New Member/ Advice....Feral Kitty

[Katie and Silver]

Hi My name is Katie,

Silver was diagnosed about 2 1/2 weeks ago, about two weeks before that I noticed silver was drinking a lot of water and large urine clumps. The vet said it looked like it was in early stages and felt Silver had a chance at remission. She wanted me to have the freestyle libre attached to him and advised me to change his food to Purina DM. Silver was born feral and it took a year and a half to pet him even though he has known me all his lif as I was feeding his mother and him as soon as he was weaned. He has bad teeth and I wanted to get them taken care of. After any vet it takes months for him to recover and fully trust. I bought him to another vet for 2nd opinion who wanted to put him on insulin right away, the other vet advised food change monitor with libre and then insulin. Now after two vet appointments, and trying to get his butt cleaned he hides under the bed all day. I am worried sick the first test was full panel glucose 415 and fuctosamine 430, a Alpha Trak meter of 448
The second vet tested Fuctosamine at 456 and a baseline at 505. I'm just sick over the thought of him having to go through this he does not do well going to the vet I live alone and do not have anyone who can help with testing at home. I'm pretty sure he go ahold of my other cats dry before the second vet as I was advised not to change food abruptly. I'm worried and want what best and know he needs insulin libre or not. I'm sick overthe traumatic effect it is going to have on Silver and the cost is no simple matter as well. Does anyone have experience with diabetes in feral born cats I'm the only one who pets him, I used to have a roomate and my late father also pet him but they're both passed now. Not sure which would be better just get the insulin and meter which i'll need any way or do the libre. The first vet doesn't seem so urgent on insulin, tests seem very high, also wonder about bad teeth although white blood cell is normal. Spent hours reading on feline diabetes. I'm beside myself with worry, crying

 

[Bron and Sheba (GA)]

Hi and welcome to Katie and Silver.
I’m going to ask you to remove the GA from the title please as it means the kitty has died (guardian angel) and we use it for kitties who have passed. You can see in my avatar that I have GA after Sheba’s name.
I’ll post this and then answer your questions

 

[Bron and Sheba (GA)]

Silver is a very handsome boy.
It is a very stressful time when one’s kitty is first diagnosed with FD and I’m sure more so when he is a feral kitty. I’m glad you found us. We have people here who have managed with feral kitties. I will try and find them for you. You might like to add on the subject line when you remove the GA …”advice …Feral kitty” and that will alert others to your problem.

It is Ok to do a swap over to low carb food first, as long as there were no ketones in the urine at diagnosis.
Do you know if the vet tested the urine for ketones and glucose?
If she didn’t or you don’t know you can buy some Ketostix from Walmart or a pharmacy and test the urine. Do you think you could get a urine sample from him?

If he is getting into the other cats food you might be better to swap them both over to the low carb wet food.
Is the DM dry or wet? The wet is low carb but the dry is high carb. You can also feed any low carb food.it doesn’t have to be prescription foods. They are no better than the low carb food you can buy at the supermarket or pet store…just more expensive. Here is a link to suitable low carb foods. Look for ones that are 10% or under. Around 4-7% is what most of us use.
Food Chart

How do you think you will go testing the blood glucose your self and giving insulin?
Do you own the alphatrak meter or was that the vets? They are expensive to run (the test strips are expensive) so if you are concerned about money, you would be better getting a ReliOn meter from Walmart as the test strips are much cheaper.
Here is a link to HOMETESTING HINTS AND TIPS

I would not leave it too long before starting the insulin because diabetic cats that need insulin and are not getting it are at risk of getting ketones in the urine /blood which can lead to more serious and costly illnesses. If you want to start off with the libre as you are learning to hometest, that is fine. Some people do that. Others just start doing it themselves.
Ask the vet for Lantus insulin as it is one of the best for cats. Don’t let him give you Caninsulin or Novolon insulin.

I’m going to tag @Suzanne & Darcy as she may be able to help you with the feral kitty side of things or know someone else who can.
Keep asking lots of questions and know we are here 24/7 to help you.
Bron

 

[Katie and Silver]

Hi My name is Katie,

Silver was diagnosed about 2 1/2 weeks ago, about two weeks before that I noticed silver was drinking a lot of water and large urine clumps. The vet said it looked like it was in early stages and felt Silver had a chance at remission. She wanted me to have the freestyle libre attached to him and advised me to change his food to Purina DM. Silver was born feral and it took a year and a half to pet him even though he has known me all his lif as I was feeding his mother and him as soon as he was weaned. He has bad teeth and I wanted to get them taken care of. After any vet it takes months for him to recover and fully trust. I bought him to another vet for 2nd opinion who wanted to put him on insulin right away, the other vet advised food change monitor with libre and then insulin. Now after two vet appointments, and trying to get his butt cleaned he hides under the bed all day. I am worried sick the first test was full panel glucose 415 and fuctosamine 430, a Alpha Trak meter of 448
The second vet tested Fuctosamine at 456 and a baseline at 505. I'm just sick over the thought of him having to go through this he does not do well going to the vet I live alone and do not have anyone who can help with testing at home. I'm pretty sure he go ahold of my other cats dry before the second vet as I was advised not to change food abruptly. I'm worried and want what best and know he needs insulin libre or not. I'm sick overthe traumatic effect it is going to have on Silver and the cost is no simple matter as well. Does anyone have experience with diabetes in feral born cats I'm the only one who pets him, I used to have a roomate and my late father also pet him but they're both passed now. Not sure which would be better just get the insulin and meter which i'll need any way or do the libre. The first vet doesn't seem so urgent on insulin, tests seem very high, also wonder about bad teeth although white blood cell is normal. Spent hours reading on feline diabetes. I'm beside myself with worry, crying

Hi and welcome to Katie and Silver.
I’m going to ask you to remove the GA from the title please as it means the kitty has died (guardian angel) and we use it for kitties who have passed. You can see in my avatar that I have GA after Sheba’s name.
I’ll post this and then answer your questions

I'm terribly sorry I tried to find out what it meant (I guess not hard enough) but thought it meant general audience, I'm quite overwhelmed with the information at this time.

