New member

[Brandyann]

Hello my name is brandy. I just found out almost 2 weeks ago, that my cat meme was diagnosed with diabetes. I have had him for 12 years, and his brother shadow. The vet put him on a hard food w/d multi-benefit. Im having trouble getting him to eat it. He put him on vetsulin 1.5 units 2 times a day. I have looked on the internet on how to give him his shots. I don't know if I'm doing it right. I was feeding them friskies hard food I just switched them to soft food friskies pate. He is only 7.7 pounds, skin and bones. He was a big cat

 

[Hendrick Cuddleclaw]

Hi Brandy, welcome to the group. Please see if your vet will prescribe a different insulin, Vetsulin is not the best choice for cats it is a better dog insulin. Good choices for cats are Lantus, ProZinc, or insulin glargine which is basically a generic version of Lantus.

Dry food, or hard food as you put it, is not the best for cats whether they are diabetic or not. Most diabetic cats are at their best when fed a low-carb canned or raw food diet. The friskies pates are mostly low-carb so that was probably a good choice.

Honestly at only 7.7 pounds, starting right out with 1.5 units of Vetsulin makes me worried. Vetsulin is a very harsh and fast-acting insulin. I'm no expert but you might want to reconsider that dosage. Let's see what some of the gurus around here have to say about that.

Have you look into testing your cat's blood sugar at home? I thought that sounded next to impossible but if I can learn how, anyone can! I'm not going to overwhelm you with anything else right now.

 

[Brandyann]

Hi Brandy, welcome to the group. Please see if your vet will prescribe a different insulin, Vetsulin is not the best choice for cats it is a better dog insulin. Good choices for cats are Lantus, ProZinc, or insulin glargine which is basically a generic version of Lantus.

Dry food, or hard food as you put it, is not the best for cats whether they are diabetic or not. Most diabetic cats are at their best when fed a low-carb canned or raw food diet. The friskies pates are mostly low-carb so that was probably a good choice.

Honestly at only 7.7 pounds, starting right out with 1.5 units of Vetsulin makes me worried. Vetsulin is a very harsh and fast-acting insulin. I'm no expert but you might want to reconsider that dosage. Let's see what some of the gurus around here have to say about that.

Have you look into testing your cat's blood sugar at home? I thought that sounded next to impossible but if I can learn how, anyone can! I'm not going to overwhelm you with anything else right now.

Thank you for that I am nervous about giving him the shots. The vet had him stay for 2 days there to do the testing, but when I pick him up they said he didn't eat so the vet couldn't do the test. I don't have a diabetes test yet im trying to get one. The insulin is 47.00 for 45 day it's alot all at once.

Hi Brandy, welcome to the group. Please see if your vet will prescribe a different insulin, Vetsulin is not the best choice for cats it is a better dog insulin. Good choices for cats are Lantus, ProZinc, or insulin glargine which is basically a generic version of Lantus.

Dry food, or hard food as you put it, is not the best for cats whether they are diabetic or not. Most diabetic cats are at their best when fed a low-carb canned or raw food diet. The friskies pates are mostly low-carb so that was probably a good choice.

Honestly at only 7.7 pounds, starting right out with 1.5 units of Vetsulin makes me worried. Vetsulin is a very harsh and fast-acting insulin. I'm no expert but you might want to reconsider that dosage. Let's see what some of the gurus around here have to say about that.

Have you look into testing your cat's blood sugar at home? I thought that sounded next to impossible but if I can learn how, anyone can! I'm not going to overwhelm you with anything else right now.

 

[Hendrick Cuddleclaw]

I am not sure where you are located, but there is a US-based organization called Diabetic Cats in Need that may be able to help if the cost of caring for your diabetic feline is a challenge for you.

 

[Brandyann]

Thank you, I'm located in Missouri. And they are not taking new applications at this time. I have looked at all of the programs for help and they are not available to help write know.

