Cat sitters who can inject insulin

[Ektorp]

Hello again, folks,

My cat, Milo, is 14 and relatively newly diagnosed with diabetes, which is being managed with insulin (and I've tweaked his diet too).

I've only tried to go away once since he's been on insulin, and finding a cat sitter who could do injections was not easy (and we couldn't use our old sitter, which was a shame).

The issue I have is that my cat is a funny creature: he likes me and me alone, and is not very interested in/friendly towards other people. The sitter I used is a vet nurse, so in theory, she sounded ideal. However, after a couple of days, he stopped cooperating with her when she tried to inject him, and started hissing and trying to swipe at her, so she wasn't happy to carry on with his injections and I had to break my trip short to come home again.

This leaves me in a difficult position in terms of the long-term, unless I can find another sitter who can manage him better. I'm reluctant to try a cattery, as I've heard horror stories about diabetic cats getting stressed at the change of scene/upheaval and not eating while they were there, which then meant they couldn't be injected, so am not sure that would be a good option for my awkward cat.

Do any of you out there have any tips or thoughts? Thanks in advance.

 

[Lisa and Witn (GA)]

Do you have a friend or relative nearby that can help? I recommend they come over frequently before you leave so your cat could have time to become friendly with them. Have them give your cat low carb treats such as freeze dried chicken each time so your cat starts to associate your friend or relative with something they love. It's bribery but can work.

 

[Sienne and Gabby (GA)]

I've used both vet techs/nurses as well as professional pet sitters who can give shots. My cat was entirely unpredictable as to who she would allow get near her. (She was a tortie and had a good deal of attitude.) Lisa's suggestion is a good one. You need a sitter who will make friends with your cat.

 

[Ektorp]

Do you have a friend or relative nearby that can help? I recommend they come over frequently before you leave so your cat could have time to become friendly with them. Have them give your cat low carb treats such as freeze dried chicken each time so your cat starts to associate your friend or relative with something they love. It's bribery but can work.

Unfortunately, I don't have anyone I trust who lives close enough to try. :-( I moved for work and everyone is at least 90 minutes' drive away! But I might see if I can try another vet nurse/tech and see if they are willing to come over regularly before my next trip ... Thanks for your thoughts!

 

[Ektorp]

I've used both vet techs/nurses as well as professional pet sitters who can give shots. My cat was entirely unpredictable as to who she would allow get near her. (She was a tortie and had a good deal of attitude.) Lisa's suggestion is a good one. You need a sitter who will make friends with your cat.

Thanks!

 

[kelcie]

Glad to see this thread, I’m in a similar boat where I don’t have anyone who is able to give Zyler his shots. I have a trip planned to meet my mom for thanksgiving at the halfway point (5-6hr drive) and typically wouldn’t have brought Zyler. But since he’s newly diagnosed and it’s so soon I’m going to bring Zyler with. Zyler has traveled a lot with me before and luckily settles in easily to a new place but I suspect it’ll bounce his numbers around a bit but at least I’ll be able to keep a close eye on him. Hoping to teach my mom so that even with her being so far, if something were to happen to me, that she at least understands what he needs (hate thinking about it but just never know).
In any case I know I need to find a sitter in my area for emergencies and future trips one day so my plan was to have them start coming over just to hang out with Zyler before any shots. Zyler can be kind of skittish with other people so I know it’ll take awhile till he’s comfortable coming up to another person and I need him to build that trusting relationship with them.
For US folks, did anyone find someone on Rover or Care in their areas or is asking vet offices the best place?