New to the group here. I adopted a male diabetic cat about a year or so ago. They thought he was about 12 y.o. at the time. He was doing well on a lot carb wet food until I noticed him losing weight. Discovered he was only licking the gravy off the food and leaving the rest. Switched food brand to a pate and he did better. Then came down with a UTI. Was put on a urinary health diet by the vet but it isn't lo carb. He quit eating that too so I went back to the previous food. He eats but is still losing weight. He's been getting 3u lantus every 12 hours. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Diabetic cat losing weight
- Thread starter BeckyH
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Juls and Billy
Member Since 2019
It's hard to know how to advise without knowing more. Even with urinary issues, he's probably better off with wet food. I'll never understand why vets prescribe those high carb diets for cats. Can you tell me what brand of food he's eating? How often a day does he eat? I think you were smart to switch him to the pates. The bit in gravy often have carbs in the sauce to thicken it.
If it were me, I'd feed him small meals many times a day, but don't feed for two hours before his BGL test and insulin injection. There's a food list here, where you could look for foods that are higher in calories. Some cats also enjoy low carb treat like freeze dried chicken or plain cooked chicken breast, and that can add much needed calories.
If he's licking his food but not eating, he could be nauseous. Is he on an antibiotic for the UTI? You might see if he will eat a little plain yogurt, but not near pill time if he is still on an antibiotic, as it will interfere with it. You could also ask the vet for an anti-nausea med if you think that might be the issue.
If it were me, I'd feed him small meals many times a day, but don't feed for two hours before his BGL test and insulin injection. There's a food list here, where you could look for foods that are higher in calories. Some cats also enjoy low carb treat like freeze dried chicken or plain cooked chicken breast, and that can add much needed calories.
If he's licking his food but not eating, he could be nauseous. Is he on an antibiotic for the UTI? You might see if he will eat a little plain yogurt, but not near pill time if he is still on an antibiotic, as it will interfere with it. You could also ask the vet for an anti-nausea med if you think that might be the issue.
Bron and Sheba (GA)
Member Since 2015
Hi Becky and welcome to you and your kitty.
Are you testing the blood glucose levels your self? That is one way to see if the amount of insulin is the correct amount.
Unregulated cats can not absorb all the nutrients in the food so are frequently hungry and / or lose weight.
I’m glad you stopped the urinary dry food. That is very high in carbs.
How did you arrive at the 3 units of insulin?
My advice would be to start testing the blood glucose levels yourself if you are not already doing so, so that you can see what is happening on a daily basis. Taking cats to the vet for curves every so often does not give an accurate picture as cats get very stressed at the vet, and the BGs vary from day to day. Here is a link to home testing. It is not hard and your kitty will not hate you.
http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/hometesting-links-and-tips.287/
Has the UTI settled down now?
Are you testing the blood glucose levels your self? That is one way to see if the amount of insulin is the correct amount.
Unregulated cats can not absorb all the nutrients in the food so are frequently hungry and / or lose weight.
I’m glad you stopped the urinary dry food. That is very high in carbs.
How did you arrive at the 3 units of insulin?
My advice would be to start testing the blood glucose levels yourself if you are not already doing so, so that you can see what is happening on a daily basis. Taking cats to the vet for curves every so often does not give an accurate picture as cats get very stressed at the vet, and the BGs vary from day to day. Here is a link to home testing. It is not hard and your kitty will not hate you.
http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/hometesting-links-and-tips.287/
Has the UTI settled down now?
jt and trouble (GA)
Member Since 2009
Welcome to FDMB Becky! The BEST site on the planet to answer all your questions with HELP.
As you see there are a lot of spaces needing filling in. Please try to answer the above questions. That way our team of experts can help you help your kitty.
Your Kitty... thats a good question you can start there...Whats his name?
jeanne
As you see there are a lot of spaces needing filling in. Please try to answer the above questions. That way our team of experts can help you help your kitty.
Your Kitty... thats a good question you can start there...Whats his name?
jeanne
Bron and Sheba (GA)
Member Since 2015
Hey Becky! How is it going?
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