the kitty is currently eating.
There are also some cats who seem determined to only eat dry food despite their caregiver's best efforts to convert them to wet. So these foods may also be suitable for these kitties.
There are currently (May 2020) three dry kibble foods in the UK that are relatively low in carbohydrates (close to 10% cals from carbs or a bit above). These are: Porta 21 Sensible 'grain free' from Zooplus, and Thrive premium plus ('chicken' and 'chicken & turkey' flavours - NOT the fish flavour..)
There is also Ziwi Peak air-dried cat food which is less than 10% calories from carbs. This is really dried meat with nutritional additives, so the texture is not like that of regular kibble.
Be aware that, if switching to a lower carb food - even if that food is dry - it is still important to be monitoring the cat's blood glucose at home and reducing the insulin dose if necessary in order to avoid hypoglycemia.
'CONVALESCENCE' FOODS - For when an older or sick kitty needs a little extra support.
Liquivite is a liquid food for cats. The consistency is a bit like thick chicken soup. Many cats find it very palatable, especially if warmed. It is low in carbohydrates, and phosphorous, but also fairly low in calories. Very useful for helping kitties to stay nourished and hydrated. For more info see here: Liquid food - Ideal for weaning kittens or puppies. Also appeals to the sick or older cat or dog
Gourmet Gold pates are quite high in calories have been used by some folks for getting extra calories into kitties, or for 'syringe feeding'. The food is smooth and quite easily mixed with water to make it into a good consistency for syringing. Miamor pates from Zooplus and Little Big Paw would probably do a similar job.
Ingredients to avoid feeding my cat?
Some things you may wish to be aware of:
Cats with CRF/CKD may wish to avoid cranberry (acidifying) and dandelion (diuretic) . Thanks to Critter Mom for raising awareness of this.
More info on this can be found on the Tanya CRF website:
http://www.felinecrf.org/holistic_treatments.htm#cautions
Allergies/intolerances: Beef, fish/salmon, chicken, grain and soya seem to be most common.
Carageenan has been observed to affect some kitties. (And carageenan is known to be an inflammatory agent.)
'Vegetable protein extract' is used in a number of cat foods and has been found to raise blood glucose in a minority of kitties, sometimes quite dramatically. ('VPE' may be made from soya or other vegetable protein). Felix 'As Good As It Looks' seems, historically, to have been the main culprit in this regard, but there are newer foods that also list this in their ingredients.
Soya: Some folks choose to avoid this because of a possible link to thryoid problems. Dr Lisa Pierson of catinfo.org says;
"Note that there is a negative relationship between soy and thyroid health. Given how common hyperthyroidism is in cats, I will not feed soy to any cat in my care.”
www.catinfo.org
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OTHER GENERAL INFO
CARB CALCULATORS - calculating 'percentage of calories from carbs'
If you're considering a food that isn't on the food list, or the food you've bought seems to have different data to that same food on the list, then you can easily calculate the percentage of calories from carbs yourself. You just need to look at the label and get the %'s for protein, fat, ash, fibre, and moisture. Then you can use either of these calculators.
Online calculator from 'Balance IT':
https://secure.balanceit.com/tools/_gaconverter/index.php?
Calculator created by FDMB member 'Hellolucy':If you click on the link below you can open with Google sheets and save a copy for your own use.
%CalsCalc.xlsx
DRY MATTER CALCULATOR
http://fnae.org/dmb.html?inputboxm=77&inputboxi=1.7&button.x=75&button.y=21&button=Click
Some things are best compared on a dry matter basis; phosphorous for example (for cats with kidney disease.) This 'dry matter calculator' is a useful tool for this; and could also be useful for comparing fat content (especially for those pancreatitis kitties who’ve been found to benefit from lower fat intake).
GETTING SUPPORT
UK Feline Diabetes Support Group (Facebook).
This is a really friendly and helpful little community of UK folks with diabetic kitties. It is a great place to chat (and occasionally laugh) with other UK folks, or to find the latest info on food and/or supplies in the UK, or to get advice/support with injecting, or with testing blood glucose.
Note: The group is completely independent and is not directly affiliated to any other group.
USEFUL REFERENCE INFORMATION ON MANAGING FELINE DIABETES
The full international ISFM guidelines on managing feline diabetes are here:
http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/1098612X15571880
UK-specific info from the Royal Veterinary College is here: 'Guide to feline diabetes. Diagnosis and treatment guidelines of the RVC Diabetic Remission Clinic'.
https://www.rvc.ac.uk/Media/Default/small-animal/documents/feline-diabetes-guide.pdf
GETTING A CAT USED TO INJECTIONS OR HOMETESTING
Many cats are fine from the outset with insulin injections and/or hometesting. Establishing a routine, and the use of rewards, can help a lot. Many people will just give the cat her insulin injection while she's eating a meal, for example, and all is fine.
But for some sensitive cats it can be helpful to deliberately build positive associations to make the process easier and more comfortable, even 'pleasurable'...
For cats who enjoy food or treats it's possible to use the pleasure association of food to make the injections easier. This really good little video shows the principles of 'desensitisation and counter-conditioning':
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