Getting a good BG reading

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Sue Maus and Marky

Sue Maus and Marky

Member Since 2020
I have read the tips and tricks here on how to get a good, successful BG reading. Even though I'm experienced on doing my own, of course it's different with a cat. The testing area is different, and you just can't simply explain to them why you're poking them. Mine stresses, and now, even when he sees the meter, he wants to take off. I've had the meter a week, and have only been able to successfully test about 5 or 6 times. The lowest reading, which I've only been able to obtain them right around injection times, has been 317. I've noticed nothing to concern me that he's ever been too low to inject. I'm feeling it's been a lot like the vet office for him, where the reading can be higher because of the stress. I also have concerns that he may be dumping sugar (If I'm saying that right.) because of the dosage of insulin they started him with last Friday. He has a checkup tomorrow, and as I've already emphatically stated, I will be covering all of these issues. There's 2 other vets within a mile of me, one that's exclusively cats, and I'm prepared to make a change if they don't want to work with me! But for now, what am I missing? Last night, he was as relaxed as much as I thought possible, practically asleep on the couch between us. I think just my getting up signaled him to what was coming. He's also started to growl and hiss when I go to test him, and he's never "talked" to me in that tone (Yes, I have to make a joke here and there to keep from crying. And yes, I take all of this VERY seriously!) since the first night when he was scared in new surroundings and being with a new family. I'm getting better with the testing, getting a reading the first try the last 2 times and 3 times total, but I'm thinking the stress is influencing the numbers negatively. That's where I need the advice. Thanks!
 
No one would ever think you weren't taking this seriously! We're all in the same boat and have to find the humour where we can some days.

I found when I was first testing Kyra that giving him a small tub of tuna to munch on distracted him quite nicely. I would put him on the kitchen counter, lots of loves, tuna, rub his ear with my hand to warm it up, tuna, attempt to test, tuna and so on until we either managed a test or we had to give up for that attempt. Some days, though rarely, he will either try to paw us away or have a little grumble but someone on here described that as a cat acting like a grumpy teenager. Ever since they said that I don't worry when he acts like this as it is just a tinie tiny strop that he gets over in no time.
 
Is your cat (name?) treat oriented? What are his favorite ever treats? This is what I did with trouble ...(and mind you he hated testing tll the day he was in remission) But this did make it easier. Get his treats go to the testing spot call him if he comes near? give a treat. then just walk away. Repeat that till he comes running when he hears the bag or container.
Once you have him coming for treats get him where you want him give a treat let him go...Repeat with EACH step until you have him waiting in the spot you want to test him. While there play with his ear rub gently with more a closed hand so as to help warm, give a treat...walk away. Get were I'm going here? With each action he preforms he gets a treat. once that treat is eaten walk away. Its called sensitizing.
I also like what Jemma just said. ECID every cat is different. You just have to keep trying tlll you find that magic combination. Its frustrating, especially when you know you NEED to get that drop, but no more frustrating than what you are going through now.:facepalm:

GOOD LUCK we are ALL pullin for ya!
jeanne
 
Not at all! I write absolute essays when I only intend to make a 'quick' thread. I think it all depends on how busy the forum is and if the right information has already been given in the responses you get.

Something that will help you massively, and the people responding to you with assistance, is setting up your spreadsheet and your signature. I believe @jt and trouble (GA) knows where the links to the info on setting these up are....if you wouldn't mind Jeanne?

PS I don't sing to my cat I just talk his ear off the entire time I am doing the test. He actually comes to me in the kitchen now for tests as he knows it means more treats!

Please keep us updated on how you get on! It does get easier I promise :)
 
Hey, please don’t take the number of responses (or lack thereof) personally. It has more to do with topic and timing than anything else. I always hate to see someone get their feelings hurt — this is a great group of people and the knowledge base is stellar.

As for testing, sometimes we just have to tinker until we figure out what works for our cat. I have some who welcome the attention (even for an ear poke), some who are disgruntled by the invasion of their personal space (“ahem, don’t breathe my air, and by the way, this wasn’t my idea so even though it doesn’t hurt, I’m gonna fuss”), and only one who would probably take my arm off if I tried (but he’s a former feral and might try that anyway, lol). They can be a lot like kids. However, I find being matter-of-fact and just saying, hey, we’re doing this, just like I would to a kid who fussed about brushing their teeth, puts everyone in the right mindset. Cats are pretty intuitive, so any hesitation on your part probably rings alarm bells for the cat. They’re predators, right? So they tune in to the fine details.

