neglected cat

[mabeline]

hi there. I am a pet sitter and have been caring for this particular cat for 2 to 3 years. A few months ago she was diagnosed with diabetes and the owner is looking to rehome her for other reasons. The owner gave me instructions and I started providing the insulin each time I came to visit. But she was only having me come once a day… So I know she was never getting the correct dosage. It is months later and she is still giving her only one unit once a day. She is on prescription Hills canned wet food but is only getting like half a can a day. I’m in a tricky situation since it is not my cat and I have not spoken to the vet directly but I do not think she’s being cared for properly. Therefore she is never going to get regulated. I have this cat at my apartment with me for two weeks since the owner is out of town. I questioned again if I should be giving her the insulin twice a day and she says once a day is fine. She is on Lantis. She is a large, overweight cat and I can’t imagine one unit is doing anything for her. I have thought, long and hard about adopting her myself. ( that is why I chose to board her at my apartment for this time.) but I have a cat of my own, who is not very thrilled with this. I am also young and extremely busy. I truly just wish I could find a perfect family to adopt her that I know would care for her the way she deserves. I feel stuck and want to support this sweet cat. I feel terrible sending her back home.

I work another job with a lady who is very educated on caring for a diabetic cat as she’s had a few herself. So I have a bit of information and what is all required and that’s what leads me to know she’s not being cared for properly. I just feel out of control

 

[Bron and Sheba (GA)]

Hi and welcome to the forum. You are a wonderful person to be taking care of this poor kitty and for wanting to help her.
So to answer your questions:
Yes she should be on Lantus twice a day. Lantus is a twice a day insulin.
1 unit once a day is probably not doing much but is better than nothing. The only way to tell if she needs more it to test the blood glucose.
This is not hard to do and almost everyone on this site hometests the BG. It is the easiest way to tell if the cat is getting enough or too much insulin
And she should be getting more than 1/2 a can a day.
I am amazed she is overweight on 1/2 a can a day.
Diabetic cats that are not getting enough insulin or enough food are in danger of developing ketones in the urine/blood. And that can lead to much more serious illness.
Could you foster her while you try and get her adopted?
I think that anything would be better than the situation she is in at the moment.
She needs regular twice a day insulin and a proper amount of food.
If you were willing to hometest (we can help you there) that would be the easiest way to get her sorted out.
Please continue to care for her. She is so lucky to have you in her life.
I will tag a couple of other people who may have some ideas for you.
@Bandit's Mom
@Suzanne & Darcy

 

[mabeline]

Thank you for your information.
She wasn’t always only eating 1/2 a can a day. She used to graze on dry food. I have been feeding her a little more since she’s been with me, but since it’s a prescription can food, I can only give her so much more without running out and not being able to get more. I have a friend who can show me the blood test but I feel terrible doing it, realizing she’s not getting enough & ultimately not being able to make the change right now.
I can suggest to the owner that I will continue to foster her even after she comes back into town. I’m just fearful no one will adopt her which really sucks, she’s so sweet. Thank u again

 

[Bron and Sheba (GA)]

Have you thought about feeding her low carb food you can by from the supermarket or pet stores?
Almost all of us here either feed low carb canned food (not prescription) or raw diets. There is nothing special about the prescription foods except the expensive price.
Here is a link to a FOOD CHART
Don’t feel bad doing the blood tests, you are trying to help her.

 

[mabeline]

Have you thought about feeding her low carb food you can by from the supermarket or pet stores?
Almost all of us here either feed low carb canned food (not prescription) or raw diets. There is nothing special about the prescription foods except the expensive price.
Here is a link to a FOOD CHART
Don’t feel bad doing the blood tests, you are trying to help her.

thank you for the food chart! Yes, I have thought about that but didn’t know what to get or how much to give so haven’t pulled the trigger yet. I will take a look at it. I’ll also see if my friend can come over and show me how to do the blood test, or what to look for

 

[Bron and Sheba (GA)]

You can buy a ReliOn premier glucose meter from Walmart for $9 and a box of 100 test strips for $17.88.
You will also need a box of lancets size 26 or 28 and some cotton rounds to hold behind the ear when you test.
Here is a link to HOMETESTING
We also have a spreadsheet we can help you set up if you like, and if you learn to test and add the data to the spreadsheet, we can help you with dosing. Everybody is a bit apprehensive about it in the beginning but it gets very easy, very quickly.