 

[Ale & Bobo & Minnie (GA)]

With Vetsulin, you need to make sure to feed and wait at least 30 minutes before giving the shot because it hits hard and fast and you have to make sure your cat has food onboard.

most of us get all of our testing supplies at Walmart because it’s very inexpensive. You don’t need a pet meter, human meters are fine and great. Walmart’s ReliOn cost $9 and you can get 100 test strips for $18. In the long run, it will save you a lot of money because you won’t need to go to the vet to test your cat’s bg. Also a lot of folks get their generic glargine at Costco pharmacy for $50 which is about the same price you paid for the Vetsulin. Did you buy a bottle of Vetsulin? It should last a lot longer than 45 days. Glargine lasts well over 6 months in the fridge. If you’re sticking with Vetsulin for now, I’d really encourage you to home test to make sure your cat is safe.

Once you’re home testing, I’d also encourage you to transition him completely off the dry food to the wet Friskies only. Not before because it can drop his bg considerably making the dose no longer safe for him. The reason he’s skin and bones is likely the diabetes. Diabetic cats can’t process the nutrients in food well so they eat and will still lose weight. Right now, I’d feed him whatever he will eat because it’s important to have food on him for the insulin.

 

[linamiles]

The content of this post was inappropriate and deleted by a Moderator.

 

[Ale & Bobo & Minnie (GA)]

Here is the link for the meter and test strips so you don't have to search for them Relion Premier Classic Meter at Walmart for 9 dollars
https://www.walmart.com/ip/ReliOn-Premier-CLASSIC-Blood-Glucose-Monitoring-System/552134103

The tests strips are 17.88 for 100
https://www.walmart.com/ip/ReliOn-Premier-Blood-Glucose-Test-Strips-100-Count/575088197

You’ll also need 26 or 28 gauge lancets. $1.62 for 100
https://www.walmart.com/ip/ReliOn-Thin-Blood-Lancets-100-Count/34088206?athbdg=L1600

You can buy them at the store or order them on line.

 

[Diane Tyler's Mom GA]

Hi Brandy
If you do switch to Lantus
Lantus is the major brand name glargine the USA you can get generic/biosimilar glargine at very reasonable prices using GoodRx coupon. Most members use the generic because Lantus is to expensive.
https://www.goodrx.com/lantus?label...d-pens-of-100-units-ml&quantity=1&slug=lantus
Make sure that the Match your prescription pull down menue says generic glargine 1carton of 5 3ml pens.
There is no wait time test, feed, give insulin
Lantus usually doesn't kick in until 2 hours after the shot
Let us know if the vet writes the script for you because you will need U-100 syringes with half unit markings , I can tell you which ones you can use
We buy the pens but use the syringes to draw out the insulin because if you use the pen you can only adjust by full units ,we adjust the doses by 0.25 units


Also
The 5 pens will last about a year, we use the pens just like a vial, you would just insert the syringe it the gray rubber stopper on the pen and draw out your insulin
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 call around for the best price

A member just posted this
Allie was using the Lantus and I just switched to the generic and using the GoodRX I got 5 pens for $81.30 at Walgreens. GoodRX has a 1-800 number to assist you in using their services to get your pets prescriptions filled if the pharmacy gives you any issues.

I think I found it for you
GoodRx / Customer service

1 (855) 268-2822

You can read all about Lantus here, all the yellow stickys
https://felinediabetes.com/FDMB/forums/lantus-levemir-biosimilars.9/
Just take the cap off the pen and use a U100 syringes and pull the insulin out of the pen! You will see a small gray rubber stopper, insert the syringe there

 

[Diane Tyler's Mom GA]

About testing
I always test on the scruff, when you pull up on it you will feel an indentation there with your finger that's where you will insert the syringe
You can read all about Vetsulin here, I encourage you to go buy the relion premier classic and the test strips and lancets .
Tyler has been in remission since 1-24-21 and that was with the help and advice I got here
I have never taken Tyler to my vet unless he was sick
Keep asking questions
@Brandyann
Link to read about Vetsulin
https://felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/beginners-guide-to-caninsulin-vetsulin.231587/

Have your hypo kit ready if you ever need it to bring Meme's BG up
Hypo kit
Med and High Carb food and some honey



Fancy Feast Gravy Lovers Gourmet Beef Feast in Gravy 20% High Carbs

Fancy Feast Gravy Lovers Gourmet Chicken Feast in Gravy 15% Med Carbs

Fancy Feast Gravy Lovers Turkey Feast in Gravy 15% Med Carbs

Fancy Feast Gravy Lovers Chicken and Beef in Gravy 15% Med Carbs

Good idea to mark the cans with magic marker how many carbs

Or any on the food chart. Doesn't have to be Fancy Feast just an example about the med and high carb foods

https://felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/dr-pierson-new-food-

Between 11% and 17% is medium carbs.

