11/3: Cliff AMPS=355|PMPS=298

[MiCo]

Hello! Since I am new to this, I'm going to create a thread each day to recap how it's going and ask questions. Hope that's okay!

This morning was okay. I feel like I'm getting worse at testing. I'm poking with the lancet and his ear is not bleeding, and Cliff is a very skittish guy who is running away to start as it is. I'm trying not to act stressed, but I am.

• Tips on the ear pricking? I've read the instructions, and watched countless videos each day. But I will keep trying to learn how to do this better/make this easier.

Fed Cliff and then got the insulin ready. Hubs came in for that and did the poke. Again, not as smooth, he actually bent the needle a bit. But, I can't complain. I'm better at restraining cliff right now. I think the insulin went in... He just kind of jammed it a bit.

This was only our 2nd poke, so we are still learning! Any advice appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[Kris & Teasel]

I'd say some treat training is in order so that Cliff learns that pokes mean treats. If you establish a location you always use for the procedures you can take him there multiple times in the days ahead to give him lots of attention, cuddles, scratches and treats. Play with his ears (without pricking), pull on his skin (without shooting) and dispense treats freely. Freeze dried meat/fish treats are great for this. Repeat, repeat, repeat. He'll get better and you'll get calmer.

Warming his ears is important if you live where winter is looming. The rice sock tool is really good. I actually rub Teasel's ear with it gently because he seems to like that. When giving shots, being calm and methodical but gentle is important. The speed/efficiency will come. Those little needles do bend easily but a slight bend won't do any harm. You'll probably find areas that Cliff prefers for his shots. Are you using the scruff/shoulder area now?

And, yes, starting a new thread every day is fine. Whatever works for you.

 

[Sue and Oliver (GA)]

Another thing that might help: sometimes a larger lancet works best at first. The one that comes with the lancet is usually 30/31 which is fine for humans but cats might need a fatter one at first. Ask for alternate site lancets (25-27 gauge). Warming the eat was vital for us, and as Kris says, getting a treat that he loves and is only for poking, is very important.

I always waited until Oliver was deep into his meal and gave the shot then. It works for some cats.

 

[Rachel]

His ear will get better at bleeding too. They learn to bleed over time...something about getting more capillaries? You'll all get better at it.

If you can't get a reading after 3 tries take a break. Walk away for 10 minutes and then try again.

 

[MiCo]

Thanks for the tips! I finally made the rice sock, and the testing went better tonight.
He is still skittish when I come around.. So I need to work on training/rewarding/regaining his trust. The weekend might be better for that!
Stressful day today, so I'm gonna try to lay low tonight.

Hope everyone on the board is doing well!

----------------------------------------------
Three Things I'm Thankful for today:

1. Still this board!
2. Comfy PJ's
3. Grilled salmon-it's what's for dinner.

 

[Kris & Teasel]

I really like your "Three Things" that you put in your posts. It's easy to get overwhelmed when dealing with challenges, ours or kitty's, and remembering those little things restores some perspective.

 

[Ruby&Baco]

I also love 'three things'! Like Kris said it is overwhelming in the beginning so to take a step back and see what you are doing right instead of what all is going wrong or not the way you want to yet is so great!
And if you do feel overwhelmed we are all here for you! We've all been on that beginners path and we all learned how to coop with this diabetes!

Cliff will trust you pretty quick when it comes to ear pricking. Rewarding him is indeed a good way to get him used to it. But you will notice that kitties will get used to it and even (in some cases which I witnessed with Baco) ask for the testing and the insulin!
That's why the connection will be even stronger with a diabetic kitty! They will let you know when there numbers are high and you can 'read' them and know what's going on. It's pretty special I must say!