 

[Noah & me (GA)]

No good deed goes unpunished.
It's not a secret here that two of our cats were liberated (stolen) from neighbors who got their kids new cats like stuffed toys from Goodwill. Ten years later they're happy and healthy sleeping on our big bed right now. It wasn't easy but thankfully the neighbors moved away and pretty much the entire neighborhood was in on it. Both were brought to our door more than once. "This is your cat right?" Wink wink.
I know you're in a difficult position and you didn't hear this from me.
>The cat could mysteriously slip out the door but this has some potentially serious legal problems. Ours weren't chipped and no one was looking for them, no posters, no ads in the local papers but for months we had to sneak them out the door to our old vet miles away. Vets are NOT obligated to scan new patients for chips but if there's a poster in the clinic or a tech recognizes the cat you'll have to tell a carefully made up big lie and that might not work.
>Losing a cat won't be good for your pet sitting business.
>Our cats have always welcomed new cats and 80 pound dogs but Elmo the alpha male absolutely terrorized poor Alvin to the point Alvin's food, water and litter box were on top of our armoire. BJ and Leroy were fine with other cats and dogs until they crossed into my apartment, then someone needed stiches. I completely understand your situation at home.
>Animal control won't help. You have no actual proof, the vet can't release records without a court order and as long as any animal has shelter, food and water there's nothing they can do.
I wish you the best of luck and don't beat yourself up over this. You're going to see this more than once as an animal care giver.

 

[mabeline]

No good deed goes unpunished.
It's not a secret here that two of our cats were liberated (stolen) from neighbors who got their kids new cats like stuffed toys from Goodwill. Ten years later they're happy and healthy sleeping on our big bed right now. It wasn't easy but thankfully the neighbors moved away and pretty much the entire neighborhood was in on it. Both were brought to our door more than once. "This is your cat right?" Wink wink.
I know you're in a difficult position and you didn't hear this from me.
>The cat could mysteriously slip out the door but this has some potentially serious legal problems. Ours weren't chipped and no one was looking for them, no posters, no ads in the local papers but for months we had to sneak them out the door to our old vet miles away. Vets are NOT obligated to scan new patients for chips but if there's a poster in the clinic or a tech recognizes the cat you'll have to tell a carefully made up big lie and that might not work.
>Losing a cat won't be good for your pet sitting business.
>Our cats have always welcomed new cats and 80 pound dogs but Elmo the alpha male absolutely terrorized poor Alvin to the point Alvin's food, water and litter box were on top of our armoire. BJ and Leroy were fine with other cats and dogs until they crossed into my apartment, then someone needed stiches. I completely understand your situation at home.
>Animal control won't help. You have no actual proof, the vet can't release records without a court order and as long as any animal has shelter, food and water there's nothing they can do.
I wish you the best of luck and don't beat yourself up over this. You're going to see this more than once as an animal care giver.

Thanks for sharing your story with me! The lady is actually looking to rehome her… so we have that on our side. She is willing to give her up. It’s just finding the right family to actually take her medical needs into consideration. Not many people want to adopt an animal with special needs :/ She’s doing great at my house, is sweet, and simple to care for. I just am so so busy and it’s hard to be home 2x a day at the right times to give the insulin, in addition to my current cat staying in my bedroom most of the day where her litter box, food, and water now is. Similar to you.
Thanks for the input. I will have to do some soul searching and see where I end up lol.