 

[Bron and Sheba (GA)]

I'm terribly sorry I tried to find out what it meant (I guess not hard enough) but thought it meant general audience, I'm quite overwhelmed with the information at this time.

Don’t be sorry. You are not the first and you won’t be the last to think it meant something else. It happens quite a bit!
.
It will be overwhelming for you at the moment but you have come to the best possible place to get help and support. This is a wonderful community.

 

[Diane Tyler's Mom GA]

Welcome Katie and Silver, if you do get lantus it's very expensive in the US
You can have the vet write the script for generic lantus ,many members use it
Here is some info
Check this out also
https://www.goodrx.com/insulin-glargine?dosage=five-3ml-prefilled-pens-of-100-units-ml&form=carton&label_override=insulin glargine&quantity=1
The 5 pens will last about a year
Its generic lantus



Or this one also

I see some members will call CVS, Rite Aid, Costco, Walgreen's, to get the price for 5 pens
Posted by another member
One members posted this
. I paid $175 for a box of 5 pens at Walmart pharmacy, but GoodRX coupon says you can get it for around $90 if you have a Rite Aid pharmacy near you.

Just ask as many questions as you want

 

[Katie and Silver]

Silver is a very handsome boy.
It is a very stressful time when one’s kitty is first diagnosed with FD and I’m sure more so when he is a feral kitty. I’m glad you found us. We have people here who have managed with feral kitties. I will try and find them for you. You might like to add on the subject line when you remove the GA …”advice …Feral kitty” and that will alert others to your problem.

It is Ok to do a swap over to low carb food first, as long as there were no ketones in the urine at diagnosis.
Do you know if the vet tested the urine for ketones and glucose?
If she didn’t or you don’t know you can buy some Ketostix from Walmart or a pharmacy and test the urine. Do you think you could get a urine sample from him?

If he is getting into the other cats food you might be better to swap them both over to the low carb wet food.
Is the DM dry or wet? The wet is low carb but the dry is high carb. You can also feed any low carb food.it doesn’t have to be prescription foods. They are no better than the low carb food you can buy at the supermarket or pet store…just more expensive. Here is a link to suitable low carb foods. Look for ones that are 10% or under. Around 4-7% is what most of us use.
Food Chart

How do you think you will go testing the blood glucose your self and giving insulin?
Do you own the alphatrak meter or was that the vets? They are expensive to run (the test strips are expensive) so if you are concerned about money, you would be better getting a ReliOn meter from Walmart as the test strips are much cheaper.
Here is a link to HOMETESTING HINTS AND TIPS

I would not leave it too long before starting the insulin because diabetic cats that need insulin and are not getting it are at risk of getting ketones in the urine /blood which can lead to more serious and costly illnesses. If you want to start off with the libre as you are learning to hometest, that is fine. Some people do that. Others just start doing it themselves.
Ask the vet for Lantus insulin as it is one of the best for cats. Don’t let him give you Caninsulin or Novolon insulin.

I’m going to tag @Suzanne & Darcy as she may be able to help you with the feral kitty side of things or know someone else who can.
Keep asking lots of questions and know we are here 24/7 to help you.
Bron

Hello and thank you for the reply and compliment. The first vet I took Silver to suggested I switch to feeding the Purina DM (which they sell) the possibility of remission and the use of Freestyle Libre with possible insulin, but never said about the insulin because I was reluctant to have the Libre put on. I discussed the fact that Silver was mostly a canned food eater but had recently been eating dry also. Since COVID his flavors have been difficult to get, he also has had cronic hairballs and I encouraged him to eat dry Iams weight and hairball Mgt. Yes the urine was obtained by the second opinion vet I took him to and stated negative for ketones, for future I can pick some up strips if I'm going to have to test. Silver weighed 16.96 lbs. I took him on 10/3, 11/22, 12/7 to the vets, the last being the second opinion. 11/28 I picked up the dry and 2 cans of Purina DM, I tried the cans and put a bowl of dry out but left the other dry. I stopped feeding his preferred canned flavor FF Grilled and Friskies prime filets, he didn't touch the DM canned, but grazed the dry, there was evidence of a lot of dry eating overnight I also switched to FF pate and FF apetizers low carb foods. On 12/7 he weighed 15.85 lbs I took him and it seemed his levels went up and advised immediate insulin treatment, and GlucoSupport food initially just the dry but I asked for the canned also. The Alpha Trak was the first vets meter, the 2nd vet tested a "baseline value" blood glucose but was I only given verbal result. I am concerned about waiting too long, I don't think testing at home will go too well, but feel insulin might go OK, I'll have to figure something out as it's the only option for me, I believe he's treatable, I just have to figure it out. My money isn't great I actually haven't worked for awhile (my own health) and have been planning on going back soon, unfortunately this really complicates things, it is, what it is, I'm not going to put him to sleep. The meter will have to fall somewhere in the catagory of ease of collection within reasonable price range, I have to learn about the different kinds of meters and insulin, I have read 2x daily is best and Glargine is best for chance of remission, that's just what I have read. I dread the freestyle libre being glued to him, but also don't think it's going to go over well with at home metor, the libre is just to find out in the beginning, I just don't know, I'm going to have to bite the bullet soon though, but was just wondering about any known feral experiences, with either or both. I think I'm going to need the meter anyway so maybe I should start there...I am very grateful for all the people who have given their time and share their experiences, as well as the people who created and maintain the site, Thank you.

