His aggression does seem food related because after he eats he doesn't mind the toddlers at all. I'm going to try feeding a few more times a day and see if that helps.
Good idea!
My grandpa uses Lantus and his insurance gives him more than he needs so he said I can have a bottle to try. It is the same one I've read about on the message boards right? There isn't a different pet Lantus?
It's the same one. Do be careful though because it doesn't act quite the same way as faster-acting insulins. You'll want to be monitored closely by people on the board. I've been at it for two weeks and am only just trying to feel in control of things (check the spreadsheet in my signature). AND I live alone and have a rather "peaceful" life aside from a job that keeps me away long hours. And I was ill all last week, therefore have been able to monitor my cat much more closely than I would normally have.
I'm not saying this to discourage you -- but I'm realising that caring for a diabetic cat is a lot of work.
We do have a place for a time-out room. I think he would actually like that.
Definitely go for it. It will at least ease the pressure.
While money is a limited resource so is my energy.
That is the main vibe I got from your post. Not wanting to diagnose from afar but you sound like somebody who is on the verge of burnout. With both money and energy ressources being scarce, maybe you are not in a place right now where you can adequately care for your cat. (Again, not trying to discourage you, but my rule #1 is to be realistic.)
But to be honest, I'm finding myself wearing thin these days and inside I'm starting to ask myself if the cat is worth it. I feel HORRIBLE just typing that out.
You know, even I have been asking myself this question regarding Quintus. I look at what I'm putting myself through, and him, too, and I wonder if I'm going to look back on it and regret it, or not. So far, my answer is "it is worth it". But that is for me and my particular situation. My cat is the only being I live with.
Is there going to be a time when he just requires a few shots a day and that's it?
It could happen. He could also go into remission. But based on what I've seen (bear in mind I've only been around here a week or so) it does take a lot of work to get there, over weeks, months, and sometimes years.
We've considered finding him a new home but I really want to teach my kids that we stick with our loved ones to the end. It believe it is part of our duty as human beings to care for the earth and all that is in it.
I agree with you that we stick with our loved ones. But sometimes, sticking with a loved one can mean getting them the help we are not able to provide them. To be clear, I am not telling you that you should rehome your cat -- only you can make that decision and know if it's right for you and your family. Rehoming is also work, particularly if you want to find a solution nearby, for example, or a temporary solution until you have the energy to pick things back up again.
But remember: put on your own oxygen mask first before helping others.
It must be an exceedingly difficult situation to be in, and very sad to contemplate that you maybe cannot do for your cat what your values tell you to. Take a moment to stop and accept the "sad".
Now, to try and be solution-oriented: your teens helped out with the syringe feeding. How attached are they to the cat? How much could they help with learning to measure blood glucose, giving the insulin injections? Or even, doing online research -- depending on the age of your home-schooled teen, and interests, maybe doing a crash course on FD and treatment could be part of the curriculum? (Don't know much about how home-schooling works so no idea if this is realistic.)
Do you have a friend, neighbour, or family neighbour who can help out? You don't have to do all this alone.
Lots of hugs.
