Forum Newbie Saying Hi

[PureKaos]

Hello, fellow cat lovers!

My name is Jenn and my sweet Stormy (12 year old short hair) was diagnosed with diabetes two days after his twin sister unexpectedly passed away. Hubby and I were blessed with two free bottles of insulin when we first got the diagnosis, but here we are, almost 8 months later, almost at the expiration date of the second bottle and seriously down on our financial luck.

I came to this site to help ease my anxiety. Stormy is my life. While his sister's death still eats away at me, I truly can't imagine life without my boy. I have another cat, Carter, who I also love with all my heart, but there's just something about Stormy that has tied him to me like no other.

I feel like this diabetes diagnosis is a ticking time bomb. He's doing VERY well thus far, but I can't help but feel like we're waiting for the other shoe to drop, ya know?

Ugh - sorry to be Debbie Downer on all y'all - it's just been a tough week!

I'm looking forward to getting to know you and your fur babies and getting some more ideas on how to find great deals on insulin, supplies, and other fun cat-related things to help make life easier on the whole family!!

*Jenn*

 

[PureKaos]

Here's Stormy, lounging on me while I try to get some work done. This is pretty much how our entire day goes!

 

[Sharon14]

Hello Jenn and Stormy and Welcome! Stormy is adorable! It's obvious that the two of you are extremely close. I'm glad to hear that he's doing so well since his diagnosis. I'm new here too, it's scary, but everyone keeps telling me to breathe! I understand your financial worries too. It can be quite daunting. Have you had a look at the supply closet forum? There is often insulin and other supplies for a reasonable price, sometimes even free. Again, welcome and look forward to getting to know you both!

 

[PureKaos]

Thank you, Sharon!!

Coincidentally, I just found the supply closet area as your message alert came in!

And yes - the breathing part is the hardest and most important! I'm constantly reminding myself!!

 

[Sharon14]

I know, I haven't mastered the breathing part myself!

 

[BJM]

Welcome to FDMB, the best place you never wanted to be.

There are 4 things you'll need to manage your kitty's diabetes:
- You - without your commitment, the following won't work.
- Home blood glucose monitoring with an inexpensive human glucometer such as the WalMart Relion Confirm or Target Up and Up (the pet ones will break your budget!). This saves you the cost of going to the vet for curves and done regularly, removes the need for a fructosamine test.
- Low carb over the counter canned or raw diet, such as many Friskies pates. See Cat Info for more info. If already on insulin, you must be home testing before changing the diet. Food changes should be gradual to avoid GI upsets - 20-25% different food each day until switched. There are 2 low carb, dry, over the counter foods in the US - Evo Cat and Kitten dry found at pet specialty stores and Young Again 0 Carb found online.
- A long-lasting insulin such as ProZinc, Lantus, BCP PZI, or Levemir. No insulin lasts 24 hours in the cat, so giving it every 12 hours is optimal for control.