18% and over is high carb.

 

[Diane Tyler's Mom GA]

When you get the meter to test, start getting Meme used to getting her ears rubbed
Take her to the same place when you start testing ,she'll get used to it ,you can give her a treat when you start to test so she will associate getting a treat after you test her

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 10 or 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
Here is a video one of our members made testing her kitty
She's using a pet meter ,with a human meter you won't have to code it like you have to do with a pet meter
VIDEO: How to test your cat's blood sugar

 

[Brandyann]

Hi Brandy, welcome to the group. Please see if your vet will prescribe a different insulin, Vetsulin is not the best choice for cats it is a better dog insulin. Good choices for cats are Lantus, ProZinc, or insulin glargine which is basically a generic version of Lantus.

Dry food, or hard food as you put it, is not the best for cats whether they are diabetic or not. Most diabetic cats are at their best when fed a low-carb canned or raw food diet. The friskies pates are mostly low-carb so that was probably a good choice.

Honestly at only 7.7 pounds, starting right out with 1.5 units of Vetsulin makes me worried. Vetsulin is a very harsh and fast-acting insulin. I'm no expert but you might want to reconsider that dosage. Let's see what some of the gurus around here have to say about that.

Have you look into testing your cat's blood sugar at home? I thought that sounded next to impossible but if I can learn how, anyone can! I'm not going to overwhelm you with anything else right now.

Thank you. Yes I'm going to start testing him as soon as I can I just need to get the test strips and the Lance's the vet was supposed to do a 2 day stay to do the testing, but they said he didn't eat. So he couldn't test him. He sent him home with the Vetsulin 1.5 units and the hard cat food and said to come back in 30 days for the cbc test witch cost 60 just for the test.

 

[Brandyann]

With Vetsulin, you need to make sure to feed and wait at least 30 minutes before giving the shot because it hits hard and fast and you have to make sure your cat has food onboard.

most of us get all of our testing supplies at Walmart because it’s very inexpensive. You don’t need a pet meter, human meters are fine and great. Walmart’s ReliOn cost $9 and you can get 100 test strips for $18. In the long run, it will save you a lot of money because you won’t need to go to the vet to test your cat’s bg. Also a lot of folks get their generic glargine at Costco pharmacy for $50 which is about the same price you paid for the Vetsulin. Did you buy a bottle of Vetsulin? It should last a lot longer than 45 days. Glargine lasts well over 6 months in the fridge. If you’re sticking with Vetsulin for now, I’d really encourage you to home test to make sure your cat is safe.

Once you’re home testing, I’d also encourage you to transition him completely off the dry food to the wet Friskies only. Not before because it can drop his bg considerably making the dose no longer safe for him. The reason he’s skin and bones is likely the diabetes. Diabetic cats can’t process the nutrients in food well so they eat and will still lose weight. Right now, I’d feed him whatever he will eat because it’s important to have food on him for the insulin.

The vet sent him home with the bottle of Vetsulin and said it was only good for 45 days

 

[Brandyann]

Here is the link for the meter and test strips so you don't have to search for them Relion Premier Classic Meter at Walmart for 9 dollars
https://www.walmart.com/ip/ReliOn-Premier-CLASSIC-Blood-Glucose-Monitoring-System/552134103

The tests strips are 17.88 for 100
https://www.walmart.com/ip/ReliOn-Premier-Blood-Glucose-Test-Strips-100-Count/575088197

You’ll also need 26 or 28 gauge lancets. $1.62 for 100
https://www.walmart.com/ip/ReliOn-Thin-Blood-Lancets-100-Count/34088206?athbdg=L1600

You can buy them at the store or order them on line.

