Cat getting more resistant

[Michael plazz]

The first couple of weeks were fairly easy, now he is refusing to let me touch his ears. Having another person help seems to make it worse, not better. He has always been hard to handle, getting blood (from a vein) takes a team of people at the vet's office...I don't know how I will ever be able to test as often as needed. Btw, getting a drop on the era is not hard, it is getting the strip to the drop, that is becoming nearly impossible. He inevitably pulls back or shakes his head, and the burrito method with the towel does nothing to stop his head from moving. The harder I try to hold him, the harder he fights. Any alternate ways to get the drop of blood off his ear, and then put it on the strip?

 

[Red & Rover (GA)]

You can transfer the blood from his ear to a clean finger nail and use that drop of blood to take the test.
Also, do not complete insert the strip into the meter until you are sure that you have the drop of blood. A lot of strips can be wasted when the strip is inserted, then the cat refuses to play along. It is possible to only partially insert a strip.

 

[jt and trouble (GA)]

Some people (with clean hands) use their thumbnail to scrape the blood off (let the cat go) and then test it.

 

[jt and trouble (GA)]

It is possible to only partially insert a strip.

Thats what I use to do. Just put the strip in far enough to not trigger the meter. THAT helped TONS!

 

[Deborah & Muffy(GA) & Wendall]

No cat likes to be restrained and it can create distrust and frustration for everyone. I've fostered/ adopted 15 or so diabetics who didn't know me and had no reason to trust me, and have used the same method to train all of them to come for testing. Our current 3 line up when it's time, usually before I even get there.

This is what works for me:
Choose a place that's comfortable for you and has good light. I use the washing machine in the bathroom but a counter or table will work.

Have supplies ready - test strip partly inserted in meter, lancet, and tissue for backing and applying pressure after the test. If the cat always gets the same dose, have the syringe loaded.

Food is your friend so use it. Set the dish in front of them just before testing. When they're preoccupied with eating they don't really seem to notice being poked. With new cats, I start by petting the back of the head and gently but firmly grasp the ear. If they stop eating and look worried I let go of the ear and give them a moment. Trust is important and shouldn't be betrayed. Be patient, calm and try not to make a big deal out of it because they pick up on your anxiety.

 

[Michael plazz]

Thanks, I have a great bond with my cat, and I actually think that is why he feels free to let me know exactly how he feels (which, in this case, is not happy), but I will try the food method. He is just such a wiggler, and it is hard not to get anxious, because I keep thinking, if I can't pull this off on a regular basis, it could mean his life. Not sure how you do it with so many special needs rescues, but thank you for doing that!

 

[Lalkabee]

Having another person help seems to make it worse, not better. He has always been hard to handle, getting blood (from a vein) takes a team of people at the vet's office..

I'd be scared too with a bunch of ppl around poking my ears! Give him a break and only you can touch his ears with treats, warm the ear first while he is eating. The burritos method will only make him hate that more. If you poke the vein all the time, he might have pain...reason why he doesn't stay still anymore for testing.

 

[jt and trouble (GA)]

I keep thinking, if I can't pull this off on a regular basis, it could mean his life.

Ohhh how many times did I think that!!! I have to say Trouble never did "get use" to testing. (It took two of us) BUT he NEVER ever held it against us. He was still the big lovable mush he always was. I give him credit for that.