New to this - seeking advice

[Bgould4079]

Hi there, my name is Brian and I just recently adopted a cat named Lulu who has newly been diagnosed diabetic this afternoon. This is all new to me, and I'm struggling with this and hoping to get some advice. I was so thankful to have found this site, and really hope to find some guidance. I would be so appreciative if anyone could give me some advice here.

A bit about her:
-She is 12 years old.
-12 lbs.
-Her previous owner passed away recently...a friend of mine adopted her, but that friend had trouble taking care of her and so I offered to take care of her instead. So she's new to my house and trying to get comfortable with me. She's been here about a week.
- She is a bit sassy. Enjoys being pet sometimes only on her head, but will let you know when she does not want to be pet by either hissing or growling. She really just loves to lounge around and eat.
- She does NOT like to be pet or touched anywhere except for her head (and even then she doesn't seem to care for it much). If I touch her back or sides, she will hiss or even swipe. She will then get mad at me and hide from me. I have since stopped trying to pet her in those places! I don't think she's an aggressive cat or anything...she just doesn't care for petting I guess? She purrs when I'm around and head bops my legs when I enter the room, so I think she seems to like me enough.

I was supposed to begin giving her 1 unit of prozinc tonight, and then twice every day. The vet showed me how to make a tent of the skin by her neck and to inject there, and I was able to do it just fine at the vet (she was scared and just let me, I think). But now that she is at home, she wants nothing of it. I tried giving her prozinc tonight after feeding her, and as soon as I tried to grab the skin to give the needle she hissed and tried to bite/scratch me, so ultimately she ran away and I was not able to give the insulin.

I just feel incredibly ill prepared for this. I'm trying to build a bond of trust with her because we are new to each other, and I feel like this is going to make that even more difficult. Of course, the fact that she doesn't like to be touched anywhere besides her head is also making this very tough for me. I'm worried I am not going to be able to give her these shots she needs if she keeps biting and scratching me? It also doesn't help that I'm kind of a bit petrified of needles! I really don't know what to do here, and I just want to best take care of this little cat who has gone through a lot recently. Any advice that I could get as to giving her this medicine would be so helpful. If I have not provided enough information, I can answer any questions to the best of my ability. I am going to reach out to my vet tomorrow for some advice, but I figured the more advice the better.

Thank you very much.

 

[Scdal]

I think she is sensing your nervousness. Try to calm down. I was also terrified when my cat became diabetic. I had never given shots and couldn't even give myself allergy shots. My cat weighs 34 pounds and believe me, he can be a handful when he gets upset.
I would suggest trying to contain your cat in a small area where she can't run off at shot time. Feed her in that location. Maybe a bathroom or walk-in closet or kitchen. I wait until my cat has finished grooming himself after eating and then goes to lay down. Then I give his injection. A lot of people give the injection when their cat is eating and distracted.
If she puts up a fuss, just leave her in there and you just go sit on the couch and calm down for about 10 minutes. Then try again until you give her the shot.

I know you don't think so right now, but I can guarantee you that within a few weeks you will be a pro at it. It will take you all of 5 minutes to draw up the insulin and give the injection. Most of us have been in your shoes and can sympathize. Good luck and hang in there.

 

[Critter Mom]

Welcome, Brian, to yourself and Lulu.

Thank you so much for giving Lulu a new, loving home.

Since Lulu is fond of her grub perhaps you can use that to advantage to help her accept her insulin injections. Here's a very helpful video which might give you some ideas to try:

The early days of diabetes are overwhelming for everyone but we'll do all we can to help you both. You'll get this.




Mogs
.

 

[Shelley & Jess]

Hi Brian! Hi Lulu!
Just a quick welcome from me.

I just want to best take care of this little cat who has gone through a lot recently.

This is the stuff that warms my heart - Thank You!

 

[Wurly]

Hi there, my name is Brian and I just recently adopted a cat named Lulu who has newly been diagnosed diabetic this afternoon. This is all new to me, and I'm struggling with this and hoping to get some advice. I was so thankful to have found this site, and really hope to find some guidance. I would be so appreciative if anyone could give me some advice here.