Thank you for your help I really appreciate it

 

[Brandyann]

Hi Brandy
If you do switch to Lantus
Lantus is the major brand name glargine the USA you can get generic/biosimilar glargine at very reasonable prices using GoodRx coupon. Most members use the generic because Lantus is to expensive.
https://www.goodrx.com/lantus?label...d-pens-of-100-units-ml&quantity=1&slug=lantus
Make sure that the Match your prescription pull down menue says generic glargine 1carton of 5 3ml pens.
There is no wait time test, feed, give insulin
Lantus usually doesn't kick in until 2 hours after the shot
Let us know if the vet writes the script for you because you will need U-100 syringes with half unit markings , I can tell you which ones you can use
We buy the pens but use the syringes to draw out the insulin because if you use the pen you can only adjust by full units ,we adjust the doses by 0.25 units


Also
The 5 pens will last about a year, we use the pens just like a vial, you would just insert the syringe it the gray rubber stopper on the pen and draw out your insulin
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 call around for the best price

A member just posted this
Allie was using the Lantus and I just switched to the generic and using the GoodRX I got 5 pens for $81.30 at Walgreens. GoodRX has a 1-800 number to assist you in using their services to get your pets prescriptions filled if the pharmacy gives you any issues.

I think I found it for you
GoodRx / Customer service

1 (855) 268-2822

You can read all about Lantus here, all the yellow stickys
https://felinediabetes.com/FDMB/forums/lantus-levemir-biosimilars.9/
Just take the cap off the pen and use a U100 syringes and pull the insulin out of the pen! You will see a small gray rubber stopper, insert the syringe there

Thank you so much I really appreciate it. I'm supposed to take him back in 30 days to retest

 

[Brandyann]

About I always test on the scruff, when you pull up on it you will feel an indentation there with your finger that's where you will insert the syringe
You can read all about Vetsulin here, I encourage you to go buy the relion premier classic and the test strips and lancets .
Tyler has been in remission since 1-24-21 and that was with the help and advice I got here
I have never taken Tyler to my vet unless he was sick
Keep asking questions
@Brandyann
Link to read about Vetsulin
https://felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/beginners-guide-to-caninsulin-vetsulin.231587/

Have your hypo kit ready if you ever need it to bring Meme's BG up
Hypo kit
Med and High Carb food and some honey



Fancy Feast Gravy Lovers Gourmet Beef Feast in Gravy 20% High Carbs

Fancy Feast Gravy Lovers Gourmet Chicken Feast in Gravy 15% Med Carbs

Fancy Feast Gravy Lovers Turkey Feast in Gravy 15% Med Carbs

Fancy Feast Gravy Lovers Chicken and Beef in Gravy 15% Med Carbs

Good idea to mark the cans with magic marker how many carbs

Or any on the food chart. Doesn't have to be Fancy Feast just an example about the med and high carb foods

https://felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/dr-pierson-new-food-

Between 11% and 17% is medium carbs.

18% and over is high carb.

Thank you I appreciate your advice and I'm glad your cat is in remission

 

[Ale & Bobo & Minnie (GA)]

The bottle should last much longer than 45 days. I’m not an expert on Vetsulin but tagging a few more here @Suzanne & Darcy @JanetNJ

if you start to home test, you won’t need to take him back in 30 days to test at the vet. Cats are usually stressed at the vet and the stress can cause the bg to read higher than it’s normally at home. You can also do curves at home.

 

[Hendrick Cuddleclaw]

much cheaper at home too!

 

[Brandyann]

The bottle should last much longer than 45 days. I’m not an expert on Vetsulin but tagging a few more here @Suzanne & Darcy @JanetNJ

if you start to home test, you won’t need to take him back in 30 days to test at the vet. Cats are usually stressed at the vet and the stress can cause the bg to read higher than it’s normally at home. You can also do curves at home.

Ok thank you when I took him to the vet. The vet said his levels was supposed to be around 100 but meme was 500

 

[Brandyann]

The bottle should last much longer than 45 days. I’m not an expert on Vetsulin but tagging a few more here @Suzanne & Darcy @JanetNJ

if you start to home test, you won’t need to take him back in 30 days to test at the vet. Cats are usually stressed at the vet and the stress can cause the bg to read higher than it’s normally at home. You can also do curves at home.

