Desperately Looking for a New Home for my Diabetic Kitty

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Pamela

Member Since 2012
Hi all,

My sweet little kitty's name is Wendy and she is a 4 year old calico. She has been diagnosed with diabetes and I am unable to afford the proper care for her. I am desperately seeking a kind soul in the Calgary (Alberta, Canada) area who may want to give her a home. I have tried posting ads on Kijiji and contacting shelters, with no luck so far. A member of this message board told me about it and suggested I try putting up a post.

I love this cat and it breaks my heart to give her away, but I'd feel even worse if I had to euthanize her. She is still so young and full of life it just wouldn't be right, but I am running out of options. Please contact me if you are able to help.

Thank you,
Pamela
 
Pamela,

I am so sorry to hear about your predicament as I too am currently struggling with the cost of my newly diagnosed kitty...I am trying to work it out, but being a single mom I can feel your pain...please go to this topic hopefully they can help you: Diabetic Cats in Need--Sharing Resources
by Diabetic Cats in Need (DCIN) » Fri Nov 05, 2010 7:45 am

FDMB member and moderator Venita and Ennis93 is the Founder and Director of Diabetic Cats in Need (DCiN), a nonprofit project that helps diabetic cats and their people. DCiN supports diabetic cats in their original and adoptive/foster homes, rehomes unwanted diabetic cats, and helps to direct caregivers to appropriate information about the treatment of diabetic cats. DCiN has several case managers, all of whom are members on this site.

More information about DCiN is on its open Blog, Facebook page, and Yahoo Group.

Should you need help with a diabetic cat, or know someone who does, you are welcome to contact Diabetic Cats in Need (DCIN) or Venita and Ennis93 by private message (PM) here or by email at Venita@dcin.info to discuss specifics.

DCiN is NOT an organizational part of FelineDiabetes.com or its forums. DCiN is thankful to Rebecca, the owner and moderator of FelineDiabetes.com, for allowing DCiN to post here about its services, receive and send private messages about diabetic cats in need, and on occasion to post about diabetic cats for which DCiN is seeking financial support (sometimes in conjunction with the Lantus Land Emergency Fund).

DCiN EMPHASIZES that it FIRST supports FDMB member donations to FelineDiabetes.com--whether to FelineDiabetes.com's home testing kits program, its affiliate links, its subscription and donation requests, its Supply Closet, or any other assistance program that it develops in the future. You are here as a FDMB member and DCiN believes your first support should go to the FDMB.

However, DCiN welcomes you to help with its cause with cash, insulin, and supply donations. Donations to DCIN are tax deductible. Information about making donations is on the DCIN Blog here.

Venita
Last edited by Venita and Ennis93 on Wed Mar 28, 2012 10:11 am, edited 2 times in total.
Reason: Changed email address
DCIN blog, on Facebook, and Yahoo Group
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Diabetic Cats in Need (DCIN)

Posts: 481
Joined: Mon Jun 28, 2010 12:15 pm
Location: US and Canada
 
Welcome! Diabetes is very treatable if you are willing to put in the effort to learn about the disease and how to treat it well for your cat. And we can help you do it cost effectively.

For example, you don't need to buy prescription food. What food is your cat eating? Many cats here eat either low carb canned food (such as Fancy Feast and Wellness) or RAW.

Home testing is another way to keep costs down. By not taking the cat to the vet for curves and such, you will save lots of money by testing at home.

Also, many cats go into remission with diet change alone - getting rid of all dry food (kibbles) is the best way to start. And cats that need help with insulin, also could go into remission after a short time on insulin.

There are different types of insulins available and ways to purchase them cost effectively.

