2nd Time Around

[JERRYMAGS]

Just got the 'bad news' yesterday that MIIKKA has diabetes. This is my second cat that has encountered this disease. My first cat MANYX didn' survive very long after being diagnosed, and the start of insulin shots. Both guys were big, both in head size and body weight. MIKKA just weighted in at 27# last week, we had some blood work done that revealed the diabetes.
All kinda of 'flash backs' are going through my head at this point. But time to suck it up, turn it over to my Higher Power, and pray for the best. Damn!
MIIKKA just turned 7 on 4/1/13, and MANYX wasn't much older when he went to Cat Haven.
So today starts the journey to get the prescriptions filled, and then a trip back to the vet for consultation, and more reading off this website.
Hopefully MIIKKA will make it, he deserves a shot (not an insulin shot). He's going to be a handfull, but he's my cat so I probably have a better chance with him then my wife.
So keep us all in your prayers.

JEM & CMCM
MIIKKA & SNIFFLES
Mechanicsburg, PA

 

[BJM]

1) insulin - we recommend Lantus, Levemir, or ProZinc as appropriately long lasting in cats - about 12 hours. If you get either of the 1st 2 insulins, ask that the Rx be for individual pens (3 mL), not the 5 pack and not the vial (10 mL). There is less waste that way. Plus, sign up at http://www.Lantus.com for the savings card to get the first 5 pens at $25 each.

2) home testing - a human glucometer, such as the Arkray Glucocard 01 or 01 mini from our shopping partner ADW (link at top of page) works well and we have reference numbers for evaluating the insulin dose using human glucometers. Don't let the vet convince you to use the AlphaTrak brands as they are pricey, pricey, pricey and you can't get stest trips ($$) in the middle of the night. Its like reading temperature in Celsius or Fahrenheit; both are valid, they just look different.

3) Food - low carb canned or raw food is recommended. Friskies pates and Fancy Feast Classic pates are 2 of the least expensive in the US. See Cat Info for a comprehensive food chart. Do not bother with the prescription cat foods; many are too high carb, plus the cat gets bored and won't eat it.

4) urine ketone testing - see my signature link Secondary Monitoring Tools for tips. Ketones are a by-product of fat breakdown. Too may ketones may indicate diabetic ketoacidosis, a potentially fatal and expensive to treat complication of diabetes.

 

[Wendy&Tiggy(GA)]

Hello and welcome to the board

Let us know how the vet visit went and we can take it from there. Many cats go into remission with three things in place ...

1. Food - what are you feeding now? wet/dry/type/brand? We may need to change it
2. Home testing - critical to watch for remission and to check the dose is ok
3. a good insulin - the ones BJ mentioned are the best. Others dont work well in cats or are hard to manage

Wendy