I'm sorry I'm not sure what curves is or means

 

[Ale & Bobo & Minnie (GA)]

The normal range is 50-120. Diabetic cats are much higher especially before they start insulin.

a curve is when you test their bg every 2 hours for 12 hours. This is to get a sense of how your cat is reacting to the insulin and how low the dose is taking your cat. Vets will recommend you drop your cat off for the day so they can do that, but you can do it at home easily when you’re home testing.

it’s a lot of information we’re giving you so take your time digesting it and ask questions. We’re here to help. I’m going to give you the link to the Vetsulin forum. The yellow sticky notes at the top have a lot of very useful and important information about the insulin, how it works, and what to expect. I’d encourage you to read through them:

https://felinediabetes.com/FDMB/forums/caninsulin-vetsulin-and-n-nph.19/

 

[Brandyann]

The normal range is 50-120. Diabetic cats are much higher especially before they start insulin.

a curve is when you test their bg every 2 hours for 12 hours. This is to get a sense of how your cat is reacting to the insulin and how low the dose is taking your cat. Vets will recommend you drop your cat off for the day so they can do that, but you can do it at home easily when you’re home testing.

it’s a lot of information we’re giving you so take your time digesting it and ask questions. We’re here to help. I’m going to give you the link to the Vetsulin forum. The yellow sticky notes at the top have a lot of very usufruo and important information about the insulin, how it works, and what to expect. I’d encourage you to read through them:

https://felinediabetes.com/FDMB/forums/caninsulin-vetsulin-and-n-nph.19/

Thank you so much for helping me

 

[Brandyann]

Hello I'm wondering if I can feed meme blue tastefuls can food and what treats are ok too

 

[Ale & Bobo & Minnie (GA)]

Is the food not in the FOOD CHART? If not you’ll probably have to call or email the manufacturer.

Any freeze dried treats like PureBites and Vital Essential are fine. Also regular unseasoned chicken and baby food. Even those lickable sticks like the ones from Inaba Churu

 

[Brandyann]

Is the food not in the FOOD CHART? If not you’ll probably have to call or email the manufacturer.

Any freeze dried treats like PureBites and Vital Essential are fine. Also regular unseasoned chicken and baby food. Even those lickable sticks like the ones from Inaba Churu

What kind of baby food.

Is the food not in the FOOD CHART? If not you’ll probably have to call or email the manufacturer.

Any freeze dried treats like PureBites and Vital Essential are fine. Also regular unseasoned chicken and baby food. Even those lickable sticks like the ones from Inaba Churu

I didn't know that it was ok to feed him baby food. And thank you

 

[Diane Tyler's Mom GA]

Hello I'm wondering if I can feed meme blue tastefuls can food and what treats are ok too

Which blue tastefuls are you feeding

For a treat
Any of these will be fine
the Gerber Sitter 2nd foods these are stage 2

• 

 

[Diane Tyler's Mom GA]

Hello I'm wondering if I can feed meme blue tastefuls can food and what treats are ok too

@Brandyann
Hi another member asked this question and I contacted Blue Buffalo for her and they answered me
Here is what they said


Hi I contacted Blue Buffalo for you and they answered me back with the dry matter carbs.
Looks like the Chicken would be OK to feed. You can use the Turkey and chicken in case you ever need med carbs to bring up his BG. Med carbs are between 11-17%
Dear Diane,

Thank you for taking the time to contact Blue Buffalo. All of our non-therapeutic diets sold through pet retailers are maintenance diets, and are not intended to be fed to animals seeking specific nutrition for a medical condition that may be supported with nutritional therapy. The Tastefuls Turkey & Chicken Pate canned cat formula contains 11.76% carbohydrates, dry matter basis. The Tastefuls Chicken Pate canned cat formula contains 7.25% carbohydrates, dry matter basis.

We recommend speaking with your veterinarian, as he or she should be able to direct you to a product that is best suited for your pet should they have specific medical conditions that may benefit from nutritional therapy.

Thank you again for contacting us.