 

[Katie and Silver]

Welcome Katie and Silver, if you do get lantus it's very expensive in the US
You can have the vet write the script for generic lantus ,many members use it
Here is some info
Check this out also
https://www.goodrx.com/insulin-glargine?dosage=five-3ml-prefilled-pens-of-100-units-ml&form=carton&label_override=insulin glargine&quantity=1
The 5 pens will last about a year
Its generic lantus



Or this one also

I see some members will call CVS, Rite Aid, Costco, Walgreen's, to get the price for 5 pens
Posted by another member
One members posted this
. I paid $175 for a box of 5 pens at Walmart pharmacy, but GoodRX coupon says you can get it for around $90 if you have a Rite Aid pharmacy near you.

Just ask as many questions as you want

I haven't read the info on link yet but will, your posted info sounds do able, I just wanted to acknowledge your reply to my initial post, thank you, I'm so grateful. I will surely be in touch. I'm in Portland Oregon but have also lived in NJ and AZ with my cats. ☮

 

[Diane Tyler's Mom GA]

I haven't read the info on link yet but will, your posted info sounds do able, I just wanted to acknowledge your reply to my initial post, thank you, I'm so grateful. I will surely be in touch. I'm in Portland Oregon but have also lived in NJ and AZ with my cats. ☮

You're welcome

 

[Bron and Sheba (GA)]

Katie, if money is an issue, and it is with most people, then I would be looking at getting a ReliOn meter from Walmart. I’m having a mental block at the moment and I don’t live in the US, but think the latest model is the Premier. is that correct @Diane Tyler's Mom ?
I think it is only $9 and a box of 100 test strips is $17.88
You would also need some lancets size 26 or 28 gauge and some cotton rounds to hold behind the ear as you test.
I would start off by taking him to a chosen spot where you will always test him and just rub his ears and then give him a treat. Do that several time s a day before you try and test him.
The way I used to test Sheba was I would get everything ready first and a small low carb snack on a plate. Then I would kneel down and sit on my heels. I would place Sheba between my knees facing the same way as me so that if she backed she would just back into me. Holding her gently by placing my hand on her chest, I would put the food down in front of her and while she was eating I would test her.
At first I was all thumbs, but I gradually got organised by pushing the strip into the meter so it was ready. Expect to fail a few time or more than that. We all do as both you and Silver get used to the routine. Try not to stress as you do it as he will feel it. Giving the treat is the key to it working. Sheba would come running from wherever she was in the house as soon as she heard me at the test strips.

I would also look at the food list I gave you above and choose some low carb ones. They will be much cheaper than the prescription food and are just as good, if not better. I would not think of putting him to sleep either as feline diabetes is very treatable and we will find a way of helping you find solutions.

I would start with a low dose of the insulin. Once you get it post and we can help you. Vets often start at too high a dose and if you havent got the testing down pat, we want to keep him safe.
Make sure you have a hypo kit set up and your signature. HELP US HELP YOU has the information you need for those.
I will ask @Bandit's Mom to help you set up a spreadsheet so you can add the data into it once you start testing.

If you want to go with the food change and the freestyle libre that would be fine. However once he started insulin you would either need to start learning to test or have the libre put on each fortnight which would be expensive and probably scary for Silver if he had to keep going back to the vet.

I will have a look through the forum and see if I can track down some others who have had feral kitties.
You are doing a great job trying to help your boy!

 

[Diane Tyler's Mom GA]

I don’t live in the US, but think the latest model is the Premier. is that correct @Diane Tyler's Mom ?

Yes look for the Relion Premier Classic Meter from Walmart
https://www.walmart.com/ip/ReliOn-Premier-CLASSIC-Blood-Glucose-Monitoring-System/552134103

Test strips
https://www.walmart.com/ip/ReliOn-Premier-Blood-Glucose-Test-Strips-100-Count/575088197

This is a human meter that most of us use, that's what our numbers are based on

 

[Diane Tyler's Mom GA]

About testing
Always aim for the sweet spot warm the ears up first, you can put rice in a sock and put it in the microwave, test it on the inside of your wrist to be sure it's not to hot, like you would test a babies bottle. You can fill a pill bottle with warm water and roll it on the ears also.Just keep rubbing the ears with your fingers to warm them up

6. As the ears get used to bleeding and grow more capilares, it gets easier to get the amount of blood you need on the first try. If he won’t stand still, you can get the blood onto a clean finger nail and test from there.
When you do get some blood you can try milking the ear.
Get you finger and gently push up toward the blood , more will appear
You will put the cotton round behind his ear in case you poke your finger, after you are done testing you will fold the cotton round over his ear to stop the bleeding , press gently for about 20 seconds until it stops
Get 26 or 28 gauge lancets
A lot of us use the lancets to test freehand not the lancing device
I find it better to see where I'm aiming
Look at the lancet under a light and you will see one side is curved upward, that's the side you want to poke with

A video one of our members posted, she is using a pet meter ,strips too expensive plus you have to code it
A human meter is just fine, most of us use human meters ,that's what our numbers are based on


VIDEO: How to test your cat's blood sugar

Here is another link you can look at
https://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/hometesting-links-and-tips.287/

As for treats for testing
You can give any freeze dried treats they are all low carb
Tap on this blue link and read post #64 the post numbers are to the right of each post and you can read about the freeze dried treats I listed

https://felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/new-to-this-i-need-advice.269452/#post-3007388

You can even give plain boiled chicken pieces

 

[Bandit's Mom]

Hi Katie & Silver, welcome to FDMB!

I can help you with setting up your spreadsheet and signature once you are ready to start testing.