For example, instead of the 10ml bottle of Lantus, which does cost over $100 and may last only a month or so, ask your vet to write you a prescription for either the Lantus OptiClick pen cartridges or the Lantus SoloStar pens. Both of these come in a pack of 5 which is essentially a 5 month supply :smile: Each pen or cartrdige contains 3ml of Lantus so you are throwing away less each month, too. The cost for a box of pens or cartridges is about $150 or so but that breaks down to $30 a pen/cartridge. Much more cost effective: Use regular insulin syringes with the pens and cartridges. You do not need pen needles or anything. The preferred insulin syringes to use are U100 3/10cc (30 unit) with half unit markings. No big deal if you don't have these right now but be sure to buy them next time

There are other ways to keep the cost of Lantus down, such as buying from a reputable online Canadian pharmacy which many people here do. There is a $25 coupon for Lantus here: viewtopic.php?f=15&t=30098

Lantus is a great insulin to use so it's well worth the expensive, IMO. There a some things you need to know about handling Lantus because it is pretty fragile. See this sticky: viewtopic.php?f=9&t=151

If you need more tips on how to keep your cat's diabetic costs down, see this http://binkyspage.tripod.com/frugal.html


So, would you be willing to try this and keep your baby with you?
 
Thank you so much, Harleysmom. I will check them out as I am seriously running out of time. I really appreciate the help!!
 
Hillary, thank you and unfortunately the issue is complicated - I am so strapped financially that even a little extra cost over what I'm paying now would not be doable. My credit cards are maxed and my chequing account is overdrawn - I barely made rent this month.

Also, to make matters more complicated, my partner is not willing to keep her. Together we are both struggling financially, and let's just say his heart is not as soft as mine when it comes to our kitty. He has already scheduled a euthanasia and I am desperately trying to find an alternative before the appointment, which I've already postponed once. I completely disagree with his approach, but at the same time I have to respect his wishes as well as my own as we are in this together. This whole thing is causing alot of friction in our relationship and I am utterly emotionally drained - I just want someone who can provide care and a good home to take her so she doesn't have to deal with our stress.

Ugh, I'm sorry to be so depressing, I am just hoping someone will see my posts and be able to help :(
 
Hi Pamela,

I have a couple of ideas for you and some suggestions where you might be able to take your cat. Although I am in Calgary I cannot not take on another cat. I am sorry you are financially strapped but the initial cost is hard but the day after day cost is not that bad. If you send me a private message with your phone number I will talk to you and give you some of my ideas (go to user control panel at top of page under Board Index)


Alix
 
Hi,

Another resource to try is IMOM (imom.org) which can possibly provide some financial assistance. I hope you can get the help you need for your kitty.

Savo
 
Hi everyone,

I am happy and relieved to report to you all that I have found someone to take Wendy. This woman has worked for a shelter in the past as well as fostered a diabetic cat in the past, so she knows what's involved and is willing to give Wendy the proper care. I will definitely point her towards this message board, as my short time on here has shown it is an invaluable resource!

I want to sincerely thank you all for your understanding and helpful replies, as well as for being there for all who struggle with their cats' diabetes. You are all amazing!

This is definitely bitter sweet for me as I will miss Wendy dearly. I am spending my last night with her cuddling and playing with her as much as possible. However I am extremely relieved and happy that Wendy will have another chance at life! Yay for happy endings!!!

Blessings,
Pamela
 
Yay! for Happy Endings

Yay! for Happy Endings. I know it's hard for you, but I am happy that Wendy will get a new chance at life, and I hope it is a long and healthy one. Maybe, you could visit her, someday, or find out how she is doing. I hope you will tell the new foster mom about this board, so that she can get help, if she needs it.
Bless you.
 
I am happy you found a new home for her and won't have to PTS. It's always a relief when things work out. I am just sorry that you are not able to keep your cat, but glad she has new home and you don't have to stress over it any longer.
 
Pamela,

That is wonderful news...I am so glad that Wendy found a home!! I'm sorry you will miss her, but you did a wonderful thing for your furbaby! Good luck to Wendy in her new home!
 
Thank you all for your kind replies. It was definitely difficult dropping Wendy off at her new home, for the rest of the day I just couldn't stop crying. But after a good sleep, I now feel much more optimistic, and like a huge weight has been lifted as I know Wendy will be cared for and loved.
Wendy's new mom has already sent me an update saying that she is still a bit timid in her new home, but is coming out to be patted when she is coaxed in a soft voice. This makes me feel better as I know she is usually extremely shy.
I miss her, but I'm happy for her :)
 
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