Catching Andy

[DeniseWeldon]

I am having a terrible time getting Andy to let me give him his injections. He can sense when I am going to give him his injection and he runs and hides. He’s a skittish cat and too smart. Any suggestions??

 

[squeem3]

Is your cat food motivated? Many people test blood glucose levels and give insulin while the cat is busy eating.

I see that this is your first post. Can you tell us more about your cat and how he was diagnosed?

 

[DeniseWeldon]

Is your cat food motivated? Many people test blood glucose levels and give insulin while the cat is busy eating.

I see that this is your first post. Can you tell us more about your cat and how he was diagnosed?

Andy was diagnosed three weeks ago via bloodwork ordered by our vet. I took him in because he had become voracious. Historically he is not food driven and ate an average of 9 - 12 Oz of fancy feast daily. At his most hungry he demanded 6-8. He had no other symptoms like more frequent urination or increased intake of water. He is a 10 year old Ragdoll and is otherwise healthy. The vet said his blood qlucose was elevated but not terrible. He did another test that measures BG over time ( I don’t recall the name) she said that was significantly high. He was put on one unit of long acting insulin twice a day.
What is most difficult for me is how suspicious he is of me now that I am the shot giver. I have to grab him when I can after he has eaten which is upsetting to both of us. When he sees me he runs and no longer snuggles with me.
I’m an old lady who uses a walker and am feeling out of my depth.
Thank you for your interest.

 

[DeniseWeldon]

Andy was diagnosed three weeks ago via bloodwork ordered by our vet. I took him in because he had become voracious. Historically he is not food driven and ate an average of 9 - 12 Oz of fancy feast daily. At his most hungry he demanded 6-8. He had no other symptoms like more frequent urination or increased intake of water. He is a 10 year old Ragdoll and is otherwise healthy. The vet said his blood qlucose was elevated but not terrible. He did another test that measures BG over time ( I don’t recall the name) she said that was significantly high. He was put on one unit of long acting insulin twice a day.
What is most difficult for me is how suspicious he is of me now that I am the shot giver. I have to grab him when I can after he has eaten which is upsetting to both of us. When he sees me he runs and no longer snuggles with me.
I’m an old lady who uses a walker and am feeling out of my depth.
Thank you for your interest.

 

[squeem3]

What is the name of the insulin? There are a few different ones that cats can use, some better than others.

The vet did a fructosamine. A high level indicates diabetes.

Have patience This is all new to you and your cat. Your cat isn't used to being poked and prodded. Always reward with a treat after testing and giving insulin.

I assume you are not testing blood glucose levels. Did your vet say anything about testing? There is a CGM meter that sticks onto the cat's skin and records readings for up to 2 weeks, sending the readings to an app on a phone. Knowing how to test from the ear or a paw pad is needed as a back up.

Which Fancy Feast varieties are you feeding? The Classic / Gourmet pates are the only low carb ones. Everything else is too high in carbs but keep a few cans on hand to use in case blood glucose levels drop too low.

 

[DeniseWeldon]

What is the name of the insulin? There are a few different ones that cats can use, some better than others.

The vet did a fructosamine. A high level indicates diabetes.

Have patience This is all new to you and your cat. Your cat isn't used to being poked and prodded. Always reward with a treat after testing and giving insulin.

I assume you are not testing blood glucose levels. Did your vet say anything about testing? There is a CGM meter that sticks onto the cat's skin and records readings for up to 2 weeks, sending the readings to an app on a phone. Knowing how to test from the ear or a paw pad is needed as a back up.

Which Fancy Feast varieties are you feeding? The Classic / Gourmet pates are the only low carb ones. Everything else is too high in carbs but keep a few cans on hand to use in case blood glucose levels drop too low.

Andy is eating Purina DM and enjoying it. He used to eat a FF pate.

My vet did discuss using CGM meter. He discouraged it saying they fall off. Instead he wants us to take BG measurements ourselves or take Andy to them for a day so they can take the readings.

The insulin comes from a pen that I take insulin from with a syringe. A long acting insulin.

I will keep trying. I found a treat he likes that he keeps asking for that gets him close to me. My husband is able to help sometimes and that’s great. I can only do the best I can. Thanks for your encouragement. We are in the early days as you reminded me.
Take care

 

[squeem3]

Is it Lantus or the generic glargine? That's the only insulin available in pen form that cats can use.