If you need financial assistance for treating Silver's diabetes, Diabetic Cats in Need has two Compassionate Assistance Programs...one is for one time help for people who can't come up with the start-up supplies (insulin, syringes, lancets and a blood glucose meter) and the other is a continuing assistance program for low income caregivers who can't afford the treatment costs.

https://dcin.dreamhosters.com/
https://www.facebook.com/DiabeticCatsInNeed/

 

[Suzanne & Darcy]

Hi Katie. I see you have gotten lot of good advice for Silver already. If you wish to use a Libre, a lot of people place those themselves (I only mention this as a way to save money.) There is a Facebook group for this that helps people to place the Libre sensors themselves. We have people on this Board who have placed their own Libre sensors.
With the blood glucose numbers that you have mentioned from the vet’s tests, it is important to try to begin insulin. Hopefully you have done the full transition to wet low carb food. I also recommend the Walmart Relion Premier meter. You will save a lot of money on test strips.

 

[Suzanne & Darcy]

Katie, how are you and Silver doing? I’m thinking about you both.

 

[Katie and Silver]

I'm having trouble with replying to your message so I'm sending this to see if it helps

 

[Katie and Silver]

Hi Katie. I see you have gotten lot of good advice for Silver already. If you wish to use a Libre, a lot of people place those themselves (I only mention this as a way to save money.) There is a Facebook group for this that helps people to place the Libre sensors themselves. We have people on this Board who have placed their own Libre sensors.
With the blood glucose numbers that you have mentioned from the vet’s tests, it is important to try to begin insulin. Hopefully you have done the full transition to wet low carb food. I also recommend the Walmart Relion Premier meter. You will save a lot of money on test strips.

Hello Suzanne & Darcy,
So sorry to take so long to reply, Silver seems to be doing much better already he is walking better and can scratch on the scratcher, rubs his head on his favorite head scratcher. As mentioned I took Silver to 2 different vets I called both Tuesday the 2nd opinion also wanted to use the Libre and went as far as to say 24/7, 365 days a year, the other just wants 14 days, I spent hours looking at monitors yesterday weighing pros and cons regarding Silver and his ability to tolerate and the cost. I really think that the sensor will not be appropriate for silver he doesn't handel new things very well if I put the sensor on myself it could be a disaster. I'm almost 60 but quite capable but live alone, I don't really have anyone who can help and Silver doesn't tolerate strangers at all. If I bring him to the vet then we go back to cost. I think I'm going to try the monitor from Walmart, Silver is really missing his treats and will be incentive to cooperate, all of this is heartbreaking for me and of course I want to give him anything he wants ( not gonna happen). Any way the 2nd vet wants me to start on insulin right away and the Libre alternative is to bring him in for fructose test, over a hundred, I told him I can't and would monitor with home device (I hope).
What I don't understand is why both vets encourage the dry prescription food clearly it is not helping. My first vet insists that cats do well on the Purina DM and have gone into remission. The other 2nd opinion vet says feed science diet Gluco support Md carb. I will have to wait till tomorrow to go to the walmart I am now overwhelmed with things I needed to do but didn't so I could look at information for Silver. He has been off of dry and isn't drinking abnormal amts of water or peeing large amounts. I'm hoping I can pull the monitoring at home. If it's a no go I guess I will have to figure something out. It's money I don't really have.
I hope to be able to get things stable. aside from the money I'm very concerned about a sensor being attached to his neck a place he always gets pet and brushed, also scratches on his head scratcher. He is finally coming out from under the bed some of the time, he goes to the place he always got his treats and cries, it is breaking my heart. Historically he wasn't a dry food eater but in the last year decided he liked it and now wants dry food too, he likes gravy and isn't so crazy about pate. I feel so bad but I have to do whats best when I get the meter either later today or tomorrow morning then I will know how things are going for sure. From all outward signs I think he could go into remission I pray but I know that can change too. My initial vet now instead of the libre now wants me to test him every two hours to begin with, is this really necessary? I think if I try to do this it could ruin everything, then I'll be forced to get him in the carrier come up with funds which will really mean credit card, on top of the need to get his teeth cleaned which was the beginning of everything. What have other people done do they test that much in the beginning? The other vet wants to just give the insulin based on a test Dec. 7th while I was still letting him have dry food after that test I took all the dry food away. So otherwise I'm glad Silver seems to be feeling better and I will get it one way or another, he needs it and I won't let him down. Thanks so much for asking, I really appreciate everyones help I looked at so many Utube videos and links i'm going crosseyed, I'll post for sure as soon as I test him

 

[Katie and Silver]

when I say vet said bring him in for the fructose test, he means every three weeks 165$ a test. I know I will be bringing him in periodically...Also the Glaragin (Lantus) is the insulin prescribed, I found a good rx coupon for around 74$

 

[Bron and Sheba (GA)]

If you are home testing you don’t need a fructosamine test at all. Home testing is much more accurate…waste of money.
You don’t need to test every two hours.
Test before every dose to see it is safe to shoot then try and get a couple of tests during all the cycles. Depending on what the BG is getting tests around +4 to +7 is most useful. Sometimes it is useful to get tests earlier or later in the cycle but that depends on the BG. We can help you with that as you progress.
You are doing a fantastic job getting sorted out. Lucky Silver

 

[Suzanne & Darcy]

