14 year old cat just diagnosed with type1

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moxiekm

Member Since 2013
Our cat was just diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.

He is 14. We are not in a position to care for him nor can we support the ongoing costs of the care.

I want to put him down.

I know this website is more for support of those who are going through the treatment of their cat's disease. I guess I was just looking to see if there are others like me who feel that, considering my cat's age, and our family situation, that euthanasia is a better option for his best interests.

I am new to this message board, and from the looks of it people here seem to be rational. I just hope I don't get swamped by hundreds of angry members who want to call me all types of names because of my plan.

Remember that I actually inquired before I went and made any decision!

Thanks

Edited - changed 911 icon to Candle. Fly free sweet boy wings_cat
Carl & Bob
 
Would you consider rehoming him? I have two diabetic cats that I have adopted as diabetics...ideally rehoming him would be the best option if you are unable to care for him. However with that said it is a much kinder fate to put him down than allow nature to take its course when it comes to diabetes.

I can't guarantee that we can find him a new home through this board, but if that is even an option we can at least try...perhaps posting a location and picture and we can see what we can do.

Diabetes shouldn't be a death sentence as it is a very easy disease to treat, but when treating isn't an option IMHO I would try to find a new home first.

Mel, Maxwell, Autumn & The Fur Gang
 
How did the vet determine "type 1" rather than type 2? Only asking because Type 1 is pretty rare in cats.

Let me ask you what you believe the daily cost of managing this would be? It might be a lot less than you think.
And other than finances, are you pretty positive that you wouldn't be able to be in a position to do this?

I'm just trying to make sure you understand that "this" isn't as overwhelming and difficult as many people (including me) thought it would be on the day our cats were diagnosed.

My wife at the time wanted to put Bob down too. And I refused to go along with that. Bob was about 12 when diagnosed, and came really close to dying before I decided to treat rather than PTS. That decision was the best one I ever made, and it fundementally and literally changed my life for the better.

Bob was on insulin for 10 weeks. Today he's been off insulin for 18 months, he's healthier than he's been in a decade, and I'm looking forward to spending a few more years with him. Diabetes, if treated, is not really a huge deal.

If left untreated, it leads to a horrible death. So if you absolutely can't do it, and you can't find an alternate plan, like a foster or new home for him, then putting him to sleep would be the merciful thing to do.

Carl
 
By the way the two that I adopted as diabetics were 12 and 15 at the time the 12 year old just turned 14 and has been insulin free now for 2 years and you wouldn't know that he was 14 he plays with my 5 year olds...and my 15 year old is still going strong even though she takes two tiny shots a day...They both have made me a better person in many ways, I have never once regretted adopting either of them even though I have 12 other young health cats here as well.

Mel, Maxwell, Autumn & The Fur Gang
 
It's certainly your decision but we have had a good success rate with getting cats into remission within a few months. Especially if its caught early enough. Even if they stay on insulin, Your cat could have a good few happy years left in him and we can help with that.

Let us know
 
First, thanks for taking the time to stop, ask questions, and get a "reality check," so to speak.

Many people arrive at this board with a diabetes diagnosis and either few facts, misguided or outdated information, or a misperception of exactly how much effort/time/money it takes to treat a diabetic cat.

The diagnosis can be daunting, but it need not be.

Depending on the patience, experience, and mindset of the vet, your perception of what treatment will entail could be spot on or vastly erroneous. So before I draft the lengthy fact-based response that's in my head, perhaps you could share with us what you've been told.

What have you been told treatment will entail? At what cost? What do you see as being the biggest obstacles for choosing to treat? Is the cat exhibiting any behavioral problems that are influencing your thinking?

The more background you can share, the better able we'll be to address those concerns and help you arrive at a fact-based and well-thought-out decision for your situation.

I'll say up front that, assuming you love the cat and are genuinely looking for a reasonable path forward that won't break the bank, there are a multitude of ways to do it. Years ago when I was a kid, we had a cat who was diagnosed with diabetes. The vet told us how hard it was to treat, etc, and recommended euthanisia. So we did, not wanting the cat to "suffer." And I regret it to this day. If only I'd known then what I know now. I'd take diabetes any day over some of the other diseases I've dealt with in pets. It's a disease of management and tweaks (such as switching to low carb commercial food), and not a terminal diagnosis. Not unless we want it to be. Euthanasia is always an option, but I think it would be a last choice.
 
You might also want to check out Diabetic Cats in Need. They've helped many, many caregivers like you that thought they couldn't afford to take care of their kitty. They can supply insulin and supplies.

But, as Carl said, if you can't find a good solution for him, it is most humane to let him go then to starve to death with diabetes.
 
Caring for a diabetic cat doesn't need to break the bank. After the inital diagnosis and bloodwork needed, the only costs are insulin, insulin syringes, and blood glucose testing supplies. Monthly supply costs for a diabetic cat with no other health issues is less than $100, even less than that sometimes. There were some months where I didn't need to buy anything for my diabetic cat.

Food is always an ongoing cost for any pet :smile: You don't need to buy expensive prescription food for your diabetic. Nearly everyone here feed low carb commercial canned food, such as Fancy Feast or Friskies. Some people even feed homemade raw food.

Your vet may insist on doing in-office blood glucose curves and fuctosamine tests. Those are $$$$. You can save the money by testing your cat's blood glucose levels at home yourself and call/email the results to the vet. Home testing is much more accurate than an in-office cuve because a cat isn't stressed out.

Here are tips on how to save money on costs: http://binkyspage.tripod.com/frugal.html

If you still don't think you can care for your diabetic cat, contact Diabetic Cats In Need: http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/viewtopic.php?f=28&t=29083 They can help rehome your cat.
 
Thanks everyone for your honest, and empathetic responses. It was nice to read the supportive and understanding comments.

As it turned out, the blood tests came back and Damien had rather bad kidney trouble as well. The estimated bills to only maybe remedy this were prohibitive. That on top of trying to get the diabetes under control really sounded like too much for our family, and likely for our old friend to endure. Our vet was understanding that we thought it best to put him down for sure.

Damien Berkely 1999-2013. He was a great cat and a good friend.
 
I am so sorry that it was Damien's time to leave you...but thank you for giving him the final gift of love we mere humans have to give to our furry friends.

Fly Free Sweet Damien. wings_cat Have a wonderful time at the rb_icon bridge playing with all our gentle friends that have gone ahead until you see your family again.

Mel, Maxwell, Autumn & The Fur Gang
 
We all try to do our best. It sounds like you have too. My sincere condolences Fly free sweet friend, land softly back to the hearts that loved you so.
jeanne
 
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