Sincerely,

Tracy

Blue Buffalo Co

##: 02503730

 

[Brandyann]

Thank you so much. The vet said to feed him 2 times a day,but but he only weights 7.7 pds and I'm wanting to know if I feed him baby food do I feed the hole bottle. I also have another cat that putting on weight. I have been feeding them 1/4 of a can in the morning and at night

 

[Brandyann]

@Brandyann
Hi another member asked this question and I contacted Blue Buffalo for her and they answered me
Here is what they said


Hi I contacted Blue Buffalo for you and they answered me back with the dry matter carbs.
Looks like the Chicken would be OK to feed. You can use the Turkey and chicken in case you ever need med carbs to bring up his BG. Med carbs are between 11-17%
Dear Diane,

Thank you for taking the time to contact Blue Buffalo. All of our non-therapeutic diets sold through pet retailers are maintenance diets, and are not intended to be fed to animals seeking specific nutrition for a medical condition that may be supported with nutritional therapy. The Tastefuls Turkey & Chicken Pate canned cat formula contains 11.76% carbohydrates, dry matter basis. The Tastefuls Chicken Pate canned cat formula contains 7.25% carbohydrates, dry matter basis.

We recommend speaking with your veterinarian, as he or she should be able to direct you to a product that is best suited for your pet should they have specific medical conditions that may benefit from nutritional therapy.

Thank you again for contacting us.

Sincerely,

Tracy

Blue Buffalo Co

##: 02503730

Also I just got a onetouch ultra 2 meter and test strips do you know if that will work for meme? And thank you

 

[Diane Tyler's Mom GA]

Thank you so much. The vet said to feed him 2 times a day,but but he only weights 7.7 pds and I'm wanting to know if I feed him baby food do I feed the hole bottle. I also have another cat that putting on weight. I have been feeding them 1/4 of a can in the morning and at night

Feeding only twice a day is old school
We feed our cats multiple times a day.
The bigger meal first thing in the AM and then maybe around @+2 ( 2 hours after giving insulin ) and at +4 ( 4 hours after giving insulin) you can feed about 2 tablespoons of the wet food , same goes for the PM cycle
It's easier on their pancreas.

As for the baby food, I wouldn't feed it as a complete meal, I noticed you said your kitty is skin and bones in your post.
I would use it as a snack if you want to sometimes , If he'll eat the whole can than fine
@Brandyann

 

[Diane Tyler's Mom GA]

Also I just got a onetouch ultra 2 meter and test strips do you know if that will work for meme? And thank you

That is fine, almost all of us use a human meter
How much are you paying for the test strips
@Brandyann

Edit , if I were you I would set up what we call our signature and spreadsheet , we track our cats BG numbers there, so when you start to test Meme we can follow along in case you need help.
Here is a link helping us to help you link. If you noticed, our members have some basic information about their cat's in their signature. This helps us to not pester you by asking the same questions (your cat's name, insulin type, date of diagnosis, etc.) repeatedly. We also have a link to our spreadsheet in our signature. We are very numbers driven. The spreadsheet is a record of your cat's progress. By linking it in your signature, we can follow along and provide feedback should you need the help.

The link will also explain how to set up our spreadsheet, but if you need help getting it up just ask , we have a great member who will be happy to set it up for you

For newbies we suggest not to give insulin if the BG is under 200
If this happens post and ask for help
Put a ? first then Help need dose Advice
Do you know not to feed 2 hours before you test AMPS (first test in the AM) and the same goes for the PMPS cycle because you don't want the BG to be influenced by food

With Vetsulin be sure to get a +2 test to see what his BG number us, many members have told you that Vetsulin hits hard and fast
I see Ale gave you the link above to read all about Vetsulin, please read it

 

[Brandyann]

That is fine, almost all of us use a human meter
How much are you paying for the test strips
@Brandyann

Edit , if I were you I would set up what we call our signature and spreadsheet , we track our cats BG numbers there, so when you start to test Meme we can follow along in case you need help.
Here is a link helping us to help you link. If you noticed, our members have some basic information about their cat's in their signature. This helps us to not pester you by asking the same questions (your cat's name, insulin type, date of diagnosis, etc.) repeatedly. We also have a link to our spreadsheet in our signature. We are very numbers driven. The spreadsheet is a record of your cat's progress. By linking it in your signature, we can follow along and provide feedback should you need the help.