 

[Stache]

Well, anyone around here who's read up on my situation can tell you I know something about how you feel. Let's see, you posted that Thursday about eight; how's your girl doing with this by now? I think a lot of that is just time, getting used to scent, character, etc. You are wise to have them in separate rooms for now. Bron's comment about fostering is a good point. Also, it seems even veteran people here talk openly about how they cringed at first at the thought of giving shots and all the rest of it

Is that can of food three ounces, or twelve? That food chart is great. Fancy Feast for example, rates much higher than Hills. It's what I've been using for now; it's fairly cheap and Stache likes it just fine. That said, I stick to the Pate. That chart comes from Dr Pierson who has catinfo.org. That site and the one you found position you well for info regarding diabetic cats & cats in general. The good doctor even makes her own food!

I can't believe I've only been around here for less than two weeks. The dates on my FDMB signature all together span a relatively short time. Anyway, it seems to me this site is what the internet was meant to be. The smart & nice folks here have been helping me so much with my new situation. I relate to yours. It seems like the kitty found you, more than you, it. I myself, was not looking for a cat; I didn't think the time was right.

Stache was found closed in a suitcase in front of our Fred Meyer, here. I'd go visit him at the shelter for the next month, plus. I'm not the only one who was wondering about his health. Eventually, the shelter mercifully sprang for the first vet visit since his check-in exam. Here, they found the diabetes.

The director began looking around for a place that could take him with his situation; the shelter couldn't have him anymore. She told me the places were all full. I asked what would happen if she couldn't place him. She said he would be euthanized. Suddenly, the weight of all of the burden I had been considering taking-on for days went POOF! I just didn't think I could live with that happening to him.

It sounds like you have some friends who are good people to know! You could just take it day by day. That kitty knows you care about her! Of course, the same goes for your kitty.

 

[Noah & me (GA)]

Not many people want to adopt an animal with special needs

There's a shelter near here that has adopted out 13 year old cats so it has been done.
That shelter is where we rescued Marco. He was abused for the first seven years of his life and came with a "behavioral issues" warning. That was only because someone had been chasing him with a spray bottle for years. He came in the house and figured it out instantly, "this is my new forever home". He loved the other five cats, our 80 pound dog and riding in the car. It was only later when one day I reached for a water spray bottle and he ran into the basement in terror I figured out what his "problem" was. We missed seven years of his life but he got another seven of peace and love, we don't regret even a second of it.
The dog came to us after my brother in law died. My idiot sister in law was going to take him to the pound so we flew him here, two connecting flights over eight hours and he never wet the crate. Gordon Setters usually live 10 to 12 years. He's 13 now and sleeping at my feet as happy as can be.
Little miracles happen every day, maybe it's your turn.

 

[Lisa and Witn (GA)]

Caring for a diabetic cat is not difficult. Once you find a routine that works best for you everything gets easier. I have had 6 diabetic cats. I already had Rascal and Witn when they were diagnosed. Rascal was my first and a few years after he passed, Witn was diagnosed. A few months later I adopted Spot and her sister Tiger. Spot was an untreated diabetic cat. I immediately got her on the right diet and insulin. So for a few years I had two diabetic cats and also a special needs dog, along with all of my other cats. A few years after Witn and Spot passed, I adopted Ricky. He was posted on Craigslist. His owner was going into a nursing home and her caretaker was trying to find a home for Ricky. Several years later I adopted Bandit, then Charlie from Diabetic Cats in Need.

The only reason I have not adopted another sugar kitty since Charlie passed is that I am getting much older and do not plan to adopt any additional pets. Almost all of mine are seniors and would be very difficult to find homes for.

 

[Noah & me (GA)]

Most of us came home with the same stunned look on our faces when our cats were diagnosed. Some think it's a tragedy, we cried for 60 seconds and then got to work. It wasn't hard for us because I was already disabled and at home and Nigel was a good traveler. I'd never seen a cat jump into a car before him.
It's not that easy for everyone but it can be a very rewarding experience. When you promise forever it has to mean something. It's unfortunate we see so many new members with obtuse vets and skyrocketing prices but life isn't meant to be easy; that's why we're here, we've been here for decades and aren't going anywhere. I know I make it sound easy but diabetes doesn't kill cats, it's just an inconvenience.
Admitting you just can't do it won't bring you any shame here, that doesn't help anyone. This might be the last little corner of the internet that is not anti-social. I could never do what Lisa is doing but our two sugar cats will forever be in our hearts. We turned a medical mess into two wonderful memories.