Hello Suzanne & Darcy,
So sorry to take so long to reply, Silver seems to be doing much better already he is walking better and can scratch on the scratcher, rubs his head on his favorite head scratcher. As mentioned I took Silver to 2 different vets I called both Tuesday the 2nd opinion also wanted to use the Libre and went as far as to say 24/7, 365 days a year, the other just wants 14 days, I spent hours looking at monitors yesterday weighing pros and cons regarding Silver and his ability to tolerate and the cost. I really think that the sensor will not be appropriate for silver he doesn't handel new things very well if I put the sensor on myself it could be a disaster. I'm almost 60 but quite capable but live alone, I don't really have anyone who can help and Silver doesn't tolerate strangers at all. If I bring him to the vet then we go back to cost. I think I'm going to try the monitor from Walmart, Silver is really missing his treats and will be incentive to cooperate, all of this is heartbreaking for me and of course I want to give him anything he wants ( not gonna happen). Any way the 2nd vet wants me to start on insulin right away and the Libre alternative is to bring him in for fructose test, over a hundred, I told him I can't and would monitor with home device (I hope).
What I don't understand is why both vets encourage the dry prescription food clearly it is not helping. My first vet insists that cats do well on the Purina DM and have gone into remission. The other 2nd opinion vet says feed science diet Gluco support Md carb. I will have to wait till tomorrow to go to the walmart I am now overwhelmed with things I needed to do but didn't so I could look at information for Silver. He has been off of dry and isn't drinking abnormal amts of water or peeing large amounts. I'm hoping I can pull the monitoring at home. If it's a no go I guess I will have to figure something out. It's money I don't really have.
I hope to be able to get things stable. aside from the money I'm very concerned about a sensor being attached to his neck a place he always gets pet and brushed, also scratches on his head scratcher. He is finally coming out from under the bed some of the time, he goes to the place he always got his treats and cries, it is breaking my heart. Historically he wasn't a dry food eater but in the last year decided he liked it and now wants dry food too, he likes gravy and isn't so crazy about pate. I feel so bad but I have to do whats best when I get the meter either later today or tomorrow morning then I will know how things are going for sure. From all outward signs I think he could go into remission I pray but I know that can change too. My initial vet now instead of the libre now wants me to test him every two hours to begin with, is this really necessary? I think if I try to do this it could ruin everything, then I'll be forced to get him in the carrier come up with funds which will really mean credit card, on top of the need to get his teeth cleaned which was the beginning of everything. What have other people done do they test that much in the beginning? The other vet wants to just give the insulin based on a test Dec. 7th while I was still letting him have dry food after that test I took all the dry food away. So otherwise I'm glad Silver seems to be feeling better and I will get it one way or another, he needs it and I won't let him down. Thanks so much for asking, I really appreciate everyones help I looked at so many Utube videos and links i'm going crosseyed, I'll post for sure as soon as I test him

I do hope that you can get some tests on Silver’s ear. Be sure to give treats as soon as you test him. You just need to find low carb treats that he likes. Many of us use Pure Bites freeze dried treats like chicken or shrimp. I would definitely not start insulin until getting tests for him. A lot of vets recommend those expensive foods but they are not necessary and are mostly too high in carbs for a diabetic cat. Since funds are an issue, foods like Fancy Feast Classic Pates and Friskies Pates are appropriate low carb foods for a diabetic cat.

 

[Suzanne & Darcy]

The vet wanting you to test every two hours is probably getting you to run a “glucose curve” which we recommend be done sometimes if a cat is on insulin. You don’t need to pay for a Fructosamine test if he’s not on insulin or if you can do testing yourself.

 

[Suzanne & Darcy]

So is the plan to start testing first (before starting insulin) in order to make sure you can do tests on him… or to start insulin? By the way, any low carb food can be given for testing treats.

 

[Katie and Silver]

If you are home testing you don’t need a fructosamine test at all. Home testing is much more accurate…waste of money.
You don’t need to test every two hours.
Test before every dose to see it is safe to shoot then try and get a couple of tests during all the cycles. Depending on what the BG is getting tests around +4 to +7 is most useful. Sometimes it is useful to get tests earlier or later in the cycle but that depends on the BG. We can help you with that as you progress.
You are doing a fantastic job getting sorted out. Lucky Silver

The vet I started with felt I caught silvers diagnosis early and that I had a chance at remission, but wanted to use the Libre change the food to Purina DM dry and can. I wasn't crazy about the Libre but bought the Purina DM dry and 2 cans, the vet said she has had cats go into remission with that food. I decided to take him to another vet I had to wait for about 10 days to get him in. In that time I put the new food down but was advised not to make an abut change so I left the other dry down stopped feeding treats and high carb canned food. What happened was Silver started to eat more food to compensate for no treats and gravy cans. When I took him to the 2nd opinion vet he wanted to put him on insulin right away,and gave me a free bag of Science diet MD and 2 cans. They called with the results, with raised BG the next day. Silver had lost weight but had been eating the Purina DM in the 10 days or so and his BG was even higher! I was shocked and mortified here I think I'm doing so good because he lost over a pound. The first vet did not explain that insulin was potentially part of bringing Silver into remission as soon as I said I didn't want to put the Freestyle Libre on him she basically ceased communication, I guess waiting for me to make a final decision. I feel she gave me the impression I would be able to get Silver into remission by taking the treats and old food and losing weight. After much reading and maybe after reading things on FDMB, I called her and questioned her as to why she wasn't going to put silver on insulin, and my worry about waiting too long to do so. Thats when she tells me insulin was part of the plan all along. I questioned her with regard to the FACT that the DM had 18% carbs and he shouldn't be eating any dry food, thats when she tells me she has had success with the food (dry Purina DM) I'm guessing the Libre and potential insulin as well. So I call the other vet and his plan is no home monitoring either the Libre 24/7 365, or bring him in every three weeks for fructosamine test. and put him on insulin right away even though its been since Dec 7 since he was tested there in his office and I told him I took all the dry food away. I told them I would pick up the paper perscription but that I was not going to do the Libre or bring him in every three weeks and was going to home monitor him, so after that they as I didn't get the man doctor I think it was an associate Dr. said give him the perscribed insulin and bring him in in 3 weeks to make sure. but not every three weeks after that. A real mess but I'm getting there with the help of you all. Thank you so very much. I'm wondering though what do you mean by cycle? And I don't know what +4 to +7 means. I went to 3 stores yesterday to get all the stuff for Silver, 2 Walmarts and Pets Mart for the freeze dried treats and canned food. Unfortunately I have to go back because I didn't get control solutions. My original intention was to get the start up kit, I looked online and they said the super store about a 30 min drive had it, they didn't so I got what I could but they didn't have any Lancets for the relion device and one of the videos or maybe something I read said to start with the device until youre more accustomed to doing it, so I went to another Walmart closer to my house and got 30 gauge Lancets, only to find I need to test the machine with control solution. So I'm off to the store then home to test TTYL.