The link will also explain how to set up our spreadsheet, but if you need help getting it up just ask , we have a great member who will be happy to set it up for you

For newbies we suggest not to give insulin if the BG is under 200
If this happens post and ask for help
Put a ? first then Help need dose Advice
Do you know not to feed 2 hours before you test AMPS (first test in the AM) and the same goes for the PMPS cycle because you don't want the BG to be influenced by food

With Vetsulin be sure to get a +2 test to see what his BG number us, many members have told you that Vetsulin hits hard and fast
I see Ale gave you the link above to read all about Vetsulin, please read it

Thank you I will try that out and read more on the insulin

 

[Brandyann]

Thank you I will try that out and read more on the insulin

Ow and the meter and strips was free for know a family member has diabetes and has a few meters, but he is not a good example to follow because he doesn't check his levels or do shots

 

[Ale & Bobo & Minnie (GA)]

Please feed him more. Twice a day works for dogs who have a slower metabolism than cats. Cats are grazers and they need to eat multiple times a day. It’s easier on their pancreas and it also helps avoid big sugar spikes. Most of us feed the 2 larger meals at shot time and an additional 3-4 smaller meals or treats throughout the day. You should feed more now since he has to gain weigh. Diabetic cats can’t process the nutrientes in food well so they eat and continue to be hungry and lose weight. What’s his ideal weight? If he should be 10 pounds, you want to make sure he’s eating at least 200 calories a day. More now so he can gain weight back. One jar of baby food is 80 calories so it depends on what else you’re feeding him and how much.

 

[Brandyann]

Please feed him more. Twice a day works for dogs who have a slower metabolism than cats. Cats are grazers and they need to eat multiple times a day. It’s easier on their pancreas and it also helps avoid big sugar spikes. Most of us feed the 2 larger meals at shot time and an additional 3-4 smaller meals or treats throughout the day. You should feed more now since he has to gain weigh. Diabetic cats can’t process the nutrientes in food well so they eat and continue to be hungry and lose weight. What’s his ideal weight? If he should be 10 pounds, you want to make sure he’s eating at least 200 calories a day. More now so he can gain weight back. One jar of baby food is 80 calories so it depends on what else you’re feeding him and how much.

Hello thank you, meme used to weight 15 pounds. And I feed him friskies pate I will try the baby food when I get some of it.

 

[Ale & Bobo & Minnie (GA)]

Okay so he should be getting about 300 calories a day. How much Friskies is he eating daily? Can you feed him smaller portions of Friskies more often? It’s really not good for cats to eat only twice a day for the reasons I explained above.

 

[Brandyann]

Okay so he should be getting about 300 calories a day. How much Friskies is he eating daily? Can you feed him smaller portions of Friskies more often? It’s really not good for cats to eat only twice a day for the reasons I explained above.

Yes I'm going to do half a can in the morning and night and then 1/4 around noon and 5ish. The can is5.5 Oz liver and chicken, mixed grill, turkey and giblets, mariners catch, chicken and tuna dinner, ocean whitefish and tuna dinner. I also tried the 9lives meaty pate supper supper he likes it too. I was feeding him the hard food friskies, till about 2 1/2 weeks ago

 

[Brandyann]

Yes I'm going to do half a can in the morning and night and then 1/4 around noon and 5ish. The can is5.5 Oz liver and chicken, mixed grill, turkey and giblets, mariners catch, chicken and tuna dinner, ocean whitefish and tuna dinner. I also tried the 9lives meaty pate supper supper he likes it too. I was feeding him the hard food friskies, till about 2 1/2 weeks ago

And thank you for your help.

 

[Ale & Bobo & Minnie (GA)]

Yes I'm going to do half a can in the morning and night and then 1/4 around noon and 5ish. The can is5.5 Oz liver and chicken, mixed grill, turkey and giblets, mariners catch, chicken and tuna dinner, ocean whitefish and tuna dinner. I also tried the 9lives meaty pate supper supper he likes it too. I was feeding him the hard food friskies, till about 2 1/2 weeks ago

That sounds great. One can should be about 200 calories so it gets you to 300. You can check on the back of the can what the total calorie amount is. It’s super tiny print but it’s there

 

[Brandyann]

That sounds great. One can should be about 200 calories so it gets you to 300. You can check on the back of the can what the total calorie amount is. It’s super tiny print but it’s there

Thank you for your help

 

[JanetNJ]

Hi... Vetsulin used to last me about 4 months of kept in the refrigerator. I have a video in my signature showing how I tested my cat CC at home. Let him eat as much as he wants. Just no food 2 hours prior to the preshot test once you start doing that so the number is not food influenced.