 

[Stache]

There's a shelter near here that has adopted out 13 year old cats so it has been done.
That shelter is where we rescued Marco. He was abused for the first seven years of his life and came with a "behavioral issues" warning. That was only because someone had been chasing him with a spray bottle for years. He came in the house and figured it out instantly, "this is my new forever home". He loved the other five cats, our 80 pound dog and riding in the car. It was only later when one day I reached for a water spray bottle and he ran into the basement in terror I figured out what his "problem" was. We missed seven years of his life but he got another seven of peace and love, we don't regret even a second of it.
The dog came to us after my brother in law died. My idiot sister in law was going to take him to the pound so we flew him here, two connecting flights over eight hours and he never wet the crate. Gordon Setters usually live 10 to 12 years. He's 13 now and sleeping at my feet as happy as can be.
Little miracles happen every day, maybe it's your turn.

Yeah it's true, some folks prefer older cats. The health issue part is obviously a heavier lift, calling for a person with a special or particular situation. I met a lot of kitties at the shelter. I watched them arrive, then slowly get adopted. Then there was Phineas however, a handsome dark Tabby who was prone to UTI issues, they said. He would have been quickly scooped up, except people would see his situation and turn up their nose.

I was beginning to get kind of worried about him. One day as I arrived, I made a beeline for the front desk. I asked if she knew of any charitable vets in the area. She told me about one who might be a possibility.

"Why, do you have a cat in need?", she said.

"Well, I was thinking about Phineas."

"Oh, he got adopted!! You just missed him!"

A party had come in to have a look around. As fate would have it, they were apparently looking for a feline room mate for their current cat,...their current cat who has UTI issues. Wouldn't you know it! You couldn't have written it much better!!

I had befriended various feline inmates since before Christmas. We helped each other get through the Winter into Spring. I was proud but had been feeling I could use a break.

Phineas had been my last worry. I had closure, of a sort. I figured though as long as I was there, I might as well take a last look around. I believe that was the day I met Stache.

 

[Noah & me (GA)]

Be careful working in a shelter you don't get compassion burnout. I know two women who worked in a wild cat sanctuary and after a few years it was all they could take.
The world needs heroes but superheroes are just in comic books.

 

[Stache]

hi there. I am a pet sitter and have been caring for this particular cat for 2 to 3 years. A few months ago she was diagnosed with diabetes and the owner is looking to rehome her for other reasons. The owner gave me instructions and I started providing the insulin each time I came to visit. But she was only having me come once a day… So I know she was never getting the correct dosage. It is months later and she is still giving her only one unit once a day. She is on prescription Hills canned wet food but is only getting like half a can a day. I’m in a tricky situation since it is not my cat and I have not spoken to the vet directly but I do not think she’s being cared for properly. Therefore she is never going to get regulated. I have this cat at my apartment with me for two weeks since the owner is out of town. I questioned again if I should be giving her the insulin twice a day and she says once a day is fine. She is on Lantis. She is a large, overweight cat and I can’t imagine one unit is doing anything for her. I have thought, long and hard about adopting her myself. ( that is why I chose to board her at my apartment for this time.) but I have a cat of my own, who is not very thrilled with this. I am also young and extremely busy. I truly just wish I could find a perfect family to adopt her that I know would care for her the way she deserves. I feel stuck and want to support this sweet cat. I feel terrible sending her back home.

I work another job with a lady who is very educated on caring for a diabetic cat as she’s had a few herself. So I have a bit of information and what is all required and that’s what leads me to know she’s not being cared for properly. I just feel out of control

I don't mean to make waves but I don't think that owner is being sincere with you, or with herself for that matter. It's tough to believe that a vet would prescribe insulin, saying "once a day is fine". It is common however, for vets to "prescribe" Hill's.

