Bet you can't guess why I'm here (cross post)

[Bumpsy & Shady]

Hello All!

I'm Christine, and the mother of Bumpsy (M) and Shady (F) who are brother-sister (litter-mates). 11.5 y/o.

Well I just got the information about Bumps four days ago. I'm crushed! I've been reading a lot of information here, and although very informative, it's quite overwhelming.

So really, I'm literally at step one! I figure diet is first. I had been feeding them Wellness Healthy Weight (dry food) for pretty much their whole lives. Well, that has changed. I bought a variety pack of Friskies Tasty Treasures the next day, and switched them both over completely and immediately. So far that is going ok, but I'm worried if I am feeding too much or not enough (1.5 cans a day between the two of them). I bought this brand because everything I was reading said diet should be high protein, low fat and this seemed to fit, but now I've been seeing here, low carb as well. The cans don't say the carb level, so now I'm not sure if I've made a good choice. Please let me know if you have any thoughts or suggestions regarding my choice. (I would like to say that in the short few days from making the switch, he seems to be doing better, and a little back to his normal self personality-wise. I also believe I caught this issue relatively quickly, if that matters).

Next steps: I have to try to collect a urine sample to bring to the vet, fill the prescriptions, and begin insulin ASAP. That should happen in the next few days. They prescribed Lantus, and said to start him off at 1 (unit? cc? not sure of the terminology yet, but they showed me on the syringe.) They talked about regulating and monitoring, but haven't had a lot of conversations about that yet. I've read here about what some of that entails, (that seems to be the overwhelming part), but we haven't even crossed that bridge yet. Any first steps, or recommended supplies I should have, (go slow please) could help. I'm also scared to death of the low BG (again, unsure of terminology?) thing, and would like any suggestions regarding that, should the situation arise. The vet talked about rubbing syrup on his gums, but I just want to make sure to be fully prepared in the event.

Me: I am single, live alone and work an erratic schedule 45 - 50 hours a week (read: cat lady, lol). I don't drive, but do have a decent public transportation where I live (NE USA). Also, I am NOT rich, so any ideas regarding cost savings (down the road, once things are hopefully stabilized), or support systems would be welcome advise as well.

Thanks for listening/reading!

 

[Kris & Teasel]

Welcome! We all know how overwhelming it is in the beginning. Yes, there's a ton of information to absorb but you'll get up to speed faster than you think.

Well, that has changed. I bought a variety pack of Friskies Tasty Treasures the next day, and switched them both over completely and immediately. So far that is going ok, but I'm worried if I am feeding too much or not enough (1.5 cans a day between the two of them). I bought this brand because everything I was reading said diet should be high protein, low fat and this seemed to fit, but now I've been seeing here, low carb as well.

Many of us feed grocery store brands like Friskies or Fancy Feast pates. The versions with sauce or gravy are too high in carbs for routine feeding but are good to have in the cupboard in case you need higher carb food to prop up a low blood glucose number.

They prescribed Lantus, and said to start him off at 1 (unit? cc? not sure of the terminology yet, but they showed me on the syringe

Lantus is a good insulin for cats and your vet is starting your kitty off on a good low dose. The Lantus forum here is the largest with many very experienced people to help you. Yes, the dose is in "units". The syringes you'll use are called U100 syringes and you definitely want to have half unit marks on them. You'll need those marks for sure at some point.

They talked about regulating and monitoring, but haven't had a lot of conversations about that yet. I've read here about what some of that entails, (that seems to be the overwhelming part), but we haven't even crossed that bridge yet.

Yes, it's a complex process. Some cats do well very quickly and others take longer. There's a reason why we call this a marathon, not a sprint. Patience is key.

Any first steps, or recommended supplies I should have,

Shopping list:

• higher carb food for raising blood glucose if it falls too low - Fancy Feast/Friskies with gravy or sauce is fine
• urine ketone test strips - one brand is Bayer Ketodiastix - purchase at a human pharmacy
• blood glucose meter - Walmart ReliOn brands are economical. Get one that needs only a tiny drop of blood.
• honey, corn syrup (karo) or maple syrup in case blood glucose is falling too low into hypoglycemia ("hypo")

Notice I mentioned a blood glucose meter. Testing blood glucose is the essential tool to keep your kitty safe. It's easier than you think and we have lots of tips to help.

All the advice and support you'll need is here on FDMB. Ask as many questions as you like any time you like.

 

[Tricia Cinco(GA) & Harvey]

See my post on the L&L page.