Manda Waseskerson
Member Since 2020
I was asked to take in a diabetic foster cat back in April 2020. I was told he was on a raw food diet & was on supplements and I would be doing home testing: all that would be provided by the rescue. His foster home then wasn't viable, he was stressed out by one of the other fosters. I decided to give it a try.
When I went to pick him up a few days later (4/11/20), I wasn't given a meter to be able to home test. I couldn't start testing until 4/23/20 when the meter arrived (I know now I could have purchased Relion). Another week went by until I spoke with a Vet that helps the rescue. She made sure I knew how to home test correctly and gave more supplements. Then she brought up insulin, I was never told he needed it and his online profile said he was off of insulin (that was before the stress at his previous foster home).
A few more weeks went by until I received insulin & syringes and he was back on insulin starting 5/15/20. I know Vetsulin is not the best insulin for cats but it is what the rescue can afford to provide currently. His numbers for a while just seemed random, I would do a control check to be sure things were working. Recently, his numbers have been more consistent and improving. It was suggested I do a curve but have yet to to do so.
I was originally feeding 2.50z of Darwin's each meal, but was advised by the Vet to cut down to 4.3oz a day split into 2 meals. But he always seems hungry and searches for food and crumbs everywhere, I had to lock down the kitchen. Another diabetic cat foster within the rescue mentioned she was told not to reduce until after his numbers were under control. Should I also wait or should I keep on the lowered amount of oz each meal?
I was told to join the forum to get support and information needed to succeed. This thread is to give some background information, of what I know. I can check to see if there is anything else in his history to provide that info. Any advice would be appreciated or corrections to the current path we are on.
When I went to pick him up a few days later (4/11/20), I wasn't given a meter to be able to home test. I couldn't start testing until 4/23/20 when the meter arrived (I know now I could have purchased Relion). Another week went by until I spoke with a Vet that helps the rescue. She made sure I knew how to home test correctly and gave more supplements. Then she brought up insulin, I was never told he needed it and his online profile said he was off of insulin (that was before the stress at his previous foster home).
A few more weeks went by until I received insulin & syringes and he was back on insulin starting 5/15/20. I know Vetsulin is not the best insulin for cats but it is what the rescue can afford to provide currently. His numbers for a while just seemed random, I would do a control check to be sure things were working. Recently, his numbers have been more consistent and improving. It was suggested I do a curve but have yet to to do so.
I was originally feeding 2.50z of Darwin's each meal, but was advised by the Vet to cut down to 4.3oz a day split into 2 meals. But he always seems hungry and searches for food and crumbs everywhere, I had to lock down the kitchen. Another diabetic cat foster within the rescue mentioned she was told not to reduce until after his numbers were under control. Should I also wait or should I keep on the lowered amount of oz each meal?
I was told to join the forum to get support and information needed to succeed. This thread is to give some background information, of what I know. I can check to see if there is anything else in his history to provide that info. Any advice would be appreciated or corrections to the current path we are on.
And good for you for fostering a sugar kitty!!!!