I mentioned catinfo.org before. Lisa Pierson, DVM the author of the food chart has a link entitled "Prescription Diets" right on her home page. She says 'I do not use products made by Hill’s (including their over-the-counter and “Prescription Diets”) since there are always healthier options available.' She goes on to say "Unfortunately...most veterinarians [her colleagues] are not well-versed in proper feline nutrition and simply defer to these large companies that have...large budgets...dedicated to sponsoring...professional meetings [of veterinarians] and infiltrating veterinary schools to get students ‘married’ to their products."

That was about all I needed to hear about Hill's. A lot of diabetes could be avoided simply through proper diet, and a lot of diabetic kitties in remission can stay that way just through diet. Therefore when it comes to diabetes, diet is literally a perfect place to start, and finish. It definitely influences the action of the insulin, as well.

I hope things are going well with her living with you and yours in your home. I like that you saw that as an opportunity for a test drive. Who knows, maybe it'll turn into a smooth ride!

 

[Lisa and Witn (GA)]

Be careful working in a shelter you don't get compassion burnout. I know two women who worked in a wild cat sanctuary and after a few years it was all they could take.
The world needs heroes but superheroes are just in comic books.

I think there are a few superheroes around. A friend of mine runs a rescue. She pulls animals from high kill shelters in our area and also takes animals with medical needs. In addition she is an elementary school teacher. The school she works for allows her to take animals she fosters into her classroom. Not only do her kids learn compassion so do the students she teaches. She is a superhero.

 

[Noah & me (GA)]

I think that's great that kid's learn cats and dogs are not just some disposable thing in the house. We get a lot of young families here, the white picket fence and a puppy thing. Once a week I see some poor dog getting dragged down the sidewalk like it's a real inconvenience they got distracted from their phone. Last year a poster went up in front of our house for a lost cat. Printed in black & white and hung with electrical tape so of course it just fell off right away. I called the number trying to be of some help but it was just a few giggling girls who asked if I could call back later. I did try, never saw another poster go up, nothing. Not all kids are like that but kittens and puppies make a bad Christmas gift.

 

[mabeline]

Wow thank you everyone for the replies! I love to hear everyone’s story.

The original “2 week boarding” has ended as the owner is back in town… I texted her the day she was to be picked up and said maybe I should try out keeping her a little bit longer and see how much more progress we can make. It felt silly to send her back just as they started to adjust. There is progress made but it’s still rough and not going to lie quite stressful. I know I am doing all the right things and giving them each time and space and special treatment each. It’s hard to not feel bad for my cat, who has always been an only child and is extremely attached to me. She would live in my skin if she could. I’ve never seen anything like it. But then again, I feel bad for the new cat also. My cat ‘mow mow’ is still screaming and hissing when new cat ‘mabel’ comes close or walks towards her.. but now she doesn’t always run away and they can sit 3 feet or so apart from each other. Mabel is harmless but Mow Mow doesn’t know that & I can tell feels threatened at times… Breaks my heart & I often feel guilty which may sound silly.
My feelings on the whole *situation* change many times, each day. From “just do it” to “ok you tried and that’s it” I know I don’t want to give up on Mabel but a part of me if ready to get back to our normal routine with just me & mow mow. Maybe that will change with some more time. Ugh.

Ok so with all that being said- when I told the owner i’d like to keep her longer to see how things go there was no hiding how excited she was. She offered to completely cover her financially and even write a contract. Maybe a little extreme. But I always knew I can’t rely on someone just saying that. Nonetheless, it does give me some peace of mind temporarily.
After that I mentioned I do want to take Mabel in to the vet to get her nails trimmed and a sanitary shave ( she’s overweight and can’t clean her back side:/) She said that’s great and will pay for the visit. The appointment is tomorrow and she’s actually due for a full exam. Im excited to speak to the vet and get some more information on her diagnosis, correct insulin dosage & what they think about food.. (even though it seems everyone here has provided other great information that I can look into also. I was overwhelmed by the chart although I’m grateful for it, it seems to have really good info) The owner has 2 large cases of 5.5 oz cans of prescription hill that we would have to use before making any changes…
Wow i’ve never typed so much lol. Clearly this situation is consuming my mind.
As I’m writing this my cat just jumped up on my chest and nuzzled into my neck (our norm) that I haven’t gotten in 3 weeks, while Mabel new cat is sitting on the other couch next to us. This is HUGE. She hasn’t relaxed like this in too long.
Phew i’m done for now.

