Greetings from newbies Beckie and sweet Killer

[Beckie-and-killer12]

Hello everyone!
I have just found out earlier today that my sweet kitty Killer, a 12 year old barn cat whom I (nearly 26 years old) have had since the day she was born nearly 13 years ago. Killer is 'my little sister's cat', and Killer's sister (Punk) is 'my cat'. A few years ago, I moved out of my parents house, and around that time Killer started urinating all over the place. Occasionally she would even do a number 2 someplace she shouldn't. The girls were mostly out doors cats, and we figured this was just something brought on by stress of my parents getting a dog. Fast forward to about 2 years ago when I moved the girls to my new home. Things went well for a while, Killer rarely urinated where she shouldn't be, this was a big deal as we had to train her to use the liter box primarily and she did NOT like that!
Just about a week ago now, I came back from my parents house after being gone just a day and 1/2 and Killer was not her self. She was VERY lethargic, wouldn't eat or drink. Which was especially strange as she had been a big pain in the behind for COLD water 4-6 times a day for the last few months. We went to the vet, and did all kinds of tests. The vet still hasn't been able to get urine sample (in two visits), but her blood tests (including a fasting glucose test) are coming back very high, and now the vet is saying that she is diabetic and needs to be put on insulin. I am completely shocked and overwhelmed. He isn't my favorite vet at the place we go, and tends to move quite quickly. I am hesitating to take her in on Monday when they will do her 'curve' test as I am doubting his diagnosis. I believe that he is a good vet, and that I am just overwhelmed by all the information out there, but I would love to be able to talk to someone who has been here before! I am going to list a whole group of not too in-depth, general questions. I have many more in depth questions that I would love to have someone to chat with one-on-one/ask to the group when I am better prepared, and not so darn tearful!!!

Here are a few basic questions:
(okay, maybe some are more in-depth than I thought...)
1) could Killer's urine right now be completely clear and NOT SMELL AT ALL? (we keep finding what looks like water all over our bathroom, Killer has been known to urinate on the bathmat in the past, but now its in all kinds of spots and I can't figure out if its her, or my tub leaking... or my toilet... or the ceiling in various spots!)
2) Does anyone else have cat(s) who insist on the coldest of cold, from the refrigerator water? Our water is 'hard water' so we use a britta filter, and if you start walking towards the kitchen (before all this started at least) Killer would nearly crawl into the fridge to find that tasty cold water. Is she just strange, or is this a diabetic/not feeling well thing?
3) Did anyone else go through a period of 'this vet has to be nuts, my cat can't be diabetic', or should I be following my gut and asking for tests on her thyroid, and other avenues of illness?
4) Does anyone here have experience with sister-kitties and one of them being diabetic? Is it strange that one of them is diabetic and the other isn't when they both have been 'free-fed' their whole lives? (and yes I know according to the veterinary community this is not the right way to feed them, but it was just always how things were and it breaks my heart to have to change that!)
5) if the vet can't get urine from Killer, how does he know that she needs to be put on insulin? Couldn't she be a type II, or non-insulin dependent cat? how do they tell the difference?

okay folks, that is all for now, this nervous kitty-mommy needs to get some sleep! I hope to make some friends here!
Thanks to anyone who stuck out reading this message!
*hugs and scratchy kitty licks*
-Beckie & Killer

 

[Elizabeth and Bertie]

Hello Beckie and Killer, and welcome to FDMB!

A diagnosis of feline diabetes can come as a real shock. And everyone here has been where you are now. (((Hugs)))

Yes, it can be overwhelming at first, but the good news is that diabetic cats can be just as happy and healthy as non-diabetics. Feline diabetes is a manageable condition, and we can help you learn how to care for your extra sweet kitty. :smile:

As to how the FD diagnosis is done, well, that seems to vary slightly from vet to vet. Typically a urine test is done to see if glucose is spilling into the urine. And the blood will be tested for glucose levels. Often a blood test called a 'fructosamine' test is done which gives the average blood glucose levels over the preceeding couple of weeks. Occasionally a diagnosis seems to be made on the basis of just a single blood glucose test. This is far from ideal as the cat's blood glucose levels may be elevated by the stress of the vet visit, and so a single 'spot check' blood test is not a sound way to diagnose diabetes.