 

[Katie and Silver]

I do hope that you can get some tests on Silver’s ear. Be sure to give treats as soon as you test him. You just need to find low carb treats that he likes. Many of us use Pure Bites freeze dried treats like chicken or shrimp. I would definitely not start insulin until getting tests for him. A lot of vets recommend those expensive foods but they are not necessary and are mostly too high in carbs for a diabetic cat. Since funds are an issue, foods like Fancy Feast Classic Pates and Friskies Pates are appropriate low carb foods for a diabetic cat.

No i won't give any insulin until testing, I have done a lot of change with his food , yes I have been giving him Fancy Feast and Friskies Pate , anything under 10% the lower the better and using the Dr pierson chart to check out other foods. I told my first vet about the home monitor and taking the dry away. I'm a little worried though because she wanted me to only feed him 2 kinds of canned for or exactly the same values but I'm having trouble getting him to eat very much of anything he takes a few licks and walks away. The vet wanted a strict routine 2x a day no variation in food, which i'm having a terrible time with 230 calories, split up 2x a day. Traditionally Silver was a self feeder I would feed him 2x a day at 6:00am and 6:00pm but would leave tghe food there till next feeding at which point would throw away the previous and give fresh. I throw away a ton of food, which I'm not too pleased with but if I put it in the fridge i forget to take it out to warm it up and end up opening new. So after my first time testing when do I test? I'm hoping he does go into remission he seems much better but obviously I won't know till I go and come back. I just wanted to ask the question about when and then the questions I asked Bron and Sheba (GA). I'll go now as it's much later than I wanted but I felt I should contact my new friends on FDMB. TTYL Thank you so much to everyone for caring and all your guidance
Also Yes I think the vet wants to establish a curv, or see if he can go into remision which is her intention from the beginning I believe. I'm sorry for any typos etc. i'm a terrible typist. I hope my plan that I test as soon as I've read the manual etc is ok, then I guess depending on what the result is give insulin or not, but then when do I test again and what is the routine if I am giving insulin? Tanks so much to all, TTYL

If you are home testing you don’t need a fructosamine test at all. Home testing is much more accurate…waste of money.
You don’t need to test every two hours.
Test before every dose to see it is safe to shoot then try and get a couple of tests during all the cycles. Depending on what the BG is getting tests around +4 to +7 is most useful. Sometimes it is useful to get tests earlier or later in the cycle but that depends on the BG. We can help you with that as you progress.
You are doing a fantastic job getting sorted out. Lucky Silver

If you are home testing you don’t need a fructosamine test at all. Home testing is much more accurate…waste of money.
You don’t need to test every two hours.
Test before every dose to see it is safe to shoot then try and get a couple of tests during all the cycles. Depending on what the BG is getting tests around +4 to +7 is most useful. Sometimes it is useful to get tests earlier or later in the cycle but that depends on the BG. We can help you with that as you progress.
You are doing a fantastic job getting sorted out. Lucky Silver

 

[Katie and Silver]

Thanks very much for your thoughts and information not necessary to post the same thing multiple times. I was just posting things that have happened because I thought I had mentioned I intended to home monitor and was not going to bring silver in for a Fructosamine. I realize my posts are long so I appologize. I'm not familiar with the "lingo" but it's fine. I understand about the food treats insulin and monitors so thanks very much for all your help.

 

[Katie and Silver]

So is the plan to start testing first (before starting insulin) in order to make sure you can do tests on him… or to start insulin? By the way, any low carb food can be given for testing treats.

I just need to ask one thing do I need this control solution to start testing, they dont have it in the walmart stores, it has to be ordered and shipped either to me or a store which means I won't be able to test again. the solution won't be shipped for 3 business days soo.....

 

[Katie and Silver]

I just need to ask one thing do I need this control solution to start testing, they dont have it in the walmart stores, it has to be ordered and shipped either to me or a store which means I won't be able to test again. the solution won't be shipped for 3 business days soo.....

yes the plan is to test before giving the insulin, it's been way too long since his last test.

 

[Bron and Sheba (GA)]

As far as I know Katie you don’t need the control Solution. I don’t use that meter and I don’t live on the US but I’ll tag someone who does and they will probably know @Diane Tyler's Mom

HOW TO USE A SPREADSHEET will tell you all about the +2 etc and how to use the SS.

With giving insulin and feeding the routine is test/then feed/ then give the dose of insulin. If you think he will eat you can give it while he is eating to distract him,. Always test before every dose of insulin to make sure it is safe to give the dose.

I would suggest giving a main meal before the dose then giving a few snacks during the cycles. Try and give the same snacks for both the am and the pm cycles if you can. A snack is a teaspoon or two of low carb food. Try and give most of the snacks during the first 7 hours after the insulin and remember to not give any food for the 2 hours before the next dose so that the preshot BG is not food influenced.

 

[Katie and Silver]

As far as I know Katie you don’t need the control Solution. I don’t use that meter and I don’t live on the US but I’ll tag someone who does and they will probably know @Diane Tyler's Mom

HOW TO USE A SPREADSHEET will tell you all about the +2 etc and how to use the SS.

With giving insulin and feeding the routine is test/then feed/ then give the dose of insulin. If you think he will eat you can give it while he is eating to distract him,. Always test before every dose of insulin to make sure it is safe to give the dose.

I would suggest giving a main meal before the dose then giving a few snacks during the cycles. Try and give the same snacks for both the am and the pm cycles if you can. A snack is a teaspoon or two of low carb food. Try and give most of the snacks during the first 7 hours after the insulin and remember to not give any food for the 2 hours before the next dose so that the preshot BG is not food influenced.

