Libre supplies?

[WilburCat]

Hi all-
Quick question. If we wanted to start doing home libres, what supplies do we need to make sure we have?

Sensors, reader and/or iPhone app, clippers to shave a patch. What skin prep do people use and what solvent do we need to remove it?

Our vet can show us how to do the first one but after that we’d want to be independent. I just want to make sure we have all the supplies in hand that we’d need.

Also do people who use them regularly on their cats notice skin a lot of skin irritation or site issues? I saw a picture someone posted on this board and it looked gnarly where their cat scratched the sensor off - that gives us a bit of pause.

Thanks!!

 

[Chris and Checkers]

I attached one to my cat by myself. I just shaved, wiped the spot with the wipes that come with the Libre. And used an additional adhesive, vetbond, just added a couple of drops to the sensor before applying. I just followed one of the videos.

My cat just removed the sensor, if you need to take it off I think you can use coconut oil.

The vetbond did seem to leave a residue, like a hard dry glue texture but it grew out when his fur grew back. I didn't see any redness or irritation.

 

[Paige & Wesson]

Hi all-
Quick question. If we wanted to start doing home libres, what supplies do we need to make sure we have?

Sensors, reader and/or iPhone app, clippers to shave a patch. What skin prep do people use and what solvent do we need to remove it?

Our vet can show us how to do the first one but after that we’d want to be independent. I just want to make sure we have all the supplies in hand that we’d need.

Also do people who use them regularly on their cats notice skin a lot of skin irritation or site issues? I saw a picture someone posted on this board and it looked gnarly where their cat scratched the sensor off - that gives us a bit of pause.

Thanks!!

We use the Libre 2. Our vet does it for free, so I take him in to get them placed. We switch sides each time. There is a little irritation, but not bad. When it's time for it to come off, Wesson pulls it off or the vet does with a little tug. We don't use anything to get it off. You need the sensors, phone for scanning, clippers and tissue glue. I would also suggest a vest just in case you need it. We tried it without the first time and he pulled the sensor right off. We got a thunder vest for a cat and cut it shorter and higher up on the legs so he could walk. You can scan right through the vest. We have had one sensor last the whole 14 days, but they typically stop around day 10. I think the fur starts to lift the filament by that point. Preload the app on your phone and get your account set up before you go to the vet. That way you can scan the sensor while you are at the vet to make sure it's working before you leave. Check low #'s with your human meter. If you have any questions, please reach out and I would be glad to help.

 

[Larry and Kitties]

You need a clipper blade that cuts close. Like #40 that is used to clip before surgeries.
You need to rotate places where you put t to allow one pace to heal before using the same place.
Some caretakers use something to cover the sensor like a neck wrap, infant onesie. I have used a harness

 

[WilburCat]

Thank you everyone for your answers and insight!! We would ultimately like to do this ourselves (specialty vet is about 45 minute drive and Wilbur does ok but doesn’t really like car rides).

Great tip on oil to remove and thundervest - hoping he’ll leave it alone without clothing though.

Regarding shaving, thank you for specific detail on blade size (we know nothing about how to shave a cat). If we get a cat/pet specific shaver set, can we be fairly confident of safety? Or how worried do we need to be about damage or tearing of his skin?

Again many many thanks!!!!!