Feeling stupid! Owners ear prick test b4 every meal? Help!! My cat HATES it.

[lovemycat444]

I've done a lot of ear prick curves but I'm confused. Do people here ear prick test their cats 2 hours before feeding?

I'm hoping to please have any tips
Or advice please on how to do this with a very difficult cat.

**Specifically** he's a sweet wonderful cat but he is so hard to do the ear prick test on.

I'm so afraid he will start to fear interaction with me and it will harm our bond.

Of course I'll do it for his life, his health. But Taco has had to wear a soft e-collar literally since this past spring. And he growls at me when I have to put it back on him after meals. He has been through so much. Taco has required numerous different medications since spring so I've had to try to get him to eat crushed medicine (he hates this too) and he's had the foaming at the mouth at medicines he hates the taste of. He's been through so much I'm afraid constant testing will push him over the edge and he'll become a mean, unhappy, untrusting cat.

Whereas he is the apple of my eye! And I love him so much and of course will do anything I can for him.

It took me months to feel ok about giving him his insulin shot I was afraid I was hurting him (clearly not the case)

I feel like a terrible cat owner but it would be beyond difficult to ear prick Taco before each meal. He hates it. I can't do it alone, I've had to hire friends to hold him (gently) in a towel kitty burrito but he wouldn't let me do this by myself. I was barely able to once and his stress level must of been so high I'm pretty sure it affected his BG reading. So not to be accurate. Especially before he eats he's insistent on having breakfast or dinner (like a non diabetic cat would) but being in that frame of mind I can doubly doubt he would let me ear prick test him.

 

[Squalliesmom]

I'm so sorry you and Taco are going through so much trouble, Sounds like both of you have had a lot on your plates for a while, now. Have you read through our sticky for home-testing tips? Make sure you read the last paragraph, past all the video links.

My cat does not like having his ears tested, but he does love Orijen treats, and he knows he only gets them after an ear prick! It took a long time, but now he comes to me to be tested as soon as he see the kit in my hand.

Is Taco wearing an e-collar because of his attacks on his stomach? I know some people have had success using a onesie or baby shirt to keep their kitty from licking/biting it's stomach, don't know if that would help you or not. Is it possible to wean him off the dry food? I am not an advocate of dry food, under any circumstances, if at all possible. One of our members here is a vet, and she wrote a wonderful article that you might find interesting, weighing the pros and cons of feeding dry. Maybe it's time to have another vet give a second opinion?

Just saw your other post:

Ultrasound for his unexplained biting and growling at his lower belly. He's been on pain medicine he's been on pet Prozac (amitriptalyne) etc etc
I'm scared and trying not to think of the worst case scenario, but I hope this will give Taco some relief in that we can finally find out what is wrong with him so he can be treated for it (finally!!)
Thank you so much for any prayers for Taco.

Sending prayers and vines that it's something simple with an easy answer, and that Taco gets some relief soon!

 

[Chris & China (GA)]

Taco has required numerous different medications since spring so I've had to try to get him to eat crushed medicine (he hates this too) and he's had the foaming at the mouth at medicines he hates the taste of.

Have you ever looked into using a pill making machine? It allows you to put multiple pills into one capsule so they don't have to "taste" the crushed medicine.

I know @Tricia Cinco(GA) & Harvey used one...I know others here have too but I don't remember who all they were right now. @Wendy&Neko ?

 

[Wendy&Neko]

Buy blank gelcaps, numbers 3, 4, or 5, depending on number of meds. The larger the number, the smaller the gelcap. I used mostly numbers 4 and 5. Place pill inside, close gelcap, coat with butter and voila, the pill taste is hidden. If meds can be given together, you can combine in the same gelcap. I just did this manually, no special machine. I had a piece of corrugated cardboard with a hole in it to hold the gel cap bottom upright while I filled it. If you aren't good at manually tossing in pills or gelcaps, get a pill shooter. Don't forget to chase the gelcap with a bit of water so it doesn't get stuck in the throat.