Thanks so much I have everything set up, he's hiding now but when he comes out I'm going to give it a try with the meter. I will definitely look at the spreadsheet.

 

[Bron and Sheba (GA)]

If or need help with setting up the spreadsheet @Bandit's Mom is a whizz at it and can do it in 2 minutes

 

[Suzanne & Darcy]

Please forgive me if I missed this, but what kind of meter did you purchase? You should not need the control solution.

 

[Chrispooky12]

I just need to ask one thing do I need this control solution to start testing, they dont have it in the walmart stores, it has to be ordered and shipped either to me or a store which means I won't be able to test again. the solution won't be shipped for 3 business days soo.....

I use the relion premier meter & there is no test solution.

 

[Suzanne & Darcy]

Gosh, I hope your questions are all being answered. If we’ve missed it or failed to answer or explain well enough, just let us know. Just keep track of all of your tests on paper until you get a spreadsheet set up. I remember being really intimidated by the look of the spreadsheet at first and telling myself that I could never keep one…. But I forced myself to make one, and was so happy that I did. It became an indispensable tool.

I believe you asked what a cycle is. A cycle just means the 12 hour period between insulin shots. There are two cycles per day, the morning (a.m.) and p.m.) cycles. When we refer to times like +2 or +4, etc. that just means how many hours after the shot it is (2 hours after the shot would be +2, etc.). This is because we are all on different time zones and this gives us a standardized way of referring to times so that we can all understand exactly where the cat is in a cycle. I hope this helps.

 

[Chrispooky12]

I just need to ask one thing do I need this control solution to start testing, they dont have it in the walmart stores, it has to be ordered and shipped either to me or a store which means I won't be able to test again. the solution won't be shipped for 3 business days soo.....

Not sure why there saying you need solution, I've never used any & my meter works fine,

 

[Suzanne & Darcy]

So if we say AMPS that means the A.M. pre shot test. PMPS is the evening P.M. preshot test.

 

[Suzanne & Darcy]

Also, what kind of insulin are you going to be using? Lantus? Did you successfully get a test yet? I hope so. I cried most of the first week trying to successfully get a test on Darcy. Luckily, he was very patient with me… but I was just failing to get blood. I never used a lancing device because of the clicking noise that they make. I don’t think Silver will like that.

 

[Katie and Silver]

I am waiting for the pharmacy to get the insulin in stock. I put food down at 6pm last night but Silver just picked at it so I left it out all night. This morning at 5:00 he was hungry and I was able to test him successfully for the first time BG is better but still not good 317mg/dl Relion meter reading US. Silver is not hiding and seemed to take the testing well so I think it's going to be alright. He reacted worse to my trying to wipe his butt, or giving him hairball remedy, that never goes well. I'm so relieved, I tried previosly but couldn't get blood, I really had to push the lancet in pretty hard, it stopped bleeding right away (after the test). I didn't use the lancing device. I used 30gauge that was all the store had but I will look for 28 or 25. Thanks so much for everything the picture and video of the testing was invaluable.

 

[Katie and Silver]

Not sure why there saying you need solution, I've never used any & my meter works fine,

the reason I asked about the control solution is because I read the manual that came with the meter, it said its just to make sure the meter functions properly. Was just going by the book but had a feeling it wasn't necessary.

 

[Katie and Silver]

Also, what kind of insulin are you going to be using? Lantus? Did you successfully get a test yet? I hope so. I cried most of the first week trying to successfully get a test on Darcy. Luckily, he was very patient with me… but I was just failing to get blood. I never used a lancing device because of the clicking noise that they make. I don’t think Silver will like that.

The doctor wrote for one bottle of Glargine U-100, I believe (the pharmacy has the prescription) 1unit twice a day. I found a coupon for cheaper than the pens and the amount is actually the same I could probably ask the doctor the switch it to the pens, Unfortunately the coupon says Insulin Glargine generic is that no good. I also just saw where I can pay 35.00 through the company I don't know if the pharmacy will take the savings card for a cat but it's worth a try

 

[Katie and Silver]

Katie, if money is an issue, and it is with most people, then I would be looking at getting a ReliOn meter from Walmart. I’m having a mental block at the moment and I don’t live in the US, but think the latest model is the Premier. is that correct @Diane Tyler's Mom ?
I think it is only $9 and a box of 100 test strips is $17.88
You would also need some lancets size 26 or 28 gauge and some cotton rounds to hold behind the ear as you test.
I would start off by taking him to a chosen spot where you will always test him and just rub his ears and then give him a treat. Do that several time s a day before you try and test him.
The way I used to test Sheba was I would get everything ready first and a small low carb snack on a plate. Then I would kneel down and sit on my heels. I would place Sheba between my knees facing the same way as me so that if she backed she would just back into me. Holding her gently by placing my hand on her chest, I would put the food down in front of her and while she was eating I would test her.
At first I was all thumbs, but I gradually got organised by pushing the strip into the meter so it was ready. Expect to fail a few time or more than that. We all do as both you and Silver get used to the routine. Try not to stress as you do it as he will feel it. Giving the treat is the key to it working. Sheba would come running from wherever she was in the house as soon as she heard me at the test strips.

I would also look at the food list I gave you above and choose some low carb ones. They will be much cheaper than the prescription food and are just as good, if not better. I would not think of putting him to sleep either as feline diabetes is very treatable and we will find a way of helping you find solutions.

I would start with a low dose of the insulin. Once you get it post and we can help you. Vets often start at too high a dose and if you havent got the testing down pat, we want to keep him safe.
Make sure you have a hypo kit set up and your signature. HELP US HELP YOU has the information you need for those.
I will ask @Bandit's Mom to help you set up a spreadsheet so you can add the data into it once you start testing.