 

[Stache]

I'm impressed with how much progress you've made! The owner sounds very caring, offering to take care of the expenses. I'm curious how it went at the vet. I know this was a few days ago. Do you know what style/flavor the Hill's is? It sounded too, like your roommates were beginning to relax a little bit more, hopefully maybe even with each other. Well, I hope things are going ok.

I am trying to wrap my head around learning to blood test. We took some baby steps tonight. There are some problems that need to be broken down, and this is going to be one of those for me...

 

[mabeline]

I'm impressed with how much progress you've made! The owner sounds very caring, offering to take care of the expenses. I'm curious how it went at the vet. I know this was a few days ago. Do you know what style/flavor the Hill's is? It sounded too, like your roommates were beginning to relax a little bit more, hopefully maybe even with each other. Well, I hope things are going ok.

I am trying to wrap my head around learning to blood test. We took some baby steps tonight. There are some problems that need to be broken down, and this is going to be one of those for me...

She’s eating the glucosupport hills food.
The vet appointment went well. They gave me a lot of information and were very helpful. They of course told me she’s supposed to be getting the insulin twice a day. They showed me how to do the blood glucose test and her numbers were way high (not surprised because she wasn’t getting the right dose of insulin). I’m going to give her the insulin twice a day as she supposed to for 2 weeks, then we will do the curve test. I need to decide if I will take her to the vet to do it or learn to do the blood test on my own and do it at home. I’m sure after this test they will up her dose of one unit. But if I’m understanding correct, that’s what this test will help figure out.

 

[mabeline]

After taking Mabel to the vet, her blood glucose test was at 399. That was her with basically no insulin as I gave her her first dose at 6:30AM and the vet appointment was at 6:30 PM. I started giving her the two doses on Monday. She is getting one unit twice a day. I think I’d be much more comfortable taking her into the vet for the curve test as I’m so new to this and it seems like it would be really stressful. I just know she will be stressed there and everything will be elevated. Do most people do this test at the vets office?
Mabel weighed 15.8 pounds in March and now she is down to 14 pounds. The vet couldn’t certainly say if the weight loss was due to her diet change or her diabetes so we will monitor her weight. Regardless, I think it’s great that she’s down 2 pounds because she’s definitely overweight.
I’m quite overwhelmed with the idea of having to do the blood test multiple times a day. I’m hoping once we find a dose that works well with her it’s smooth sailing from there. Is that wishful thinking? I’m 26 years old and work 10 hour days. Without sounding selfish if this is going to require much more work than I’m realizing I will need to think further on adopting her. Can you tell I’m stressed? Thanks for the help!

 

[Stache]

Yeah, I know what you mean. It feels downright isolating at times. They tell me Stache was over 600 the day he got diagnosed. What kind of insulin are you using by the way?

I was hoping for some "smooth sailing" too, but it sounds like it may not work that way all the time--smoother, maybe. Getting the testing would be a game changer for sure, but without anyone else's in-person help, that's between me & Stache.

 

[mabeline]

Yeah, I know what you mean. It feels downright isolating at times. They tell me Stache was over 600 the day he got diagnosed. What kind of insulin are you using by the way?

I was hoping for some "smooth sailing" too, but it sounds like it may not work that way all the time--smoother, maybe. Getting the testing would be a game changer for sure, but without anyone else's in-person help, that's between me & Stache.

I am using Lantus… I don’t know anything about the difference between the insulins or why this specific one was prescribed.
I am looking to bring her in for the curve test soon.

