Blood sugar testing a skittish cat

[Sarah and Baby]

It's been a while since I posted, and Baby has been well regulated for the past three years or so. Unfortunately, this morning she had a seizure, so I'm a little worried about her.

I have her on Levemir, and my husband and I just had a discussion about how she needs to be getting her shot on a more strict schedule. He has been doing her shots lately and he was a bit more relaxed with the times than he should have been.

The biggest problem I have is that I haven't been able to test her sugars in a very long time. She is really hard to get into your lap or anywhere close. She will only come for her shot if there is a treat involved. I know that it would be pointless to give her a treat and then take her sugar, so I don't know what to do about this. Any suggestions or ideas?

 

[BJM]

It takes several minutes for what is eaten to start affecting the glucose level, so don't let that stop you.

Also, see my signature link Secondary Monitoring Tools for additional assessments you can make to evaluate your cat.

 

[KittyMom777]

I'm just starting testing Silver and Ive found the easiest way to do it and keep both hands free is to come up behind him while he's lying on the floor. I put one knee either side of him so he's held there. He doesn't struggle to leave as I pet him for a while first. Then I grab the hot bag and warm his ear. He struggles a bit but stays put. Sometimes I have success with just one prick other times it's hard to get a drop but I think his ear wasn't warm enough. Try pinning the way I do and see if that works for you.

I live in a small basement apartment so he doesn't need to come. I just go to where he is.

 

[Merlin]

Not sure what kind of treat you give her but if that works, I would treat her test the same as her shot and go ahead and give her a treat. After you test her, you are going to feed her anyway so we are only talking a few minutes anyway. I am assuming that you are testing, feeding and shooting all in about 10 minutes, correct? My kitties like the dried chicken (Purebites) which is a good diabetic treat.

 

[Critter Mom]

Does Baby like being groomed? If you haven't already tried it, you could turn testing time into a fuss fest with grooming and treats and lots and lots of praise. A cheerful, 'singy' tone of voice when praising helps, too.