Glucose monitors

J

jschofield3

Member Since 2026
Our Vet is interested in inserting a freestyle libre to our Kitty. Blaze was diagnosed with diabetes in July. He’s 14 and he’s showing signs of neuropathy in his back hips. He’s a big cat and very lovable. He’s been doing pretty good on the insulin but we haven’t been monitoring the glucose . We have these questions: how do your cats handle the glucose monitors? Is it relatively easy in them? Do you have to get them inserted often? Have you managed to insert them yourself once you learn how from the Vet?

any other advice is much appreciated. Thank you very much.
 
There's info on using a CGM here: Getting Started With Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) for Diabetic Cats

You'll want to learn how to manually test as a back up in case the CGM falls off or malfunctions (common issues). CGMs are expensive and you'll need to have extras on hand to replace as needed.

Or skip the CGM and just manually test. Most people on the board manually test their cat's blood glucose levels. Any Human blood glucose meter will work. You don't need an expensive pet meter.

Neuropathy affects the hocks, not the hips. Did the vet make a diagnosis? Senior cats often have arthritis which is a separate issue from neuropathy.

What is the name of the insulin and the current dose? What are you feeding your cat?
 
Insulin is prozinc and he is on 1.5 units So sounds like we have to bite the bullet and just learn how to test on his ear. We’ve hesitated to do that because he won’t like it and it seems challenging. It adds stress to try to hold his head and do his ear and that kind of thing . I guess we need to just start doing it and get used to it. He does seem to be walking on the back of his legs and the symptoms seem to mimic neuropathy . The vet is leaning toward neuropathy. he’s lost a lot of muscle mass there, but will be meeting the Vet again next week and can talk to them more about that. Thank you.
 
When I get blood from the ear, I hold a cotton ball underneath where I put the lancet. That way I can stabilize the ear and hold on to it without sticking myself. It's not hard and neither of my diabetic cats made a fuss over it. Hope that helps
 
silkenpaw said:
When I get blood from the ear, I hold a cotton ball underneath where I put the lancet. That way I can stabilize the ear and hold on to it without sticking myself. It's not hard and neither of my diabetic cats made a fuss over it. Hope that helps
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That is helpful We will give it a try
 
This is the sock I use
 

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CORKY said:
also you can use a small sock fill the end with rice to make a small ball that will fit the inner ear, tie it, cut the left over of the sock
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That's a great idea. And you could warm the sock in the microwave to warm the ear prior to the stick.
 
jschofield3 said:
I did it! I got my first successful reading Hard to get the lancet in the right place Will get better Thank you!
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If you can get your cat used to the sound of it, some pharmacies sell a little pen that you put the lancet in. It pokes the lancet super fast and makes a click noise, and it allows you to adjust the depth the lancet pokes to. I found it super helpful, but I know not all cats will tolerate the clicking sound
 
I also give my Crowley a lil freeze dried chicken breast after a test (whether it goes well or not) to help give him a positive association. In fact, my civvie cat is veeeeeeeeery jealous HE does not have diabetes, and thus get treatsies multiple times a day!!

I know this is easier said than done, but I've found it also helps to try to relax while you're doing it. A few times I got stressed out, and CROWLEY felt it, and I just ended up having to give up. But then later I took a breath, calmed myself, and tried again (and tried not to get TOO annoyed when he shook his head and got blood everywhere)
 
jschofield3 said:
I did it! I got my first successful reading Hard to get the lancet in the right place Will get better Thank you!
Click to expand...
Trial and error are the best teacher, just remember this, cats are very sensitive to stress you stress, they stress, in a few days you will be apro at it, I am sure, still after 5 years, I still have to now and then stick Corky 3 times for just one test, it happens;)
 
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