In need of some emotional support

[Jackie and Molly]

Hi, this is really more of a rant than anything that but I need let it out.

I love my molly so much. I've had her since I was 11 years old and we have been through so much together.

But I'm having such a hard time getting used to her diabetes and treating her. I've managed to get her into a routine but it seems to get harder everyday. When it's time to get her bg tested I have to set her up on the kitchen counter and hold her down while she tries to squirm away. Sometimes its quick and relatively easy but other times she yells and moves around. I know she hates it and I hate doing it to her.

Injections started out so easy, she didn't even notice the first four times. Now she knows when I set her food down that I'm going to give her her shots and she tries to run away. This morning I had to hold her down on the counter to give her the insulin and it led to a breakdown (on my part)

I live with my boyfriend but he works so much that he is not here to help me with her shots. He also doesn't get why I'm getting so upset - my life now is basically work and come home to take care of molly - nothing else because I live too far away from my friends and family to go back and forth.

I just wish molly would stay still if she stayed in one spot it would be over so quickly. I wish she knew why I was doing all of these bad things to her. She used to follow me around and now she avoids me.

I'm trying to be strong but it's become a challenge. This diagnosis has also made me realize that Molly isn't going to live forever and it breaks my heart

I don't know what I am expecting, maybe just some words of encouragement or your experiences dealing with this.

 

[Nan & Amber (GA)]

Oh, I'm so sorry! It must be very upsetting to feel like you are hurting your cat several times a day (even though you know that "it's for her own good!") .

A couple things that might help: first and most important, are you bribing her with treats when you test? Something really really yummy that she doesn't get any other time is great for making her think "hey, this isn't so bad after all!". The thing is, she's probably not really in any pain or discomfort when she yells and squirms, she's just learning that when she does that, it's effective in getting you to stop messing with her ears .

Plus, she's probably picking up on your stress at testing time, and it's gotten her a little anxious about what you have in mind. Sure, those first few pokes were no big deal, but who knows what you are going to do next? Better safe than sorry, nip this thing in the bud (says the cat)! So, reducing your stress (and thus her stress) at testing time is easier said than done, but one trick to try is to sing while going through the testing routine, even if (or especially if!) you can't carry a tune. Sounds silly, but that's kind of the point, it's hard to be stressed out when you're doing something silly, and hopefully Molly will pick up on the lower stress level and calm down herself.

Lastly, while the ears are not a terribly sensitive place to poke, they can get a little bruised if you poke a lot or hit the wrong spot. To reduce bruising, it's good to apply a little pressure for several seconds after each poke, using a bit of tissue or cotton round to help stop the bleeding. A little dab of neosporin/polysporin ointment on the ears at the end of the day helps speed healing and reduces any soreness.

Hope this helps! It does get easier, though as you say there is always a time burden in managing this disease. We all (eventually) figure out what works for us in our particular situation, but those early stages are always a tremendous shock as your whole life is upended. Hang in there!

 

[Jackie and Molly]

Oh, I'm so sorry! It must be very upsetting to feel like you are hurting your cat several times a day (even though you know that "it's for her own good!") .

A couple things that might help: first and most important, are you bribing her with treats when you test? Something really really yummy that she doesn't get any other time is great for making her think "hey, this isn't so bad after all!". The thing is, she's probably not really in any pain or discomfort when she yells and squirms, she's just learning that when she does that, it's effective in getting you to stop messing with her ears .

Plus, she's probably picking up on your stress at testing time, and it's gotten her a little anxious about what you have in mind. Sure, those first few pokes were no big deal, but who knows what you are going to do next? Better safe than sorry, nip this thing in the bud (says the cat)! So, reducing your stress (and thus her stress) at testing time is easier said than done, but one trick to try is to sing while going through the testing routine, even if (or especially if!) you can't carry a tune. Sounds silly, but that's kind of the point, it's hard to be stressed out when you're doing something silly, and hopefully Molly will pick up on the lower stress level and calm down herself.

Lastly, while the ears are not a terribly sensitive place to poke, they can get a little bruised if you poke a lot or hit the wrong spot. To reduce bruising, it's good to apply a little pressure for several seconds after each poke, using a bit of tissue or cotton round to help stop the bleeding. A little dab of neosporin/polysporin ointment on the ears at the end of the day helps speed healing and reduces any soreness.

