Financially supporting a cat with diabetes?

[Charlotte&Brioche]

My cat recently got diagnosed with diabetes. I am a college student 90% supporting myself, so I don't have a lot of extra cash at the moment.

I was wondering if anyone had experience using carecredit. I've been looking into it but I'm not sure if it would hurt my credit score if I didn't use it for a bit (no balance on the card).

Also, if anyone has advice on helping with the financial aspect of caring for a diabetic cat, it would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Bron and Sheba (GA)]

I will tag @Diane Tyler's Mom, she may be able to give you some ideas and @Chris & China (GA)

 

[Lisa and Witn (GA)]

There are several things you can do to help save money while caring for a diabetic cat. A few years ago I was unemployed and at the same time had two diabetic cats and a dog with medical issues. I was able to properly care for all of them during the months I was not working.

First, learn to home test. This means testing your cats glucose levels before every shot and doing your own curves. An good inexpensive meter to ues is the Walmart Relion brand glucose meter. The strips are not very expensive. Not only will this ensure that you do not give insulin when your cat's glucose levels are too low it will also save money because you don't have to go to the vet just to have a curve done. We can help you learn how to test, do your own curves and adjust the dose if needed

Next, even though dry food is cheap, it is bad food for them. A high protein, low carb canned or raw food diet is needed. This helps lowers the glucose levels and makes it easier to manage diabetes. Many of us feed either Friskies or Fancy Feast to our cats. The pate flavors are usually the lowest carb foods. If you have more than one cat the best thing you can do is feed them both the same diet. Trust me, the diabetic one will sneak into any other cats food if they are not fed the same.

Do you know what insulin you will be using? If it is Lantus, Semglee, Basaglar (all glargine insulins) or Levemir, ask for the prescription for the pens instead of the vial. With the pens you should be able to use almost every drop vs the vial where it will become ineffective long before you can use it all. So you will end up throwing away money. One package of pens could last 9-12 months depending on your dose. With the pens you will use syringes instead of the pen needles. If you have Walmart near you their syringes are now expensive either. Also check online for the manufacturer coupons and pharmacy discount cards. You can also order your insulin from Marks Marine pharmacy in Canada. All of these can save you money.

We also have a Supply Closet. So look there to see if there are any supplies you can use.

These are some things that helped me when I needed. Other members can add other tips to help you.

Also remember this board is here to help you learn how to care for your diabetic cat. So if you have any questions please do not be hesitant about asking. Everyone here has had at least one diabetic cat. This board has helped all of us and we help pay it forward be helping each other.

 

[Charlotte&Brioche]

There are several things you can do to help save money while caring for a diabetic cat. A few years ago I was unemployed and at the same time had two diabetic cats and a dog with medical issues. I was able to properly care for all of them during the months I was not working.

First, learn to home test. This means testing your cats glucose levels before every shot and doing your own curves. An good inexpensive meter to ues is the Walmart Relion brand glucose meter. The strips are not very expensive. Not only will this ensure that you do not give insulin when your cat's glucose levels are too low it will also save money because you don't have to go to the vet just to have a curve done. We can help you learn how to test, do your own curves and adjust the dose if needed

Next, even though dry food is cheap, it is bad food for them. A high protein, low carb canned or raw food diet is needed. This helps lowers the glucose levels and makes it easier to manage diabetes. Many of us feed either Friskies or Fancy Feast to our cats. The pate flavors are usually the lowest carb foods. If you have more than one cat the best thing you can do is feed them both the same diet. Trust me, the diabetic one will sneak into any other cats food if they are not fed the same.

Do you know what insulin you will be using? If it is Lantus, Semglee, Basaglar (all glargine insulins) or Levemir, ask for the prescription for the pens instead of the vial. With the pens you should be able to use almost every drop vs the vial where it will become ineffective long before you can use it all. So you will end up throwing away money. One package of pens could last 9-12 months depending on your dose. With the pens you will use syringes instead of the pen needles. If you have Walmart near you their syringes are now expensive either. Also check online for the manufacturer coupons and pharmacy discount cards. You can also order your insulin from Marks Marine pharmacy in Canada. All of these can save you money.

We also have a Supply Closet. So look there to see if there are any supplies you can use.

These are some things that helped me when I needed. Other members can add other tips to help you.

Also remember this board is here to help you learn how to care for your diabetic cat. So if you have any questions please do not be hesitant about asking. Everyone here has had at least one diabetic cat. This board has helped all of us and we help pay it forward be helping each other.

The vet has me using the Libre Freestyle 2 for his glucose monitoring. I was looking into getting one where I can test it myself, but I was worried it might add unnecessary stress on him, I got him super recently so he’s still settling in too.
They also have him on prescription food (Purina dm I think) and vetsulin.

Thank you for all the information!

 

[Larry and Kitties]

I was looking into getting one where I can test it myself, but I was worried it might add unnecessary stress on him, I got him super recently so he’s still settling in too.

