? FEEDING- what is the best schedule for a diabetic cat!?

[Mimis mom]

Smaller meals more often right? But what would you tell someone who has a newly diagnosed cat. I see all kinds of things on how to administer insulin but what about feeding? I can’t find anything on it. I only remember being told a lot of people feed at +1 +2 and +3 then nothing until the pre shot. Or nothing after nadir? I mean feeding only until +3 would be nice for me because I wouldn’t always have to separate them while I’m gone, I could leave right after the +3.. I hate separating them because they like to cuddle and one of them gets the lousy bedroom with no view of squirrels, birds and sunshine. Usually Mimi gets the room because she’s so easy going but I know she loves the sun too. Batman freaks out when he’s trapped in a room- he meows all day (so I’m told) lol
Is there info somewhere I can read about it ? I can’t seem to find anything clear online, and the vet just says “twice a day” which I know is BS.

 

[Panic]

Some people free feed if the cats are grazers and won't scarf it in one sitting. Most of us use Petsafe 5 Auto Feeders to give food throughout the day (and night!) and it often depends on the kitty. A standard you can follow is giving a mini meal at onset (which might be +1 or +2, depending on kitty), and at/before nadir. Bare minimum. You may find as you learn how kitty dips in the cycle when the best time is to feed - like say if at +4 she tends to drop, you might want to feed then, etc.

Ideally you don't want to give meals past nadir, just because at that point the food burns up the insulin early. I do give snacks/treats here and there after nadir on occasion, just no hefty meals. My girl onsets at +2 and nadirs around +5 or +6, and I've found giving her food at +2, +4, and +5 works for her currently. It can always change. Hope that helps.