Hope this helps! It does get easier, though as you say there is always a time burden in managing this disease. We all (eventually) figure out what works for us in our particular situation, but those early stages are always a tremendous shock as your whole life is upended. Hang in there!

Thank you for your response

I usually show her the bag of treats and leave it in eyesight while testing, do you think it would be helpful to give her one while she's in the testing spot? I find that it usually goes a little smoother when she sees the treats compared to when I give her meals right after.

I have been holding the poked spot on her ear with a cotton ball and dabbing with neosporin - although this seems to be when she is the most upset. When I go to retest her ear I cannot see any scabbing or bruising (although she does have dark ears!)

I definitely was stressed this morning, maybe that's why it was so difficult. She woke up when my boyfriend left for work at 5 a.m. and starting asking for breakfast two hours early!

Singing is a great idea! I know its better to remain calm but like you said, it can be a challenge. We are still new to this (testing for a week) so I should keeping trying to find something that works better, there is always room for improvement and I want Molly to have the best quality of life possible with this disease - I know she is not opposed to me staying home with her more often!

Again, thank you so much. It helps to talk to people that have gone through the same thing

 

[jt and trouble (GA)]

Oh my do I remember those days! Our Trouble never got use to the sticks either. What made it tolerable was the treats. I know some treats have carbs but its not enough to throw off his numbers to an unmanageable degree. Trouble avoided me too and it made me feel like a terrible human bean. But then I would remember how sick he was before insulin. He was a dry food addict as that is all he ever got from the people that relinquished him. I removed the dry and poor Trouble would sit where his treasured "dry" was and stare where the bowl use to be. He did that for weeks! Talk about quilt! One thing that never changed was his devotion to his new family. We made him feel better. In the end we made him feel better and in fact we saved is life. That is what you are doing for Molly. NEVER FORGET THAT.
Find her a treat she cant resist, sing to your hearts content. Its going to get easier. Molly is going through big changes including feeling better. You have found the best community for help and support. Oh and one important thing to remember ...Dont forget to BREATHE
jeanne

 

[jt and trouble (GA)]

I usually show her the bag of treats and leave it in eyesight while testing, do you think it would be helpful to give her one while she's in the testing spot? I find that it usually goes a little smoother when she sees the treats compared to when I give her meals right after.

Absolutely give her just one. She'll come to know she may get another when all is said and done.

 

[Nan & Amber (GA)]

I usually show her the bag of treats and leave it in eyesight while testing, do you think it would be helpful to give her one while she's in the testing spot? I find that it usually goes a little smoother when she sees the treats compared to when I give her meals right after.

Oh, yeah! I used to always give "before" and "after" treats for Amber. It did not take her long to come running any time I even looked like I might possibly be thinking about maybe sometime possibly picking up the test equipment or going over to the testing spot!

 

[FurBabiesMama]

It is so true that your stress/anxiety/dread transfers to the cat. So, though it is hard, you have to get yourself in check. Maybe go in a different room and have a little 'pep rally' for yourself before you test and give a shot. Loosen up, sing, dance, whatever you need to do so you can at least fake it that you are calm and upbeat about the whole process. It also helps to be very matter-of-fact and efficient about the whole thing. Have everything ready and get in there, get it done and get out. Make sure the spot where you do everything is at a good level for you to comfortably do it. I use a level in a cat tower that puts Mia about waist high on me. And, it should be a spot she associates with good things, not just the bad. Somewhere that you love on her or brush her or whatever she likes at times when you are not doing testing or shots. Singing to her or at least talking to her throughout will also help her relax. Use as little restraint as possible. I am a firm believer that once you start restraining a cat they become worried/stressed about how to get free and things tend to get worse - I would be the same way. If Mia happens to be a little squirmy, I drape my left arm loosely over her body to stabilize her while I do the test.

I give Mia cooked chicken thigh meat as her testing treat. I have it already in a little bowl in front of her while I test her, and as soon as I finish, she starts eating it. I usually give her the shot while she eats her treat. She stops eating for a second for me to do it, but then resumes. Then she hops down and goes to her food bowl to eat her meal.