There are ways to keep the Libre meter on. @Staci & Ivy use a tube top. There's a picture of Ivy wearing her tube top here: 11/6 Ivy Amps 325, +3 223, +6 205, +9.25 176, Pmps 197 Libre

Info on using the Libre: https://felinediabetes.com/FDMB/thr...ucose-monitors-cgms-for-diabetic-cats.301950/

Hometesting info: Hometesting Links and Tips Any Human blood glucose meter works. WalMart's Relion brand is popular and affordable. If you don't have a WalMart, any brand sold at a pharmacy will work like Freestyle or AccuChek.

A vet done curve isn't going to be accurate because a stressed out cat will have elevated blood glucose levels.

The Purina DM isn't needed at all. Not only is it expensive but the ingredients are pretty junky and poor quality and do nothing for blood glucose levels. The DM stands for dietetic management not diabetes management. The FF is a better and more affordable choice and there are many other brands. You can ignore the vet about food Just say your cat stopped eating it.

 

[Staci & Ivy]

Is it Lantus or the generic glargine? That's the only insulin available in pen form that cats can use.

There are ways to keep the Libre meter on. @Staci & Ivy use a tube top. There's a picture of Ivy wearing her tube top here: 11/6 Ivy Amps 325, +3 223, +6 205, +9.25 176, Pmps 197 Libre

Info on using the Libre: https://felinediabetes.com/FDMB/thr...ucose-monitors-cgms-for-diabetic-cats.301950/

Hometesting info: Hometesting Links and Tips Any Human blood glucose meter works. WalMart's Relion brand is popular and affordable. If you don't have a WalMart, any brand sold at a pharmacy will work like Freestyle or AccuChek.

A vet done curve isn't going to be accurate because a stressed out cat will have elevated blood glucose levels.

The Purina DM isn't needed at all. Not only is it expensive but the ingredients are pretty junky and poor quality and do nothing for blood glucose levels. The DM stands for dietetic management not diabetes management. The FF is a better and more affordable choice and there are many other brands. You can ignore the vet about food Just say your cat stopped eating it.

Hi Denise, I do use a Libre (for almost 3 years now) with Ivy.
And if she drops very low on the Libre I then text her with an ear prick and a human glucometer. So it’s not every day.
The Libre doesn’t fall off if you follow instructions very carefully.
If you’re interested in trying to use one, please read the link provided here. Lots of great information.
And if I can help, please just ask

 

[DeniseWeldon]

Hi Denise, I do use a Libre (for almost 3 years now) with Ivy.
And if she drops very low on the Libre I then text her with an ear prick and a human glucometer. So it’s not every day.
The Libre doesn’t fall off if you follow instructions very carefully.
If you’re interested in trying to use one, please read the link provided here. Lots of great information.
And if I can help, please just ask

We are using Lantus. Thank you for the link regarding Libre. Our vet is doing a day long study of his blood glucose. We could have done it ourselves but Andy is already traumatized by our giving him injections and having to hold him against his will.
We may be able to do it ourselves in the future. He runs like hell if he picks up a vibe that we need to catch him. It’s really early days for us so we are doing the best we can.
What do you feed Ivy?? We’re feeding Purina DM right now. For years he’s eaten FF pate and Reveal tuna.
We are switching vets for our next visit. The first vet is a man and communicates in a way that is difficult for me to follow. Our new vet is a middle aged woman. Hopefully that will go better.
Thanks for responding. I’ll reach out when I have more questions.

 

[DeniseWeldon]

Is it Lantus or the generic glargine? That's the only insulin available in pen form that cats can use.

There are ways to keep the Libre meter on. @Staci & Ivy use a tube top. There's a picture of Ivy wearing her tube top here: 11/6 Ivy Amps 325, +3 223, +6 205, +9.25 176, Pmps 197 Libre

Info on using the Libre: https://felinediabetes.com/FDMB/thr...ucose-monitors-cgms-for-diabetic-cats.301950/

Hometesting info: Hometesting Links and Tips Any Human blood glucose meter works. WalMart's Relion brand is popular and affordable. If you don't have a WalMart, any brand sold at a pharmacy will work like Freestyle or AccuChek.

A vet done curve isn't going to be accurate because a stressed out cat will have elevated blood glucose levels.