You can source gelcaps on Amazon, or even compounding pharmacies. I got some at a vet clinic too.

 

[lovemycat444]

I'm so sorry you and Taco are going through so much trouble, Sounds like both of you have had a lot on your plates for a while, now. Have you read through our sticky for home-testing tips? Make sure you read the last paragraph, past all the video links.

My cat does not like having his ears tested, but he does love Orijen treats, and he knows he only gets them after an ear prick! It took a long time, but now he comes to me to be tested as soon as he see the kit in my hand.

Is Taco wearing an e-collar because of his attacks on his stomach? I know some people have had success using a onesie or baby shirt to keep their kitty from licking/biting it's stomach, don't know if that would help you or not. Is it possible to wean him off the dry food? I am not an advocate of dry food, under any circumstances, if at all possible. One of our members here is a vet, and she wrote a wonderful article that you might find interesting, weighing the pros and cons of feeding dry. Maybe it's time to have another vet give a second opinion?

Just saw your other post:

Ultrasound for his unexplained biting and growling at his lower belly. He's been on pain medicine he's been on pet Prozac (amitriptalyne) etc etc
I'm scared and trying not to think of the worst case scenario, but I hope this will give Taco some relief in that we can finally find out what is wrong with him so he can be treated for it (finally!!)
Thank you so much for any prayers for Taco.

Sending prayers and vines that it's something simple with an easy answer, and that Taco gets some relief soon!

View attachment 34127

Thank you!! I didn't see the home testing tips and esp the paragraph on bottom of it I definitely will! And I appreciate the onesie idea! I bought him "vet good" two piece but it was TINY for him since he's healthy not overweight but he's 16 lbs I was mad bc vet good said this would be the right size for him. I haven't gotten a onesie bc it seemed as if from photos of them that taco would be able to bite his stomach. Either under the onesie bc it's his lower belly spot . Vet said baby clothes I got him a sweatshirt and pants but he couldn't go to his litter box with the baby outfit pants and he climbed out of the shirt almost instantly
I don't mean to complain! But I feel sad and overwhelmed and unable to care for him as super well as I want to. Often I feel helpless especially when trying to feed him breakfast. It's so weird bc he's ravenous at 3am and 6am but not so hungry at his breakfast time around 10am and it can take up to an hour to get him to eat his Cisapride & Lactulose, his wet food, and I this morning and evening I couldn't give him his Gabapenten and allergy medicine (hydro- chloride something) I have name of allergy medicine in his records)
So thank you! -!! And thank you for the prayers I'll post how it goes tomorrow and I'm guessing the ultrasound info isn't given immediately?
I was scared to not be with a friend when I get the results but I realized this is such an amazing community and I could post here. Thank you so much again!!

 

[lovemycat444]

Have you ever looked into using a pill making machine? It allows you to put multiple pills into one capsule so they don't have to "taste" the crushed medicine.

I know @Tricia Cinco(GA) & Harvey used one...I know others here have too but I don't remember who all they were right now. @Wendy&Neko ?

Wow this is amazing I've never heard of this thank you so much Chris & China !!

 

[lovemycat444]

Buy blank gelcaps, numbers 3, 4, or 5, depending on number of meds. The larger the number, the smaller the gelcap. I used mostly numbers 4 and 5. Place pill inside, close gelcap, coat with butter and voila, the pill taste is hidden. If meds can be given together, you can combine in the same gelcap. I just did this manually, no special machine. I had a piece of corrugated cardboard with a hole in it to hold the gel cap bottom upright while I filled it. If you aren't good at manually tossing in pills or gelcaps, get a pill shooter. Don't forget to chase the gelcap with a bit of water so it doesn't get stuck in the throat.

You can source gelcaps on Amazon, or even compounding pharmacies. I got some at a vet clinic too.

Wow I really appreciate all the information and what size capsules to buy. I'm relieved to hear of this that it works for you I will try it I hate not giving him medicine regularly and not giving bc he hates it so much I think it really traumatizes him. Thank you!