The first week or two of testing was a dramatic mess for us, but it got better quickly. Hang in there!

 

[Lisa and Witn (GA)]

I know it may seem difficult to believe, but it does get easier.

As already said, she is picking up on your stress. There is an old saying "Fake it till you make it". Even by acting confident that you know what you are doing will help make Molly feel confident and less stressed out. Also for the treat, find something she really loves and only give it when testing and giving the shot. Treats my cats love are freeze dried chicken and freeze dried tuna flakes (you can find them at an Oriental food store and sometimes in the pet store). Praise her while testing and give her extra skritches and attention to make her feel that this is a special time for her.

 

[Deb & Wink]

Truly, truly it will get better. The beginning of this journey with your beloved diabetic cat Molly can be so hard, adjusting your life around testing, shots. Simply dealing with your fears and stress can be overwhelming. It doesn't help that you have an unsupportive boyfriend. The first couple of weeks are the roughest, as you are learning how to do things and learning more about what might help.

Diabetic cats can live a long and healthy life. Not sure if anyone reassured of that fact. This feline diabetes is treatable and we know cats can live with diabetes. It's rarely the diabetes that takes our cats in the end. My cat Wink lived nearly 5 years after the diagnosis. He was 16 and a half at the end. Some cats live much, much longer with diabetes.

Come cry on our shoulders. Rant all you want. We'll help you be strong and provide support where we can. We understand.

 

[Deb & Wink]

Not sure if you have seen this wonderful document, written years ago by one of our members. I think of it as being the "kitty whisperer" approach to testing and shots too.

•Ear Testing Psychology• Please read it, you'll be glad you did.

 

[SnowKat]

@Jackie and Molly I am totally with you - I'm new to this too, and I have had several teary and anxiety-fueled meltdowns myself over the past couple weeks. You are not alone!!

But I truly believe it will get better! You will become more confident with practice, and Molly will begin to associate testing/dosing with her favorite treat. And once you get her BG under control, she will live a long and happy life with you.

Regarding squirming... have you tried the kitty burrito? I found that it really calms my Edward. I gently wrap him on the same spot every time on my kitchen counter. Then before I even pick up my testing supplies or syringe, I cuddle him and scratch his chin and kiss him and praise him until he closes his eyes and starts to enjoy the attention. Then I put his favorite treat in front of his nose, and I test or dose him, while he is nosing toward his treat. As soon as I'm done, he gets to eat the treat, and he gets additional cuddles. The past few days, he doesn't even want to get up off the counter after this... I'll unwrap him and start putting things away, and I'll even walk away, and he'll just lay there like a king on his throne, LOL.

Anyway, you got this. It'll be OK <3

 

[Jackie and Molly]

Oh my do I remember those days! Our Trouble never got use to the sticks either. What made it tolerable was the treats. I know some treats have carbs but its not enough to throw off his numbers to an unmanageable degree. Trouble avoided me too and it made me feel like a terrible human bean. But then I would remember how sick he was before insulin. He was a dry food addict as that is all he ever got from the people that relinquished him. I removed the dry and poor Trouble would sit where his treasured "dry" was and stare where the bowl use to be. He did that for weeks! Talk about quilt! One thing that never changed was his devotion to his new family. We made him feel better. In the end we made him feel better and in fact we saved is life. That is what you are doing for Molly. NEVER FORGET THAT.
Find her a treat she cant resist, sing to your hearts content. Its going to get easier. Molly is going through big changes including feeling better. You have found the best community for help and support. Oh and one important thing to remember ...Dont forget to BREATHE
jeanne

Thank you Jeanne! It certainly helps to here from other people who had trouble testing. The videos make it look so easy!

Oh, poor trouble! The dry food one is a hard habit to break. Molly will still meow at the "treat cabinet" because she knows there are still temptations in there.

I have to keep reminding myself that this is all for Molly's own good, despite her protests

She loves the freeze dried chicken treats! But I know she misses her sheba sticks lol.

