Home testing - how to not hurt?
- Thread starter Zee
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MamaMug
Member Since 2019
Testing comes with a bit of a learning curve but it does get easier! Our boy still finches from time to time. Do you use a Lancet devise or just freehand with the Lancet? We free hand which I think eases his nerves a bit. The pen produces an abrupt puncture and noise which I can imaging can be frightening so close to kittys ear.
Idjit's mom
Member Since 2018
Like Michelle said, it takes patience and practice Zee. Good for you for starting testing!! It's going to help so much for you to know if it's safe to inject and see how the insulin is affecting her.
I suggest de-sensitizing by taking Mum to the testing station, offering the treat, rubbing and handling her ears, let her see the testing equipment and let her sniff it. You can use a rice sock (small cotton sock with about 1/4 cup uncooked rice or oatmeal, tied off and warmed in the microwave for 15 - 20 seconds) or an old pill bottle with warm water to bring the blood to the surface. Give her another low carb treat and let her go. Do this as often as you can throughout the day. We use a thin smear of pain relief ointment on the ear, it helps the blood bead up and then I rub just a smidge again after I have compressed the "poke" site with a cotton ball for a few seconds to help prevent bruising.
There are very few pain receptors in cat's ears, they mostly object to the handling until they get used to the testing process. If you were using the lancet device, the click might have startled her, more than feeling the prick of the lancet itself.
Have you been able to review the home testing links and tips? http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/hometesting-links-and-tips.287/
Now that you are home testing will you set up the spreadsheet so you can enter the insulin and testing data
You will see how the trends and patterns emerge, and members can review her progress before offering suggestions or advice: http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/fdmb-spreadsheet-instructions.130337/
http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/understanding-the-spreadsheet-grid.156606/
If you have any problems with set up, let us know, there are members who can help.
I suggest de-sensitizing by taking Mum to the testing station, offering the treat, rubbing and handling her ears, let her see the testing equipment and let her sniff it. You can use a rice sock (small cotton sock with about 1/4 cup uncooked rice or oatmeal, tied off and warmed in the microwave for 15 - 20 seconds) or an old pill bottle with warm water to bring the blood to the surface. Give her another low carb treat and let her go. Do this as often as you can throughout the day. We use a thin smear of pain relief ointment on the ear, it helps the blood bead up and then I rub just a smidge again after I have compressed the "poke" site with a cotton ball for a few seconds to help prevent bruising.
There are very few pain receptors in cat's ears, they mostly object to the handling until they get used to the testing process. If you were using the lancet device, the click might have startled her, more than feeling the prick of the lancet itself.
Have you been able to review the home testing links and tips? http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/hometesting-links-and-tips.287/
Now that you are home testing will you set up the spreadsheet so you can enter the insulin and testing data
You will see how the trends and patterns emerge, and members can review her progress before offering suggestions or advice: http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/fdmb-spreadsheet-instructions.130337/
http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/understanding-the-spreadsheet-grid.156606/
If you have any problems with set up, let us know, there are members who can help.
Last edited:
Lisa and Witn (GA)
Member Since 2009
A lot of of the time it is because they are not used to someone messing with their ears. Start handling her ears and also reward her with a treat. Do this when you are testing also. She will soon realize that testing means she is going to get something good.
Idjit's mom
Member Since 2018
Will you please tell Mum to send some cooperative vibes over here to Idjit? We could use them. My husband has to hold a squirming, reluctant 17 pound, big long cat so I can test, or clean his ears. We get it done, but I can't think how I could manage without assistance. I would have to grow at least two more arms and hands, and then none of my shirts, nighties or bathrobe would fit.
Squeaky and KT (GA)
Member Since 2011
I think what's happening is, instead of hurting her, you're startling her. It's something new for her too. Cats don't have the nerves in their ears that humans do so it's not painful like you're imagining. You CAN do this! I promise!!! Give it a couple of weeks and you'll look back wondering what all the fuss was about. 
Idjit's mom
Member Since 2018
You may be hitting the vein in the ear, Zee. And that does hurt a bit. I wondered about that when I saw the picture of the bruise you posted. I tested Idjit the other day and nicked the vein, he had a larger bruise too for a few days.
The area we aim for is very small, granted, but it's between the very edge of the ear and the vein. You could try to put a flashlight behind Mum's ear so that vein shows up and you can see where to prick the ear. It gets easier the more you test.
The area we aim for is very small, granted, but it's between the very edge of the ear and the vein. You could try to put a flashlight behind Mum's ear so that vein shows up and you can see where to prick the ear. It gets easier the more you test.
Squeaky and KT (GA)
Member Since 2011
That's more common than not. My first diabetic, KT - his left ear just as well have been a turnip as I could never get blood. I used only his right ear for all his 3 diabetic years. Dakota - both ears DO bleed but he doesn't like me messing with his left ear so we just use his right ear.
Keep stepping forward - you're doing fine! She'll get used to it. Are you giving a low carb treat after each test? If not, hit the pet section somewhere and pick up some freeze dried chicken or one of the other freeze dried meats. If you're having problems getting blood, 3 test tries then treat and try again later.
YOU GOT THIS!!! I have 100% confidence that, in a couple of weeks, you'll be testing without a hiccup in just a couple of minutes.
Idjit's mom
Member Since 2018
Haha, Zee, most of us started out knowing diddly about feline diabetes. I knew a little about human diabetes and that dogs got diabetes, but never gave a thought about my cats maybe developing it, all through the years.
It takes awhile to learn about all the things you need to know and do now. Read through the information on the forums, the FAQs forum is especially informative, as well as the Caninsulin forum. Reading the other members' posts helps answer questions you don't even know you have yet. You are already using two of the three components of effective diabetic treatment: insulin therapy and home testing. As soon as you get to the diet part, I think you are going to see some real improvement.
Speaking of seeing improvement, I hope you will set up the spreadsheet and enter the insulin and testing data, so that we can see how Mum is doing. If you aren't able to set it up yourself, we have members who can help or do it for you.
http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/fdmb-spreadsheet-instructions.130337/
http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/understanding-the-spreadsheet-grid.156606/
It takes awhile to learn about all the things you need to know and do now. Read through the information on the forums, the FAQs forum is especially informative, as well as the Caninsulin forum. Reading the other members' posts helps answer questions you don't even know you have yet. You are already using two of the three components of effective diabetic treatment: insulin therapy and home testing. As soon as you get to the diet part, I think you are going to see some real improvement.
Speaking of seeing improvement, I hope you will set up the spreadsheet and enter the insulin and testing data, so that we can see how Mum is doing. If you aren't able to set it up yourself, we have members who can help or do it for you.
http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/fdmb-spreadsheet-instructions.130337/
http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/understanding-the-spreadsheet-grid.156606/
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