If you want to go with the food change and the freestyle libre that would be fine. However once he started insulin you would either need to start learning to test or have the libre put on each fortnight which would be expensive and probably scary for Silver if he had to keep going back to the vet.

I will have a look through the forum and see if I can track down some others who have had feral kitties.
You are doing a great job trying to help your boy!

I just this morning got to reading the HELP US HELP YOU, and the HOW TO USE A SPREADSHEET, so I know a bit more about the terms, I'll have to print it out and study it a bit more to become mor familiar with the terms. I apologize for not getting to the links sooner and will get the spreadsheet done asap, this is a difficult time as I celebrate Christmas, and have a lot of other issues also. I'll be in touch thank you all so much

 

[Katie and Silver]

Gosh, I hope your questions are all being answered. If we’ve missed it or failed to answer or explain well enough, just let us know. Just keep track of all of your tests on paper until you get a spreadsheet set up. I remember being really intimidated by the look of the spreadsheet at first and telling myself that I could never keep one…. But I forced myself to make one, and was so happy that I did. It became an indispensable tool.

I believe you asked what a cycle is. A cycle just means the 12 hour period between insulin shots. There are two cycles per day, the morning (a.m.) and p.m.) cycles. When we refer to times like +2 or +4, etc. that just means how many hours after the shot it is (2 hours after the shot would be +2, etc.). This is because we are all on different time zones and this gives us a standardized way of referring to times so that we can all understand exactly where the cat is in a cycle. I hope this helps.

Yes you helped a lot with you answers and I read the how to use a spread sheet thanks so much!

 

[Katie and Silver]

Hi Katie & Silver, welcome to FDMB!

I can help you with setting up your spreadsheet and signature once you are ready to start testing.

If you need financial assistance for treating Silver's diabetes, Diabetic Cats in Need has two Compassionate Assistance Programs...one is for one time help for people who can't come up with the start-up supplies (insulin, syringes, lancets and a blood glucose meter) and the other is a continuing assistance program for low income caregivers who can't afford the treatment costs.

https://dcin.dreamhosters.com/
https://www.facebook.com/DiabeticCatsInNeed/

Yes any help would be welcome, I wrote a response to you earlier but think I didn't post it by accident, I am familiar with excel and read the how to read a spread sheet, about the signature also. I need to go over it more as I am trying to do holiday stuff and a bunch of other things, "when it rains it pours" thank you for offering.

 

[Katie and Silver]

So the doctor wrote for Glargine U-100 1bottle which the pharmacy said he would have to rewrite for Lantus, is the Semglee not as good? the Lantus is double the price, but I have a card from company for 35.00, which I'm not sure will work for cats. Good Rx has a coupon for 60.72 for the Semglee bottle U-100 at a pharmacy called Rite Aid

 

[Larry and Kitties]

The pharmacist should be able to provide brand name Lantus or Semglee if the script say glargine. zOf even Semglee if the script says Lantus. Semglee is one brand of glargine and Lantus is another. It may be easier to get pen but the script may have to specify pens or a vial. It is hard for a cat to use up one 10 ml vial of insulin before it goes bad while one can usually use a up a 3ml pen. Some pharmacists accept the Lantus coupon and some others do not. Sometimes a NPI number id required by veterinarians can't get a NPI number. https://www.aaha.org/publications/n...rians-are-not-eligible-to-obtain-npi-numbers/

 

[Bron and Sheba (GA)]

The generic brands of Lantus are the same as Lantus so are fine to use.

 

[Katie and Silver]

The generic brands of Lantus are the same as Lantus so are fine to use.

I just wasn't sure if Semglee would be good because most people say they are using Lantus.
Thank you so very much for your patients and guidance, this morning Silver tested at 286 mg/dl US

 

[Suzanne & Darcy]

I just wasn't sure if Semglee would be good because most people say they are using Lantus.
Thank you so very much for your patients and guidance, this morning Silver tested at 286 mg/dl US

That’s not too terrible (286) was that before eating anything? Silver is such a good kitty!

 

[Katie and Silver]

The generic brands of Lantus are the same as Lantus so are fine to use.

Thank you just wasn't sure if the Semglee was a good brand to use.

I'm sorry for posting this again I was interrupted and thought it was lost, I'm a bit of a mess right now...

 

[Katie and Silver]

That’s not too terrible (286) was that before eating anything? Silver is such a good kitty!

Yes first thing this morning, unfortunately I have a ways to go on feeding because I feed at 6:00 am and pm but they don't eat it all they pick at it so the food is left out all night and in the morning I pick up the plates and put fresh food down. I did take the plates up all day and still when I fed at 6:00 pm they still just nibbled and walked away. Yes Silver is a good boy. I'm so relieved that I can test but I still have to work up to more than once a day this morning he went under the bed after testing.

 

[Katie and Silver]

The pharmacist should be able to provide brand name Lantus or Semglee if the script say glargine. zOf even Semglee if the script says Lantus. Semglee is one brand of glargine and Lantus is another. It may be easier to get pen but the script may have to specify pens or a vial. It is hard for a cat to use up one 10 ml vial of insulin before it goes bad while one can usually use a up a 3ml pen. Some pharmacists accept the Lantus coupon and some others do not. Sometimes a NPI number id required by veterinarians can't get a NPI number. https://www.aaha.org/publications/n...rians-are-not-eligible-to-obtain-npi-numbers/

I'm a bit confused and have to get it straightened out, The doctor wrote for Glargine U-100 One bottle give one unit twicw daily so if the bottle is 100 units then it should be used up in 50days. Somehow I think that is wrong and I'm not going to give Silver that any way until I tell the docttor that his BG was 317 mg/dl yesterday, and 286mg/dl today. The doctor wrote based on a test that was done on Dec 7, so i'm a little reluctant to dose that. I will get it figured out though. From what I've read it is better to use syringe so you can increase or decrease by a half ml. But thank you it's good to know other people are using the Semglee also.