Traveling, overnight stays, random events (schedule conflicts).. need advice

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MrRumps

MrRumps

Member Since 2019
Hello, I am still fairly new to the world of cat diabetes. I have realized I am unable to travel and do things due to schedule conflicts. I feel defeated in what to do to make this easier or doable. Advice would be awesome.

Rumpy hates car rides and new places. I have tried to take him and pre diabetes it was always hard, I couldn't imagine what it would be like now. I don't think he could handle it.
 
With Rumpy’s history of DKA, missing or reducing shots is obviously not advisable, so if you would like to take a vacation at some point in the future, I would recommend finding a close friend or neighbor who is willing to learn how to test/shoot to cat sit for you.. and train them waaayy in advance so they have a chance to get comfortable with the routine. If you’re not able to find someone, there is always the option of boarding at the vet (if they offer it) but that can be pricey and they may not do things the way you like in regards to testing...

I have a teenager that can usually be home when I’m not, but occasionally life does happen and even with her help we have to miss a shot. I have been known to take Spot on vacation with me if I get desperate. You might try CBD oil to calm him for the ride if you need to take him with you..?

For sure, it’s a balancing act. It takes a lot of planning to take time for yourself.... but it can be done! :bighug:
 
Are you talking about going away for a holiday or just overnight?
If I went away overnight I took Sheba.....she wasn't thrilled about it but......
The times I was not here for a week a couple of times (when I was in hospital), I got my granddaughter(she was only 9 but had wanted to learn to test so I taught her) and daughter (who gave the shots) to do the testing and giving the insulin and the second time my husband had learnt and it was much easier.
There are some people who take their cats with them on holidays including camping.

If you can train up one of your friends/neighbours to do the testing and shots I would do that. It's a long term thing so if you can get a support team in place it will make it easier. Just a thought
 
We struggled with this as well...and it wasn't the best solution, but we reduced his dose and he got shots without testing. I had a teenager that came at shot times to feed/shoot on the days my mom couldn't, and my mom did the rest. He wasn't on Lantus then, though. I'm going to have to get my husband practicing to test/shoot soon because I'll be gone for 5 days at the end of the month. Other than that, I have Max on a shot schedule that I can accommodate most days. There have been a few days where we've had to shoot early or late because of events, but we're learning to work with those.
 
When I needed to board any of my diabetic cats with the vet, I always wrote out very detailed instructions. The instructions included the dose, my "don't shoot" number, and that they must be tested before every shot with the meter I provided. Also that the dose was not to be changed unless I was notified and gave approval for the change. When Witn and Spot were boarded at the same time, I provided a separate meter for each cat. The main reason I was very detailed in my instructions was that there was a new vet at the clinic who kept trying to tell me I did not need to test before every shot and I did not want her to make any changes without my approval. Considering that the owner of the clinic was the person that taught me how to test with my first diabetic cat and also gave me my first meter, I politely told the new vet that I disagree and that my cats would always be tested before any insulin would be given. Fortunately the staff that took care of the cats while they were there followed all of my instructions.

BTW - the new vet did not last very long at that clinic. :cat:
 
I can relate to your struggle it is hard to balance it all.

Going with a neighbor sounds like a great idea! I usually board Mauser at the vet with strict feeding instructions and notes and symptoms to keep an eye on.

Please don't make my mistake of hiring a pet sitting service you don't know, even if they have glowing reviews (for diabetic cats). Interview them first and see how kitty responds.
 
Also by having someone you know take care of him, you can have them get to know him before you leave. The hopefully he will become comfortable with them and not hide when they are caring for him.
 
Bron and Sheba said:
There are some people who take their cats with them on holidays including camping.
Click to expand...

This made me laugh happily, I am an avid camper and backpacker! How do you take kitty camping? Any tips?

In the past I debated getting a pack meant to carry small children & my gear, so I could take him back packing with me...
 
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