I have adopted both untreated and ones already on insulin. I really only had problems testing on two cats, one would bit a little but he was a front declay so no scrating. The other Nala would give light bites and scratch. When got a routine going no problems.

 

[Charlotte&Brioche]

I have adopted both untreated and ones already on insulin. I really only had problems testing on two cats, one would bit a little but he was a front declay so no scrating. The other Nala would give light bites and scratch. When got a routine going no problems.

He does really well with the shots and stuff like that so I am definitely considering it.

 

[Lisa and Witn (GA)]

I have adopted both untreated and ones already on insulin. I really only had problems testing on two cats, one would bit a little but he was a front declay so no scrating. The other Nala would give light bites and scratch. When got a routine going no problems.

Same here. Several of the diabetic cats I adopted hand not been treated with insulin. One trick to help your cat adjust to testing is to reward him with low carb treats when you test. Freeze dried chicken is a great treat. Soon he will associate testing with getting treats. Even if you are not successful with the test still reward him.

You also do not need to feed prescription food. There is nothing magical about it and it is expensive. A canned or raw food diet is more beneficial. We can help you learn which foods are recommended

 

[Charlotte&Brioche]

You also do not need to feed prescription food. There is nothing magical about it and it is expensive. A canned or raw food diet is more beneficial. We can help you learn which foods are recommended

I have been doing the treat thing with his insulin injection, and he is very food oriented so that is a good idea. Any information on what foods I could use for him would be wonderful, he is my first pet so it makes me a little nervous, the vet was very adamant he remains on the diet.

 

[Wendy&Neko]

Here is a post on Financial Help Links

There have been members here who used CareCredit. Including one who needed help with radiation therapy to treat a secondary condition with the diabetes that was quite expensive.

Some members make their own cat food. I found making food to be a fairly cheap option. You can either get a premix (which is more expensive) or get the ingredients to make your own. Here is one such recipe: https://catinfo.org/making-cat-food/

 

[Diane Tyler's Mom GA]

I will tag @Diane Tyler's Mom, she may be able to give you some ideas and @Chris & China (GA)

Vetsulin isn't the best insulin for cats
Found this posted by @Chris & China (GA)
If your vet would give you a script for Glargine (brand names Lantus, Basaglar, Semglee) you might want to contact DCIN (Diabetic Cats In Need). We have a One Time Assistance program that's for new sugarcat parents who are struggling with the costs of getting started. We can provide you with a few months worth of insulin. You don't have to be low-income to qualify for the OTA program.
To send to me, just click on my name, choose "start conversation" and that will come to my Inbox. If you're on Facebook, that's even faster and I'll make sure it gets to where it needs to go. https://www.facebook.com/chris.ronkoski/
@Charlotte&Brioche

 

[Diane Tyler's Mom GA]

Here is a post on Financial Help Links

There have been members here who used CareCredit. Including one who needed help with radiation therapy to treat a secondary condition with the diabetes that was quite expensive.

Some members make their own cat food. I found making food to be a fairly cheap option. You can either get a premix (which is more expensive) or get the ingredients to make your own. Here is one such recipe: https://catinfo.org/making-cat-food/

The vet has me using the Libre Freestyle 2 for his glucose monitoring. I was looking into getting one where I can test it myself, but I was worried it might add unnecessary stress on him, I got him super recently so he’s still settling in too.
They also have him on prescription food (Purina dm I think) and vetsulin.

Thank you for all the information!

Relion Premier Classic Meter at Walmart for 9 dollars
https://www.walmart.com/ip/ReliOn-Premier-CLASSIC-Blood-Glucose-Monitoring-System/552134103

The tests strips are 17.88 for 100
https://www.walmart.com/ip/ReliOn-Premier-Blood-Glucose-Test-Strips-100-Count/575088197
You can order them on line also
Our numbers are based on human meters
When you do start testing
Always aim for the sweet spot warm the ears up first, you can put rice in a sock and put it in the microwave, test it on the inside of your wrist to be sure it's not to hot, like you would test a babies bottle. You can fill a pill bottle with warm water and roll it on the ears also.Just keep rubbing the ears with your fingers to warm them up

6. As the ears get used to bleeding and grow more capilares, it gets easier to get the amount of blood you need on the first try. If he won’t stand still, you can get the blood onto a clean finger nail and test from there.
When you do get some blood you can try milking the ear.
Get you finger and gently push up toward the blood , more will appear
You will put the cotton round behind his ear in case you poke your finger, after you are done testing you will fold the cotton round over his ear to stop the bleeding , press gently for about 10 or 20 seconds until it stops
Get 26 or 28 gauge lancets
A lot of us use the lancets to test freehand not the lancing device
I find it better to see where I'm aiming
Look at the lancet under a light and you will see one side is curved upward, that's the side you want to poke with
@Charlotte&Brioche

 

[Diane Tyler's Mom GA]

As Lisa mentioned most feed Fancy Feast Classic Pates or Friskies
They are all low carb I like to feed 2 or 3 percent carbs but 6 % and under is OK
Here is our food chart so you can look at it
https://felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/dr-pierson-new-food-chart.174147/

 

[Diane Tyler's Mom GA]

They also have him on prescription food (Purina dm I think) and vetsulin.