The Purina DM isn't needed at all. Not only is it expensive but the ingredients are pretty junky and poor quality and do nothing for blood glucose levels. The DM stands for dietetic management not diabetes management. The FF is a better and more affordable choice and there are many other brands. You can ignore the vet about food Just say your cat stopped eating it.

I’ll look into the food. It’s difficult to get agreement among experts.

We are using Lantus. Thank you for the link regarding Libre. Our vet is doing a day long study of his blood glucose. We could have done it ourselves but Andy is already traumatized by our giving him injections and having to hold him against his will.
We may be able to do it ourselves in the future. He runs like hell if he picks up a vibe that we need to catch him. It’s really early days for us so we are doing the best we can.
What do you feed Ivy?? We’re feeding Purina DM right now. For years he’s eaten FF pate and Reveal tuna.
We are switching vets for our next visit. The first vet is a man and communicates in a way that is difficult for me to follow. Our new vet is a middle aged woman. Hopefully that will go better.
Thanks for responding. I’ll reach out when I have more questions.

 

[Staci & Ivy]

We are using Lantus. Thank you for the link regarding Libre. Our vet is doing a day long study of his blood glucose. We could have done it ourselves but Andy is already traumatized by our giving him injections and having to hold him against his will.
We may be able to do it ourselves in the future. He runs like hell if he picks up a vibe that we need to catch him. It’s really early days for us so we are doing the best we can.
What do you feed Ivy?? We’re feeding Purina DM right now. For years he’s eaten FF pate and Reveal tuna.
We are switching vets for our next visit. The first vet is a man and communicates in a way that is difficult for me to follow. Our new vet is a middle aged woman. Hopefully that will go better.
Thanks for responding. I’ll reach out when I have more questions.

I hope the new vet will be a better fit. It’s so hard to get the right vets.
I’ve changed several times since our diabetes diagnosis too
Poor Andy, I hope he survived at the vet for the curve.
I make Ivy’s food. I have since before her diabetes diagnosis. So I’m used to doing it now.
It’s work but I’m happy to do it if it will help her. I think it does.
I work with a veterinarian/certified nutritionist.
I hope things will get easier with you and Andy. It takes time but it does get easier.
We’ve all been where you are so we understand
Hang in there ! And give Andy some belly rubs from me please

 

[DeniseWeldon]

I hope the new vet will be a better fit. It’s so hard to get the right vets.
I’ve changed several times since our diabetes diagnosis too
Poor Andy, I hope he survived at the vet for the curve.
I make Ivy’s food. I have since before her diabetes diagnosis. So I’m used to doing it now.
It’s work but I’m happy to do it if it will help her. I think it does.
I work with a veterinarian/certified nutritionist.
I hope things will get easier with you and Andy. It takes time but it does get easier.
We’ve all been where you are so we understand
Hang in there ! And give Andy some belly rubs from me please

Thanks so much Staci!!! I think I’ll look for a nutritionist for my baby.

 

[squeem3]

You don't need a nutritionist or even veterinary approval to feed what you feel is best for your cat Many vets have very little knowledge on nutrition. A board certified nutritionist will have additional education on pet nutrition but even some of them may be influenced by whatever the big pet food companies market as healthy food.

It's not hard to make your own cat food, either raw or home cooked. One of the best raw recipes is the one at Catinfo.org Too many other recipes you find online contain a lot of useless ingredients and you don't know if it's a recipe someone just threw together on a whim and their cat survived on the diet for years.

For home cooked, you basically just cook meat of your choice without any seasonings or oil, shred the meat up, add a pre-mix supplement for all the essential vitamins and minerals, and some water to mix it all together. Portion the food out and freeze what won't be eaten within a few days. Some popular pre-mixes to use are TCFeline and EZComplete.

Other options, although more costly, are subscription services for cooked or raw cat food and commercially available raw cat food in various forms (frozen, air dried, freeze dried, dehydrated).

Canned food is perfectly fine to feed and what most people on this board feed Only low carb canned foods are best for diabetics. The food charts are here: Links to FOOD CHARTS Many of the FF pates are suitable.

Treats need to be low carb, too. The best ones are 100% freeze dried meat or fish. PureBites is one popular brand but there are many others. Plain poached or steamed chicken is great too. A little canned tuna or other fish in water is a nice occasional treat.