 

[JanetNJ]

Thanks for sharing your story with me! The lady is actually looking to rehome her… so we have that on our side. She is willing to give her up. It’s just finding the right family to actually take her medical needs into consideration. Not many people want to adopt an animal with special needs :/ She’s doing great at my house, is sweet, and simple to care for. I just am so so busy and it’s hard to be home 2x a day at the right times to give the insulin, in addition to my current cat staying in my bedroom most of the day where her litter box, food, and water now is. Similar to you.
Thanks for the input. I will have to do some soul searching and see where I end up lol.

I wasn't always sure I could do shots at the exact same time every day, so for my diabetic cat we choose to do ProZinc insulin which is more forgiving time wise and that made it easy to adjust times an hour or two when needed.

 

[mabeline]

I wasn't always sure I could do shots at the exact same time every day, so for my diabetic cat we choose to do ProZinc insulin which is more forgiving time wise and that made it easy to adjust times an hour or two when needed.

Thank you for giving me this information. I didn’t know that. Lantus is just what was prescribed.

 

[Bron and Sheba (GA)]

Lantus is a good insulin and although it is better to give it on time, that can’t always be done as life gets in the way. You can only do the best you can. Sometimes things get in the way and you might be late with the dose.
Do you have an automatic timed feeder so you can leave food out for her when you are at Work?
I would always try and get a test done each time before you give the dose of insulin to make sure it is safe to give the dose.
And if you can get some tests in during the cycles at the weekends when you are at home or a before bed test at night, that would be great.

 

[mabeline]

Lantus is a good insulin and although it is better to give it on time, that can’t always be done as life gets in the way. You can only do the best you can. Sometimes things get in the way and you might be late with the dose.
Do you have an automatic timed feeder so you can leave food out for her when you are at Work?
I would always try and get a test done each time before you give the dose of insulin to make sure it is safe to give the dose.
And if you can get some tests in during the cycles at the weekends when you are at home or a before bed test at night, that would be great.

Thank you. I will stick with Lantus since that’s what I have now. I give the insulin around 6:30-7 typically, and tonight I am supposed to be out 3:30-9… Any tips on how to handle this situation? I plan on teaching one of my fellow petsitters to give the insulin and feed her but I haven’t gotten there yet.
I am picking up the automatic feed shortly, & am ordering the young again dry food now, for when I am at work or late night snack.
Thanks for the info about testing. We are easing our way into it and hoping soon she will handle me testing her most often.

 

[Bron and Sheba (GA)]

If you are giving the insulin 2 hours late at 9 pm, you will need to not give the next dose until 8.30am. Is that doable?
We normally say to adjust the dose back to normal time at 1/2 hour a day or 15 minutes each cycle

 

[mabeline]

If you are giving the insulin 2 hours late at 9 pm, you will need to not give the next dose until 8.30am. Is that doable?
We normally say to adjust the dose back to normal time at 1/2 hour a day or 15 minutes each cycle

Thank you for that info! I forgot to reply here. I have more info on my other thread- Beginner help

 

[mabeline]

If anyone is available to answer my few questions please.

• How often should I test for curve test? Every hour, or every other?
• How long should I wait to do the curve test after I start her on the 2-3 dry food snacks throughout the day? Currently only on wet, until tomorrow.
• Should I start with just 1 dry food snack at first? Or ok to give her the few that was recommended at +2 & +5 and then possibly a late night snack?
• Should I be using neosporin or vaseline when doing the ear prick? I feel I may have seen that somewhere.
• I am using 100U needles, but she’s only getting 1 unit. Is there a different/recommended needle?

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As an additional note -
Mabel used to drink a lot of water and pee a lot… Since I have been giving her the 2 doses & just wet food, I rarely ever see her drinking water…though she does pee regularly. Should I be concerned? I will be starting the dry food soon… and maybe that will make her drink more water.


Thank you thank you!!!
All the help so far has made me feel so much more confident doing this.