That's a great point. If you really wanted to get serious about it, you could even call the vet and tell them that Ziggy belongs to you, not your dad and give explicit instructions to NOT have him euthanized.
That's a great idea!!!
Have you received an update yet? Did the vet agree not to put him to sleep when you called? I keep thinking of you guys!Sorry for double-posting, but I’m just so worried. I wish I could cry, but I’m at work.
You're right about gravy not being good for diabetic cats...that's what is given when their blood glucose drops too low to prevent/treat hypoglycemia. The Friskies pate is on the approved list for sugar kitties though
Plus the big cans are right around $1 at Walmart and Dollar General.That is amazing!! I'm so relieved and happy for you!
This is a good list.... you can forward it to dad. You want to pick a food under 10% carb. (Under 7 is better) No gravy, no carb. Most of us feed fancy feast classic or Friskies pate foods. The purina food is 30-35% carb. Ditch it immediately. The other food is around 13%... A bit high but not as bad as the dry.
Almost all of us use human meters, you can get one at Walmart relion confirm or micro,I think around 20.00 test strips are cheap, you will also need lancets, I use relion prime requires a little more blood but didn’t realize when bought it, the confirm and micro need less bloodThank you, everyone. Ziggy's home now and resting for his big day on Saturday.
The vet recommended an Alpha Track kit for Ziggy's home testing, and they said they can order it for me for $100 (or talk to a vet down here in Portland and see if they can get it for cheaper). I think I might shop around tomorrow after work for another meter that would work just as well. Does anyone have any suggestions as to what I could use? I do know there are some helpful guides around here for home testing that I've been reading through.
Great mind think alike Paula lol
$100 is nuts. It's half that on amazon. I love my alphatrak but the strips are expensive. We have learned the insulinx strips (10-20$ for 50 strips on eBay) also work in the Alphatrak. If the cost is prohibitive then get a human meter such as the relion micro or confirm .Thank you, everyone. Ziggy's home now and resting for his big day on Saturday.
The vet recommended an Alpha Track kit for Ziggy's home testing, and they said they can order it for me for $100 (or talk to a vet down here in Portland and see if they can get it for cheaper). I think I might shop around tomorrow after work for another meter that would work just as well. Does anyone have any suggestions as to what I could use? I do know there are some helpful guides around here for home testing that I've been reading through.
No, I know, just trying to simplify things for her!
No, no Paula, you didn't jump in, it's fine!
And I figured you meant lancets, not planets, lol.
No, no Paula, you didn't jump in, it's fine!
I felt this way too. Ask here and don’t fret- it’s not that hard. The spreadsheet thing totally had me freaked out and I even got that, even though mine is messed up and the wrong one ha! I’m going to start over tomorrow with the new insulin.I think I'll look around for something like the relion micro or confirm when I get out of work tomorrow, because the price of the Alpha Track is a little too high for me at the moment (Ziggy's appointment today was very expensive, and I have other payments I have to make before the end of the month). I admit I'm a little confused about how the meter, the lancets, and the strips all fit together, or rather, how to go about making sure they're all compatible and which will be most effective. I wish they said "for total beginners" on the packages! But these suggestions have been very helpful.
Thankfully, work is the only thing I really need to worry about as far as my time is concerned, and my coworkers step out to take care of their pets all the time. I haven't accrued much vacation time yet, but once I do, I'll have a lot to use, so trips to the vet during the day will be possible if necessary. And I usually just stay home when I'm not working, so I'll have plenty of time to be with Ziggy.
It's over quickly, he gets his treat, and usually a meal, so he's all good. Watch the videos, use the tips and you will do great!
Squallie actually comes to me now when he sees me get his kit out! I never dreamed I'd see that day when we first started this dance!
View attachment 35751Those will get you started. You can also opt for the Relion Prime meter and strips, but they require a larger drop of blood for testing. The kit comes with a lancing device; some of us use one and some of us just free-hand it. It's just a matter of personal preference, and which method seems to be most agreeable to your kitty!
ETA: If you don't like the blue meter, it also comes in pink, lol!
You are more tan welcome!Thank you, Squalliesmom! I picked these up today, along with a few other things that Ziggy will be needing. Got him some Friskies pate food, too, which he's always seemed to enjoy. I think that should be good for now, just to get him acclimated to a wet food-only diet again.
I looked for a pink meter, but they only had blue.
I also bought some Neosporin, as you suggested. I totally forgot the rice/oatmeal, though. I think we have some here at the apartment, though.
I admit I'm a little worried about Ziggy's bathroom needs during his long trip tomorrow. My mom is driving him down and I'm meeting her halfway to pick him up, since the distance between our houses is so big, and no doubt he's going to have to do his thing at some point. My mom was considering taking a collar and leash with her, just to see if he could use the bathroom outside when we meet up, but I don't think Ziggy would take very well to that.
Most of the time the insulinx strips have been accurate. Yesterday they were off for me and have me a scare. My cat read 54 on the insulinx strips, but then I tested again with the alpha strips and it was 80. I have a tab on my spreadsheet showing the comparison numbers I have taken so far.
Much better plan than trying to let him go on a leash!!!
Just put puppy training pads in the carrier. You can use making tape to keep them in plac.
Natalie, TOTALLY AGREE with Lucy( squalliesmom).... Ziggy must remain in carrier . He will be enduring a lot just traveling . Whatever mess may be made can be cleaned up later but he MUST remain in his carrier. I personally would NOT EVEN OPEN the carrier at all until you have him safely in your apartment so there is no chance he might escape .Praying for an uneventful , safe trip for your mom and you