 

[lovemycat444]

I'm so sorry you and Taco are going through so much trouble, Sounds like both of you have had a lot on your plates for a while, now. Have you read through our sticky for home-testing tips? Make sure you read the last paragraph, past all the video links.

My cat does not like having his ears tested, but he does love Orijen treats, and he knows he only gets them after an ear prick! It took a long time, but now he comes to me to be tested as soon as he see the kit in my hand.

Is Taco wearing an e-collar because of his attacks on his stomach? I know some people have had success using a onesie or baby shirt to keep their kitty from licking/biting it's stomach, don't know if that would help you or not. Is it possible to wean him off the dry food? I am not an advocate of dry food, under any circumstances, if at all possible. One of our members here is a vet, and she wrote a wonderful article that you might find interesting, weighing the pros and cons of feeding dry. Maybe it's time to have another vet give a second opinion?

Just saw your other post:

Ultrasound for his unexplained biting and growling at his lower belly. He's been on pain medicine he's been on pet Prozac (amitriptalyne) etc etc
I'm scared and trying not to think of the worst case scenario, but I hope this will give Taco some relief in that we can finally find out what is wrong with him so he can be treated for it (finally!!)
Thank you so much for any prayers for Taco.

Sending prayers and vines that it's something simple with an easy answer, and that Taco gets some relief soon!
This was Taco in the baby clothes that he squirmed out of. Frustrating but he is too cute
View attachment 34127

 

[Squalliesmom]

If you aren't good at manually tossing in pills or gelcaps, get a pill shooter. Don't forget to chase the gelcap with a bit of water so it doesn't get stuck in the throat.

You can also coat the capsule with a little butter- helps it slip down, and who doesn't like the taste of butter???

I was scared to not be with a friend when I get the results but I realized this is such an amazing community and I could post here.

What time is his US tomorrow? They probably won't give you the results right away, but I'll be thinking of you and Taco so maybe you won't feel so alone.

 

[Tricia Cinco(GA) & Harvey]

Hi and welcome to you and Taco.

I got a Coverme for my cat, Cinco, when he had problems with hot spots. It worked great. It's designed for cats and dogs, so you can leave it on them all the time and they can still use the litter box. I prefered the dog one, as it opened on top, which made it easier to give insulin.

You say you have tested some, so can you please setup a spreadsheet and enter the readings you have to date? This will help us help you. Here are the instructions. You don't say what kind of meter you're using. There is a different spreadsheet if it's a pet meter, vs a human one.

I am glad you have looked at the post on testing tips. Testing is vital to keeping Taco safe. You NEED to test before every shot, to be sure it is safe to give insulin, and at least once during the cycle, to learn how the insulin is working. Lantus dosing is based on how low the BGs go, with some consideration given to the preshot number. You are NOT hurting Taco. You are saving him. You need to get him used to the idea of your messing with his ears, so start with just massaging them, praising him and giving him treats when he lets you do it (diabetic friendly treats, of course). Then you can advance to poking him, and always give a treat, even if it isn't a successful test. You want him to associate the event with something positive - treats and loving. Don't give up. This is important! You can do it! Remember, if you are stressed about it, he will be, too.

Here is a post we put together to help new members get comfortable with the site. It's kind of like an FAQ.

Read all you can in the stickies on this site and ask lots of questions - we love to help!

 

[FurBabiesMama]

I've done a lot of ear prick curves but I'm confused. Do people here ear prick test their cats 2 hours before feeding?

The recommendation is to do a glucose test before every insulin shot. Two hours before that pre-shot test, there should be no food so that the test results will not be impacted by it. The goal is to may sure the glucose level is high enough that it is safe to give insulin. So, this is the order: 1) Take up food for two hours, 2) Do glucose test, 3) Feed, 4) Give insulin shot.

Other than the pre-shot tests, you just feed on your normal schedule. Do a mid-cycle (between shots) test when you can. You will begin to get enough data to get a better picture of the impact of the insulin dose which will help you know whether the dose is correct of if it needs to be adjusted.