Boarding Diabetic Cats

[Anne Richardson]

I work at an all cat pet hotel. We sometimes board diabetic kitties. I have a few concerns. Sometimes when boarded, cats go on hunger strikes. We don't routinely check BGL. They are alone after their 6 pm shot until the morning. There are people on site, but they are tenants, not part of the kennel. If a boarded cat is not eating and goes hypo during the night it could be a real problem. My boss, who has worked with cats and cat rescue for 30 years doesn't seem to be concerned enough. Some cats that are sweeties at home turn into fierce monsters with us, so testing is not always an option. This morning, I had to don leather gloves, push kitty's head gently down and inject into thigh and get out fast.

My other concern is that they mostly come in with vet prescribed food including dry food. We don't want to undermine their vets, but sometimes the cats won't even eat the vet prescribed food and we have to try something else to get them to eat. I want to educate, without alienating clients.

Any suggestions or input is appreciated, since you guys really know the subject. I've been gently making suggestions to my boss from what I've learned here. Since we are the only all cat pet hotel around, and we don't charge extra to give insulin or meds we may get more diabetic cats. I'd like to avoid a potential tragedy!

 

[Larry and Kitties]

If a cat does not eat I would not inject. I would tell the client that before they board.
I would infrom that a low-carb diet is better for diabetic cats and say that is supported by ver articles like this:
http://veterinarymedicine.dvm360.com/cvc-highlight-8-tips-make-life-easier-owners-diabetic-cats

 

[BJM]

In some cases, when a vet is fasting a diabetic cat, the vet may suggest a half dose of insulin or skipping. This is something to discuss with the client ahead of time.
Also, see my signature link Secondary Monitoring Tools and the linked chart. You might use some of the non-invasive, quick ones, to assess the diabetic cat while boarding - dehydration checks, food and water intake and output, smelling the breath for fruity/vinegary odor, and jaundice (too much fat breakdown overwhelms the liver, causing jaundice and possibly hepatic lipidosis).

 

[scoobydoox]

Well if something happens to a diabetic cat at your cat hotel it is entirely the owner and staffs fault and would be liable since you have no training in caring for a diabetic cat. Don't any of these clients ask if any of you are trained? Do they even know there cat is alone at night with no staff to tend to it if there is a problem? I hope your not using this forum to educate yourself to care for diabetic cats without seeking out a vet to train the staff.

 

[Erica & Carter]

I think a lot of people just give the injections to their pet and aren't knowledgeable enough about FD to realize how much monitoring is involved. Most boarding places aren't 24hr, therefore I feel like having someone stay in your home is usually a better option, and the price is usually comparable. I used to pet sit all the time for clients of my old veterinary practice (none were diabetic) but geriatric, required subQ fluids, etc. I feel like some owners would genuinely not mind knowing their cat couldn't be monitored, because they don't monitor their cat themselves. I have a hard time trusting a pet sitter myself, though. Luckily I don't go on many vacations!