Hi, I just joined!

[Ashley A Catlover]

Hello fellow cat lovers. I just learned (like an hour ago!) that my cat has diabetes. On my quest to educate myself I came across this group. I am so glad I did! I am grateful this forum exists because I am sure I will have a million questions and I am looking forward to reading your stories and experiences and maybe, possibly, I can help someone too. My main goal is to learn, learn, learn!

 

[FurBabiesMama]

Welcome! Tell us about your cat.. and photos are always appreciated.

 

[Ashley A Catlover]

Thank you! I am trying to fix my avatar picture. It keeps posting sideways for some reason...anyway. My cat is named Lahomay, but he responds to Butthole. Lol...now before you think I am mean by calling him that, there is a reason. It all started when he was a kitten. He would knock his water bowl over on purpose. Every time! It started out as a joke really, but somehow it stuck. Anyway, my Boyfriend and I got this huge heavy crystal bowl and started using it. He can't knock it over. Lol...To this day he still tries. He is just a domestic American shorthair, orange and white. I will post of picture of him. I love him dearly and he is spoiled rotten but I am upset with myself because I really believe that by me feeding him only dry food, it has caused his diabetes. I really hate wet canned food. It stinks and is messy and I hated even opening it. So because of my selfishness, I feel like it's my fault. From now on, he gets high protein, low carb wet food. I am really hoping I can control it with mostly diet. I know nothing about this. I have had cats all my life and have never had to deal with any health issues. This will be a challenge for me, but I love him and he's worth it.

 

[Ashley A Catlover]

And obviously I have a lot to learn about posting pictures in this forum lol. I didn't mean to post it twice, and I have no idea why it is sideways. My apologies.

 

[JanetNJ]

Welcome! I think you're going to find this place super helpful and it sounds like you are ready to take the bull by the horns and learn whatever you need to learn. We are here to support and answer whatever questions you have.

 

[Kris & Teasel]

Welcome! We can help.

 

[Ashley A Catlover]

Thank you. I will try to check in often. I am at work.

 

[FurBabiesMama]

I love him dearly and he is spoiled rotten but I am upset with myself because I really believe that by me feeding him only dry food, it has caused his diabetes. I really hate wet canned food. It stinks and is messy and I hated even opening it. So because of my selfishness, I feel like it's my fault. From now on, he gets high protein, low carb wet food. I am really hoping I can control it with mostly diet. I know nothing about this. I have had cats all my life and have never had to deal with any health issues. This will be a challenge for me, but I love him and he's worth it.

Don't blame yourself. You did not know. I have had cats all my life as well, and with few exceptions, they have always all been given dry food. I had no idea it was bad for them. Most vets do not even know, so how could we?! I have dealt with a few other health issues with my cats, but diabetes is on a whole different level. It is overwhelming at first, but it will get better.

 

[Ashley A Catlover]

Don't blame yourself. You did not know. I have had cats all my life as well, and with few exceptions, they have always all been given dry food. I had no idea it was bad for them. Most vets do not even know, so how could we?! I have dealt with a few other health issues with my cats, but diabetes is on a whole different level. It is overwhelming at first, but it will get better.

Thank you. I appreciate your encouraging words!

 

[JanetNJ]

My cat was a kibble addict too. I wish I had known how bad those temptation treats are. Ugh

 

[nmveasey]

Welcome Ashley and Lahomay! You are in a great place with the forum.

In addition to the wet food, there are dry kibble options out there for you. Dr Elseys Clean Protein and Young Again Zero. Both companies will send you samples if you request them through their respective websites.

 

[Steph & Quintus & L & O]

I am upset with myself because I really believe that by me feeding him only dry food, it has caused his diabetes

Don't beat yourself up. Many cats eat dry food all their life and never develop diabetes. Other cats don't eat dry food and still get diabetes.

 

[Myagi (GA) and Heidi]

Ashley, Butthole looks like a handsome proper prince in the garden! He's lucky to have you. Welcome!

 

[Ashley A Catlover]

My cat was a kibble addict too. I wish I had known how bad those temptation treats are. Ugh

Yea I was never a big fan of those "treats." It says on the bag not to give more than 3 or 4 at a time, I think anyway. I could be wrong about that. My boyfriend would buy them and give them to him, but I never did. I still have a bag around somewhere. If I come across it, it's going in the trash.