Do cats have to eat before getting insulin?

[suwannee79]

I'm trying to switch canned foods and my cat is being picky - he keeps sniffing like he's interested then walking away - I want to give him some time to try the new food on his own without resorting to the old food immediately.

His BG is 373 right now so does he have to eat before getting insulin or can I still give him his shot even if he hasn't eaten yet because his BG is high? Thanks!

 

[Jennifer and Spot (GA)]

I'm a newbie, but I think they need to eat.

 

[nwnews]

My vet told me that a cat should have at least a tablespoon of cat food before injecting insulin. Jan

 

[Carl & Polly & Bob (GA)]

There is a great discussion on this in the Think Tank forum. It is not a simple yes/no answer

viewtopic.php?f=22&t=9070

Cael

 

[Sue and Oliver (GA)]

As Carl says, no simple answer. But it certainly is best, partly because the insulin can act differently with no food on board with lower numbers than usual.

Try warming up the food until nice and stinky. Put a little Parmesan cheese or tuna juice on top. Offer some on your finger. Some cats like a soupy or gravy texture which you can get by adding some warm water. There is also something called FortiFlora which has the ingredient that makes dry food so irrestible. It is a probiotic but you would be using it as an appetite enhancer. Won't help today, but might be worth getting - on line or from your vet.