 

[Jackie and Molly]

It is so true that your stress/anxiety/dread transfers to the cat. So, though it is hard, you have to get yourself in check. Maybe go in a different room and have a little 'pep rally' for yourself before you test and give a shot. Loosen up, sing, dance, whatever you need to do so you can at least fake it that you are calm and upbeat about the whole process. It also helps to be very matter-of-fact and efficient about the whole thing. Have everything ready and get in there, get it done and get out. Make sure the spot where you do everything is at a good level for you to comfortably do it. I use a level in a cat tower that puts Mia about waist high on me. And, it should be a spot she associates with good things, not just the bad. Somewhere that you love on her or brush her or whatever she likes at times when you are not doing testing or shots. Singing to her or at least talking to her throughout will also help her relax. Use as little restraint as possible. I am a firm believer that once you start restraining a cat they become worried/stressed about how to get free and things tend to get worse - I would be the same way. If Mia happens to be a little squirmy, I drape my left arm loosely over her body to stabilize her while I do the test.

I give Mia cooked chicken thigh meat as her testing treat. I have it already in a little bowl in front of her while I test her, and as soon as I finish, she starts eating it. I usually give her the shot while she eats her treat. She stops eating for a second for me to do it, but then resumes. Then she hops down and goes to her food bowl to eat her meal.

The first week or two of testing was a dramatic mess for us, but it got better quickly. Hang in there!

I prepared myself on the drive home from work today and followed all the wonderful advice everyone has been giving me - I greeted her happily, pet her for a bit and then began setting up her spot. I find the best spot to test her is on the kitchen counter and set everything up, prepared her dinner, and called her to me while shaking the bag of treats. I sang to her while I was testing her and it went really well she still tried to evade the insulin after but eventually we did it after letting her smell it lol.

That's a good idea for a treat, I am a big baby about cooking meat but I will suck it up for Molly!

Thank you!

 

[Jackie and Molly]

I know it may seem difficult to believe, but it does get easier.

As already said, she is picking up on your stress. There is an old saying "Fake it till you make it". Even by acting confident that you know what you are doing will help make Molly feel confident and less stressed out. Also for the treat, find something she really loves and only give it when testing and giving the shot. Treats my cats love are freeze dried chicken and freeze dried tuna flakes (you can find them at an Oriental food store and sometimes in the pet store). Praise her while testing and give her extra skritches and attention to make her feel that this is a special time for her.

Our test before dinner went way better today as I kept calm and happy. I bought her some freeze dried ahi tuna but it is not her favorite lol, she definitely likes the chicken much more. I've been reading about the tuna flakes and I think she might like those as well.

I appreciate your help, and I will try my best to make it an enjoyable time for her Some days are harder than others and we just have to power through them!

 

[Jackie and Molly]

Truly, truly it will get better. The beginning of this journey with your beloved diabetic cat Molly can be so hard, adjusting your life around testing, shots. Simply dealing with your fears and stress can be overwhelming. It doesn't help that you have an unsupportive boyfriend. The first couple of weeks are the roughest, as you are learning how to do things and learning more about what might help.

Diabetic cats can live a long and healthy life. Not sure if anyone reassured of that fact. This feline diabetes is treatable and we know cats can live with diabetes. It's rarely the diabetes that takes our cats in the end. My cat Wink lived nearly 5 years after the diagnosis. He was 16 and a half at the end. Some cats live much, much longer with diabetes.

Come cry on our shoulders. Rant all you want. We'll help you be strong and provide support where we can. We understand.

Thank you for your kind words. I didn't mean to paint my boyfriend in a bad light, he is supportive and loves Molly - but he only seems to see the times when testing and shots go well! Kind of like the child who only misbehaves in front of one parent (not that Molly is misbehaving, she is just being a cat!) It really helps to hear from all of you and feel all of the support I am so glad I found this website!

I am happy that treatment has come so far and long lives are possible. It is nice to read about cats who live a full life I am hopeful that Molly will have a full healthy life even after this diagnosis.

Thank you again <3

 

[Juls and Billy]

You are doing awesome! Yes, a relaxed attitude helps your kitty be relaxed too, and the treats don't hurt either. Does she like catnip? Catnip can work for a testing treat as well.