A bit about her:
-She is 12 years old.
-12 lbs.
-Her previous owner passed away recently...a friend of mine adopted her, but that friend had trouble taking care of her and so I offered to take care of her instead. So she's new to my house and trying to get comfortable with me. She's been here about a week.
- She is a bit sassy. Enjoys being pet sometimes only on her head, but will let you know when she does not want to be pet by either hissing or growling. She really just loves to lounge around and eat.
- She does NOT like to be pet or touched anywhere except for her head (and even then she doesn't seem to care for it much). If I touch her back or sides, she will hiss or even swipe. She will then get mad at me and hide from me. I have since stopped trying to pet her in those places! I don't think she's an aggressive cat or anything...she just doesn't care for petting I guess? She purrs when I'm around and head bops my legs when I enter the room, so I think she seems to like me enough.

I was supposed to begin giving her 1 unit of prozinc tonight, and then twice every day. The vet showed me how to make a tent of the skin by her neck and to inject there, and I was able to do it just fine at the vet (she was scared and just let me, I think). But now that she is at home, she wants nothing of it. I tried giving her prozinc tonight after feeding her, and as soon as I tried to grab the skin to give the needle she hissed and tried to bite/scratch me, so ultimately she ran away and I was not able to give the insulin.

I just feel incredibly ill prepared for this. I'm trying to build a bond of trust with her because we are new to each other, and I feel like this is going to make that even more difficult. Of course, the fact that she doesn't like to be touched anywhere besides her head is also making this very tough for me. I'm worried I am not going to be able to give her these shots she needs if she keeps biting and scratching me? It also doesn't help that I'm kind of a bit petrified of needles! I really don't know what to do here, and I just want to best take care of this little cat who has gone through a lot recently. Any advice that I could get as to giving her this medicine would be so helpful. If I have not provided enough information, I can answer any questions to the best of my ability. I am going to reach out to my vet tomorrow for some advice, but I figured the more advice the better.

Thank you very much.

Brian,

There area lot of experienced friendly people on this site, I was in your shoes not so long ago with my angry cat. Persist and you will feel better for it along with the cat you have given a new lease to.

 

[Bgould4079]

Hey everyone,

Thank you all so much for the wonderful suggestions and help. With all your ideas and encouragement I successfully was able to give Lulu her two dosages today! I let her eat first, then gave her a bit of space to relax, and then gave the injection both times when she was happily laying back down after a nice meal.

The first time she was a bit cranky because I think I did the injection slightly too hard for her? I’m hoping to get better at giving them in the future. But the second time went perfectly. No problems and she purred right after.

I am hoping to continue providing the best of care for this little buddy. I can’t thank you all enough for the really encouraging guidance and support. It really helped me have a successful first day of shots when I thought it would be a nightmare. What a wonderful forum this is. Thank you all so much and wishing you and your kitties the best!

 

[Critter Mom]

Hi Brian,

I'm delighted to read that you're able to give Lulu her insulin now. All going well, as she starts to feel the better for the treatment, it will help her to bond more closely with you.

The first time she was a bit cranky because I think I did the injection slightly too hard for her?

Before you give the injection, make sure the bevel is facing upwards (goes in easier). If the problem persists, let us know and we'll see if we can suggest something else to help.


Mogs
.

 

[JanetNJ]

I have one that only likes her head pet too. Thankfully is not my diabetic. Ty for not giving up on her. A treat after each shot (low carb of course) may make her associate it with good things. Speaking of food what are you feeding.

 

[Bgould4079]

I have one that only likes her head pet too. Thankfully is not my diabetic. Ty for not giving up on her. A treat after each shot (low carb of course) may make her associate it with good things. Speaking of food what are you feeding.

Thanks for the reply, Janet! A treat after the shot sounds like a great idea. Any good low carb snacks you could suggest? I am currently feeding her wellness brand both dry and wet because that’s what she’s been used to. I have a vet appointment tonight where we will be seeing how she’s done so far on insulin, and hoping to get some guidance on a diet that would be good for her needs.

 

[JanetNJ]

https://catinfo.org/docs/CatFoodProteinFatCarbPhosphorusChart.pdf

This is a food chart to show you the carbs. Wet food is best. Wellness is generally medium carb... Ideally you want to keep the carbs under 10 percent. (Under 7 is even better). Many people here feed fancy feast classic or Friskies pate foods. I feed weruva foods because she needs low phosphorus as well.


Treats. My diabetics fave snacks are purebites. She likes the chicken and salmon flavors. . You can get it on chewy or amazon. For the chicken flavor I buy the dog size bag. You can also give fresh meats or even cold cuts that don't have a lot of fillers. Catnip too