Please read all the yellow stickys about Vetsulin
https://felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/beginners-guide-to-caninsulin-vetsulin.231587/
Feel free to ask any more questions you have

 

[Ale & Bobo & Minnie (GA)]

I used carecredit with Minnie. I was unemployed because of covid and she had back to back er hospitalizations so I was looking at bills totaling $15K. I just got a car and my credit score is still excellent so no, it doesn’t. It allows you to pay and defer the interest. It would only affect your credit if you don’t pay it and goes into collection.

 

[Charlotte&Brioche]

Relion Premier Classic Meter at Walmart for 9 dollars
https://www.walmart.com/ip/ReliOn-Premier-CLASSIC-Blood-Glucose-Monitoring-System/552134103

The tests strips are 17.88 for 100
https://www.walmart.com/ip/ReliOn-Premier-Blood-Glucose-Test-Strips-100-Count/575088197
You can order them on line also
Our numbers are based on human meters
When you do start testing
Always aim for the sweet spot warm the ears up first, you can put rice in a sock and put it in the microwave, test it on the inside of your wrist to be sure it's not to hot, like you would test a babies bottle. You can fill a pill bottle with warm water and roll it on the ears also.Just keep rubbing the ears with your fingers to warm them up

6. As the ears get used to bleeding and grow more capilares, it gets easier to get the amount of blood you need on the first try. If he won’t stand still, you can get the blood onto a clean finger nail and test from there.
When you do get some blood you can try milking the ear.
Get you finger and gently push up toward the blood , more will appear
You will put the cotton round behind his ear in case you poke your finger, after you are done testing you will fold the cotton round over his ear to stop the bleeding , press gently for about 10 or 20 seconds until it stops
Get 26 or 28 gauge lancets
A lot of us use the lancets to test freehand not the lancing device
I find it better to see where I'm aiming
Look at the lancet under a light and you will see one side is curved upward, that's the side you want to poke with
@Charlotte&Brioche

Thank you so much!

 

[Diane Tyler's Mom GA]

Thank you so much!

You're welcome

 

[Ale & Bobo & Minnie (GA)]

How old is Brioche? Do you think he was already diabetic when you got him? Some cats do go into remission but I don’t think Vetsulin has a good success rate with that. It also depends on how soon you catch it and how you treat it.


As for food, not sure what state you’re in but I recently started feeding Bobo raw food and it ends up being cheaper or about the same than feeding fancy feast (depending on your cats weight and how much a day he’s eating). I don’t make my own, I’m buying a brand called Steve’s Quest and it comes in nibble sizes. I pay about $15 for a 2-pound bag that lasts me 10 days. You may want to check it out:
https://www.stevesrealfood.com/raw-cat-food/frozen-diets/


Also not sure if anybody mentioned but you need to monitor his bg if you’re transitioning from a higher carb to a low carb diet because it can drop his bg considerably. With Vetsulin, you need to check his bg, feed and wait 30 minutes before giving the shot because it’s a harsh insulin that hits fast. It also doesn’t last a full 12 hours so your cat is not protected the entire 24 hours. It’s also called caninsulin because it was designed for dogs not cats.

 

[Charlotte&Brioche]

How old is Brioche? Do you think he was already diabetic when you got him? Some cats do go into remission but I don’t think Vetsulin has a good success rate with that. It also depends on how soon you catch it and how you treat it.


As for food, not sure what state you’re in but I recently started feeding Bobo raw food and it ends up being cheaper or about the same than feeding fancy feast (depending on your cats weight and how much a day he’s eating). I don’t make my own, I’m buying a brand called Steve’s Quest and it comes in nibble sizes. I pay about $15 for a 2-pound bag that lasts me 10 days. You may want to check it out:
https://www.stevesrealfood.com/raw-cat-food/frozen-diets/


Also not sure if anybody mentioned but you need to monitor his bg if you’re transitioning from a higher carb to a low carb diet because it can drop his bg considerably. With Vetsulin, you need to check his bg, feed and wait 30 minutes before giving the shot because it’s a harsh insulin that hits fast. It also doesn’t last a full 12 hours so your cat is not protected the entire 24 hours. It’s also called caninsulin because it was designed for dogs not cats.

I just recently got him, almost exactly a month ago so I am assuming he had it prior to me owning him. He is estimated to be 2-5 but we think he is probably around 4. He was a stray before he was in the shelter so I really don't know anything about his history.

I have been doing that feeding procedure for the insulin, but he has remained at 400 for his bg. The vet said well probably increase it but we have to do at least 14 days on it first,.