4/16 Drawn first blood but it was mine--Not sure what to do

[Barb and Tori]

Hi everybody and happy Easter to you all.

Well poor Tika is really stressed out and I'm getting more and more stressed out. I haven't even tried to test him yet because every time I try and give him his insulin he goes snakey on me. Can't say I blame him but my arms are beginning to look like something like My Cat From Hell. I've been able to get a pm dose into him each day but only had luck once in the morning. I can't really get him into a kitty burrito because I can't get pick him up so I've been attempting to cover his head with a towel. I feel so bad for him and I feel like he's never going to trust me. But he needs his insulin .

I never had problems testing or shooting Tori but with her I had had her since she was a month old. She just laid in my arms like a little baby and I'd test and shoot. But with Tika it's a whole different ballgame. F irst of all he loses his original owner and then his foster mom. He's scared and I get it but I'm just not sure how to handle him.

I've gone out and got a Feliway dispensor and also the spray for his room downstairs and also a herbal remedy to put on his paw. That is of course if I can get near his paw. If anyone has any suggestions I would love to hear them.

On a more positive note Malachi and Tika seem to be maintaining their truce. No puffy tails or disagreements. They can be in the same room together no problem. Also I have discovered that Tika is a fan of soft food so I'm working on transitioning to Fancy Feast for now and hopefully eventually to raw.

Well that's it for now I guess. Any and all suggestions would be very welcomed.

Barb and Tori GA and now Tika

 

[Wendy&Neko]

Rose thorn gloves? They are thick leather but flexible elbow length gloves I used to use when I had cat nail trim duty at the local shelter. Another is Rescue Remedy for Pets. You can put a drop or two in his water. I've even put some on a treat or fuds. @Tricia Cinco(GA) & Harvey used a cat sack for her Harvey. Best of luck - it's hard taking on a new baby who is upset and confused.

 

[Tricia Cinco(GA) & Harvey]

Hi Barb.

I'm sorry you're having a hard time with Tika. You're not new at this, so I'm sure you know that he feels your stress. Try some deep breathing before, during and after your attempts at testing and/or shooting.

Here is a post you may have seen before, with tips on testing and shooting: http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/hometesting-links-and-tips.287/ .

If you haven't already been doing this, I'd make it a point to interact with him as much as possible when you aren't attempting to test or shoot - so he doesn't think you only come to him to do mean things. Are you giving treats? I think it's in the post I linked, but always give a treat when he lets you touch his ears, whether you test or not.

Wendy mentioned the cat sack. My Harvey was all Aby - very feisty and VERY strong, and he did NOT like to be held or restrained. I couldn't pill him without help, until I got a cat sack. The first few times it was a struggle to get him into it, but once he was in it, he relaxed and we could pill him, and later when he became diabetic, I could test and shoot. Eventually he actually climbed into it himself when I brought it to him! It's worth a try. Covering the head is a good idea, too. I know that's successful with anxious ferals (I watch a lot of tinykittens.com).

Hang in there! I know it's frustrating and stressful, but it'll be so worth it! We'll help all we can!

 

[LizzieInTexas]

While Gizmo is usually an angel at home for testing and shooting - he is the devil at the vets. They use the cat sack with him. It is the best solution for all parties involved. Might be worth a try. Once the vet has it on him he just kinda goes limp and they are able to do the blood draw and urinalysis.

 

[Ella & Rusty & Stu(GA)]

Hi Barb, I'm sure that all will go well in a little while. Tika will trust you and know that you are trying to help. Did his foster mom have a technique she might share?
Thinking of you. The cat sack sounds promising. There is also something called the Thundershirt.

Welcome back!