Every cat is different, but I have noticed that my Billy was easier to test and inject in the beginning when he was not feeling well. Now, he's feeling better, and he is impatient for that treat. Sometimes he wiggles and yells at me, but he doesn't seem to be in any pain or distress. So, remind yourself that it's harder on you than it is on your girl. You can totally do this!

 

[Jackie and Molly]

@Jackie and Molly I am totally with you - I'm new to this too, and I have had several teary and anxiety-fueled meltdowns myself over the past couple weeks. You are not alone!!

But I truly believe it will get better! You will become more confident with practice, and Molly will begin to associate testing/dosing with her favorite treat. And once you get her BG under control, she will live a long and happy life with you.

Regarding squirming... have you tried the kitty burrito? I found that it really calms my Edward. I gently wrap him on the same spot every time on my kitchen counter. Then before I even pick up my testing supplies or syringe, I cuddle him and scratch his chin and kiss him and praise him until he closes his eyes and starts to enjoy the attention. Then I put his favorite treat in front of his nose, and I test or dose him, while he is nosing toward his treat. As soon as I'm done, he gets to eat the treat, and he gets additional cuddles. The past few days, he doesn't even want to get up off the counter after this... I'll unwrap him and start putting things away, and I'll even walk away, and he'll just lay there like a king on his throne, LOL.

Anyway, you got this. It'll be OK <3

Thank you so much Kat! It's definitely a challenge and an adjustment but Molly is worth it.

It will take a lot more practice to perfect the testing and insulin but we will get there. Sometimes I just need some encouragement, which I received from this post

I have not tried the kitty burrito yet! I am worried that Molly will not like being wrapped up, but I know it can be calming and may be worth it on some of the tougher days. That's so cute that he stays on the counter after! Edward sounds like a great kitty!

Thank you again <3

 

[katiesmom]

Like others, I let food help me with testing and shots. Is there a low carb treat that she absolutely loves? You could possibly give her a shot & tests while eating a special treat. Have you tried freeze dried chicken? I have never seen a cat that didn't go crazy for freeze dried chicken.
My girl is a lovebug also but quite fractious, and I could not do her injections any other way. I call it "chicken and a shot"

When she was first diagnosed, I never thought I would be able to get the shots into her, much less test. The first couple weeks were horrible, chasing her around, trying to find a good time, place to do it, and every time I touched her to would swat at me, scream and run off. Add the anxiety never giving injections before and unsure if I was even doing it right...oh what mess! Lot of meltdowns too.

I managed Katie's 2x daily injection (by myself) with this routine- before her meal and after her test, I announced it's time for "chicken and a shot".
I prepare the shot, crumble up freeze dried chicken on a plate and set it on the counter (our "shot spot). WHILE she was eating her treat, I do the injection.
It became a routine and she expects it. I do the same for tests (different spot, the living room chair is the "test" spot)
I always choose the same shot for shooting, the same spot for testing, and don't chase her around. Most of the time she waiting in the "spot" for it. She runs to her "spot" now. I think having a "shot spot" and /or "test spot" (giving the shot in one place of the house w/treat) all the time is better. They begin to learn that's the only place it happens and they get a treat, and they aren't fearful of you every time you get them near in between shots & tests. If you inject them in random spots, they never when to expect it and become fearful. It becomes an unpleasant experience. You want it to be pleasant, and the treat makes it a much happier experience...a reward of sorts.

Again, she fights me for a simple nail clipping, so I never dreamed she would be this good about it. I still cant clip her nails though..lol. Poking with a needle, yes. Clipping nails no. She's a character.

Hope this helps. Try using a treat she absolutely loves and cannot resist.

 

[Deb & Wink]

Hey, teach your boyfriend how to test. Then he might see some of Molly's "attitude" peeking through. It's always good to have a backup person to test, feed, shoot.

 

[Tina Marie (GA) and Jan]

I feel for you! You have gotten some great advice.
My kitty was feeling so poorly at the beginning that everything was easy. She was just a couch potato. When she finally started showing some resistance, I laughed, knowing she was feeling better. Right before coming off insulin, she really started fighting more, so I had to start all over, bribing with treats!
I'm happy you got your feelings out -- there are always people who get it! This can be quite emotional, and it can spread to your whole life. Be kind to yourself dear Jackie