Most diabetes in cats is 'type 2'. And some cats can go into remission (become diet-controlled diabetics). For some lucky cats all that is needed for this to happen is a short course on insulin and a change to an appropriate diet. But even those cats who need to remain on insulin can have happy healthy lives.

We advocate a low carb wet/canned food diet for diabetic cats. Dry food can elevate the blood glucose levels enormously. What are you feeding your cat at the moment? If you're feeding dry food then this would be the ideal time to remove that from her diet. Once a cat is on insulin it is advisable to only remove dry food whilst monitoring the cat's blood glucose levels at home. Monitoring is important because dry food removal can cause the BG to drop quite a bit, and the insulin dose may need to be lowered as a result.

Many of us here free-feed our cats. You don't need to change the cat's feeding routine. And you don't need to buy any fancy food made especially for diabetics. Ordinary low carb canned food is fine. People here will be able to give suggestions for foods depending on where you live (FDMB is an international forum).

Most of us here test our cat's blood glucose at home. 'Hometesting' isn't difficult to learn and it won't hurt your cat. It brings a lot of benefits too: It will help you to keep your cat safe; it will give you a greater sense of understanding and control over your cat's diabetes; and it can save you a lot of money in vet's bills. (You will be able to do 'curves' yourself at home). We advocate always doing a test before giving an insulin shot.

Hometesting only involves taking the teensiest weensiest drop of blood from the outer edge of your cat's ear, and then testing that using a glucose meter. (Most here use meters made for human diabetics)

As to your wanting to talk things through with someone here, yes, that is entirely possible. Whereabouts do you live? There may be a member here who lives near you.

Edited to add:
The diabetes aside, yes, it may well be worth getting a 'senior' blood panel done to check your cat's health and see if there are any other conditions.
And as to your cat's liking for cold water, nope, haven't personally come across that one...sorry...

 

[Elizabeth and Bertie]

Me again, just had a thought...

You can test your cat's urine for glucose yourself using 'Ketodiastix' available from pharmacies. These are used to test for glucose in the urine and also for ketones, and so are dual purpose...

It does involve stalking your cat when she approaches the litter tray, but some people get remarkably good at this! You need to dip the test strip into the pee before it soaks into the litter. Alternatively, some people put a little clingfilm/plastic wrap over the litter to try to catch a sample, or fine gravel instead of litter also works well.

 

[Wendy&Tiggy(GA)]

Hello Beckie, welcome to the board!

1) could Killer's urine right now be completely clear and NOT SMELL AT ALL? Yes. If he is drinking a ton of water it will dilute the urine.

2) Does anyone else have cat(s) who insist on the coldest of cold, from the refrigerator water? When a cat is diabetic (or thyroid issues too) many love water and become water addicts. My cat Cookie likes it cold out the tap. I sometimes put ice cubes in it to melt. But Tiggy plays with them

3) Did anyone else go through a period of 'this vet has to be nuts, my cat can't be diabetic', or should I be following my gut and asking for tests on her thyroid, and other avenues of illness? I like Elizabeths idea - check the urine yourself. Takes a minute and you will know for sure instantly. Some people shove a ladle under the cat. You can also switch the litter for fish tank gravel temporarily. Or dip the stick in one of the puddles if you are sure its from Killer. Or switch to non clumping litter (take 1 tablespoon clean non clumping litter, mix with same amount of clean water and test. If its clear, repeat with litter from a pee patch. its not the most accurate but will show urine sugar if its there) Let us know and we will be here to help with next steps and things to ask your vet on Monday!

4) Does anyone here have experience with sister-kitties and one of them being diabetic? I have seen twins, one diabetic, one not. Remember cats from the same litter can have different dads so even sisters have different genetics.. more like half sisters. (gotta love cats!)

5) if the vet can't get urine from Killer, how does he know that she needs to be put on insulin? Couldn't she be a type II, or non-insulin dependent cat? how do they tell the difference? He is looking at her blood work but not sure what test he ran though.. so do #3 above and you can be sure

Quick question - what kind of food are you feeding? Wet or dry? what kind?

Hope to hear from you soon!

Wendy