Hi Carrie,
I see Oscar is coming down from his bounce after yesterday's white knuckle ride!
For recently diagnosed cats - particularly if they spend time over the renal threshold (14-16mmol/L on Alphatrak according to Merck) - testing daily is a good strategy, reason being that if there were to be a significant problem with ketones then levels can build up very quickly. If a trace result is obtained (urine strips) then another test later in the day to double-check levels would be helpful.
Tips for collecting and testing urine
According to my reading, the urine sample needs to be very fresh when testing.
I use Multistix-10SG reagent strips to for urine testing (but I'm interested in more than just ketones). I've found them quite reliable. Usually the best prices are on ebay but it's highly advisable to check the expiry date with the seller before purchasing. Ketostix (ketones) or Keto-diastix (ketones and glucose) are from the same stable so I would assume they'd be reliable too (and they're often recommended here too).
The more I learn about this subject, the more I consider a blood beta ketone (BBK) meter to be a smart purchase. Here's one of my recent posts discussing both testing methods:
https://felinediabetes.com/FDMB/thr...ontrolled-bg-since-april.243188/#post-2742212
The downside of the blood ketone meters is that the test strips are a bit pricey - anywhere from c.£14-20 for 10 - but you don't need to test often.
I had a quick gander at ebay and Amazon for ketone meters available here. I have a Freestyle Optium Neo which I bought for less than twenty quid a few years ago. I was gobsmacked to see some sellers charging anywhere from £40-66 for one!!!
(Unless you want to buy one from Oz.)
If you look at the sponsored links at the end of this ebay page, there are some sellers offering the Optium Neo for less than £20:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/FreeStyle-Optium-Xceed-Blood-Glucose-Ketone-Meter-Single-Unit-Meter-Only/224060718945?_trkparms=aid=1110012&algo=SPLICE.SOIPOST&ao=1&asc=20190711095549&meid=b24b6ecf4cb945618ac5dd233efe31e7&pid=100047&rk=1&rkt=12&mehot=ag&sd=222606457342&itm=224060718945&pmt=0&noa=1&pg=2047675&algv=SellersOtherItemsV2&brand=Abbott&_trksid=p2047675.c100047.m2108
A pack of 10 test strips for the Neo are anywhere from about £11 upwards. Some current listings:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2334524.m570.l1313&_nkw=freestyle optium neo ketone test strips&_sacat=0&LH_TitleDesc=0&_odkw=caresens ketone test strips
Again, double-check expiry dates before ordering.
There are a couple of brands on Amazon - eBKetone and On Call GK Dual - which, having looked at their reviews, I would suggest you avoid. The Caresens ketone meter looks like a better bet:
£11.99 + £3.20 P&P on ebay (last one, according to the listing):
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/20328784...7779&msclkid=2315a2a2fabf1af8bfcdc29fce29a727
Test strips for the above:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2499334.m570.l1313&_nkw=caresens ketone test strips&_sacat=72874
Given that there are 'last one' listings on both Amazon and ebay, I'd suggest checking with Spirit Health to see whether these products have been discontinued before purchasing (no point getting a meter you won't be able to purchase strips for in the future).
https://shop.spirit-health.co.uk/collections/caresens-dual
Here's more info:
FDMB ketone primer
There's not much in the way of clear guidance in the above about the significance of BBK meter readings. I found the following helpful:
Source:
http://www.diabeticcatinternational.com/knowledge/ketones/
Mogs
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) during his PM cycle to check he's not dropping too low again. 
I've now corrected this in my previous post.