 

[Brandyann]

Hello I just got back from the vet. I asked about changing the insulin but he didn't said that the Vetsulin only last 45 days and it's on the box. The box says 43 days. IM NOT SURE WHAT TO DO SOMEONE SAID THAT IT SHOULD LAST 3 MTS BUT IM NOT SURE.

 

[Ale & Bobo & Minnie (GA)]

Please see what Janet said above as a Vetsulin user. It lasted her 4 months if kept it refrigerated. Most vets are clueless about feline diabetes, which is why they prescribe an insulin made for dogs to cats. Are you keeping it refrigerated?

 

[Shane and Baby]

Hi Brandyann. I am new here (dx yesterday), but my pharmacist wouldn't give me more than 1 pen of insulin (28 day human supply) because he felt a carton would "go bad." Everyone else, including my vet and two people I know with diabetic cats use their insulin for 3 or so months by keeping it in the fridge. Just passing on what I learned yesterday. The people here are amazingly helpful and knowledgeable.

I do have experience with cats and baby food. One of our cats is severely allergic to a wide range of things, and has IBD among other issues. At one point he eventually deteriorated from his previous high of 11lbs down to under 8 due to not being able to keep anything down or having much appetite. He was also having strokes at the same time. We succeeding on bringing him back with a diet of homemade food and baby food and various medications but baby food was a large part of the only thing he'd eat from about 7.75lbs to 8.5. He's back to his 10.5lbs or so. We learned that he needed ~275 kcal a day to maintain this weight and lots of baby foods are 50-80kcal a jar.

One big thing to look for with baby food is to make sure it doesn't have added onion or garlic. Gerber and beechnut and a few others have very simple recipes that are just like "turkey and water."

 

[Brandyann]

Hi Brandyann. I am new here (dx yesterday), but my pharmacist wouldn't give me more than 1 pen of insulin (28 day human supply) because he felt a carton would "go bad." Everyone else, including my vet and two people I know with diabetic cats use their insulin for 3 or so months by keeping it in the fridge. Just passing on what I learned yesterday. The people here are amazingly helpful and knowledgeable.

I do have experience with cats and baby food. One of our cats is severely allergic to a wide range of things, and has IBD among other issues. At one point he eventually deteriorated from his previous high of 11lbs down to under 8 due to not being able to keep anything down or having much appetite. He was also having strokes at the same time. We succeeding on bringing him back with a diet of homemade food and baby food and various medications but baby food was a large part of the only thing he'd eat from about 7.75lbs to 8.5. He's back to his 10.5lbs or so. We learned that he needed ~275 kcal a day to maintain this weight and lots of baby foods are 50-80kcal a jar.

One big thing to look for with baby food is to make sure it doesn't have added onion or garlic. Gerber and beechnut and a few others have very simple recipes that are just like "turkey and water."

Thank you I appreciate it

 

[Brandyann]

Please see what Janet said above as a Vetsulin user. It lasted her 4 months if kept it refrigerated. Most vets are clueless about feline diabetes, which is why they prescribe an insulin made for dogs to cats. Are you keeping it refrigerated?

Ok thank you I will read it again. I appreciate it

 

[Brandyann]

Hello I was wondering if I could use a relion classic monitor, and was wondering if I could give him the temptations cat food that they have out.

 

[JanetNJ]

Hello I was wondering if I could use a relion classic monitor, and was wondering if I could give him the temptations cat food that they have out.

temptations makes a wet food? If it's the dry food no. there are only a handful of dry foods under 10% carb. Dr. Esley's chicken flavor, Young Again Zero, and Epigen 90. If he will eat wet though, a wet pate is best (not gravy). A lot of people use relion.

 

[Hendrick Cuddleclaw]

Hello I was wondering if I could use a relion classic monitor, and was wondering if I could give him the temptations cat food that they have out.

Just looking at the ingredients, this food would be bad for any cat, diabetic or otherwise:


The ingredient list starts with "Chicken By-product Meal, Wheat, Ground Whole Grain Corn, Soybean Meal, Brewers Rice"

 

[Brandyann]

temptations makes a wet food? If it's the dry food no. there are only a handful of dry foods under 10% carb. Dr. Esley's chicken flavor, Young Again Zero, and Epigen 90. If he will eat wet though, a wet pate is best (not gravy). A lot of people use relion.

Thank you