Sometimes an in-person demo helps, but that’s hard these days with COVID. I think the biggest things are (a) don’t get discouraged, (b) don’t give up, and (c) remind yourself that testing absolutely doesn’t hurt the cat (despite the vocalizations and running off) and is a really important and powerful tool to help you collect data, make decisions, and keep your cat safe. It also gives you the best possible chance to get your cat into remission.

The other thing you can consider is to have a Libre put on the cat. People have mixed results but it’s an option to consider if you need a break from the frustration of testing. If you haven’t looked into that option, there’s another thread on this forum where pros and cons are discussed.

Good luck. And please know that how you’re feeling is common. Please just hang in there a bit longer...
 
JL and Chip said:
being matter-of-fact and just saying, hey, we’re doing this, just like I would to a kid who fussed about brushing their teeth, puts everyone in the right mindset. Cats are pretty intuitive, so any hesitation on your part probably rings alarm bells for the cat.
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I very much second this. Even just pretending to be confident can help both cat and caregiver enormously.


Mogs
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  • It would be helpful if you can set up your signature
  • On the left, under Settings, Click on Signature. This is where you will put information that helps us give you feedback.
    • There is a limit of two lines which may include two links; you may separate pieces with commas, dashes, | etc. This is where you paste the link for your spreadsheet, once it is set up.
    • Add any other text, such as
    • Caregiver & kitty's name (optional)
    • DX: Date
    • Name of Insulin
    • Name of your meter
    • Diet: "LC wet" or "dry food" or "combo"
    • Dosing: TR or SLGS or Custom (if applicable)
    • DKA or other recent health issue (if applicable)
    • Acro, IAA, or Cushings (if applicable)
    • Spreadsheet link. Please put the signature link on the bottom line of your signature information, on its own, so it is easy to find.
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Be sure to click the 'Save Changes' button at the bottom. If you need help urgently it is important we know these things at a glance. We don’t want to waste valuable time finding out information.


tap on your avatar where it says your name ,then hit profile page ,tap on that ,then go up to the very top, upper right hand side and tap on your name ,it will bring down a drop box, tap on signature, the signature will be under settings, tap on the signature then and you can start to add what I posted above, make sure you hit save ,
Welcome to the best place you could ever be and an awesome group of people
Setting this up will avoid members having to ask the same questions over and over again.
Thanks :cat:
 
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KyraCat said:
Not at all! I write absolute essays when I only intend to make a 'quick' thread. I think it all depends on how busy the forum is and if the right information has already been given in the responses you get.

Something that will help you massively, and the people responding to you with assistance, is setting up your spreadsheet and your signature. I believe @jt and trouble (GA) knows where the links to the info on setting these up are....if you wouldn't mind Jeanne?

PS I don't sing to my cat I just talk his ear off the entire time I am doing the test. He actually comes to me in the kitchen now for tests as he knows it means more treats!

Please keep us updated on how you get on! It does get easier I promise :)
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I'm SORRY I never got this tag. If I did I missed it. This is probably too little too late but...
FDMB SPREADSHEET INSTRUCTIONS

Ive failed miserably and will consider stepping away.
 
@jt and trouble (GA) you are you're own "superspreader event", spreading welcome and spreading the news to those who need to come help.
Life gets busy, and we can't all be here every day at all hours when people need our help. Jeanne helps to make sure people are welcome and tags people so that when they do sign on, they see the tag and the need and can comment when they have a chance.
 
Setting up the spreadsheet at this moment might not be a good idea. And that's nothing against anyone here. When I'm stressed and flaring, trying to do anything new even if it's relatively easy, seems frustrating and intimidating to me. I used to be so good with any mental tasks. I qualified for MENSA, and now feel like a shell of my former self. I got this computer for my birthday, October 15th of last year. I didn't get it out of the box and set up until November 19th. Most of my pictures and all of my music is STILL in the old computer and not transferred over. This is my 5th or 6th computer and usually I'd have everything done in several hours spread over a few days. I still can't figure out how to work some things on Windows 10! I so want to know what this new me did with the old me! I'm going to fiddle around with the signature, but I'm not making any promises there. I actually had to make pen and paper notes of what Diane mentioned to put with the signature, as that's how I have to do things these days.
 
One of the best pieces of advice I ever got here is, "DONT FORGET TO BREATHE"
I'm usually all over the place. I doubt I could set up a spreadsheet either. I would have to rely on the good folks here. Even entering readings would be a huge challenge for me. How did I do it when Trouble was alive? Thats easy... this place didnt have spreadsheets back then. :p I recorded everything in a little book.

Take your time. It will come.;)
 
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