Help! Please

[Nina M]

Hello, I will try to make a long story short but I could really REALLY use some advice/suggestions/thoughts/comments.
I took over my cat from my aunt 5-6 years ago. He is now 17 years old. He always ate dry food and was always a puker. when I brought him in my he vet said he was diabetic. He was in the 500’s. At the time I changed his diet to the expensive diabetic food they recommended and insulin. I was terrible at giving insulin. My ex was the one that could do it. Needless to say when I brought him in for a sugar check they said when you get him home give him a treat I said why, they said he is very low (like 50-60). On the way home he didn’t move. That freaked me out. So I said the hell with that I will try diet alone. I found this group and started feeding him wet food (fancy feast pate). 2 years ago this new vet I took him to left a voicemail (I still have it). Good news, he is not diabetic anymore (remission) his numbers are 145 and looking good. Whatever you are doing is working so keep it up. I’m a little concerned with his kidney numbers but we will keep an eye on it. He might be starting to get cataracts probably due to his age. I’m thinking ok not too bad! Specially because they told me to buy the prescription food from them and didn’t believe in at home testing. Well Last year I bring him in. She was concerned about thyroid, diabetes or kidneys. She called and said his diabetes is back (don’t remember her mentioning kidneys). His numbers were like 240. I figured he gets worked up going into the car let alone vets and I have been feeding him some dry food as a snack, I’ll look into dry food with low carbs and see if that works. I found the young again zero and thought great, this should all work. Mostly wet food FF pate and snack young again.
A couple months ago (2-3 months) I noticed him always hungry, throwing up and maybe losing weight. My mom recently was like yea let’s bring him in. I bring him back in, tell them what’s going on and what I’m feeding shim. Right away that is not what the doctor recommended, there is so dual food for this. Can’t believe everything you read online. They weigh him and he lost 1.5 since last year. The doc checks him over and comes in, she proceeds to berate me. He has lost weight, he feels bony, you didn’t do what I suggested, you let this go on too long and he is starving to death. Fancy feast only works if you have him insulin too. I have to advocate for him and his quality of life, I would suggest maybe putting him down. He has cataracts because of the diabetes going on so long, his kidneys might not be great cuz of the diabetes, because you let this go on for so long it is probably too late to reverse this. I will run some blood work and let you know what we find. It won’t be back till Wednesday because we are closed. Wow! I started crying and felt attacked. As if I didn’t put him remission or care or do my best. He is 17 years old and I love him. She did not consider I put him remission doing what I was doing, never did anything for his kidneys and just because I didn’t get the prescription food it’s all my fault. Not to mention she blamed everything on diabetes, yea he may have diabetes but his eye sight was already going, she said he was having kidney issues years ago, and he is an older cat. I don’t know what to do or think. Is he suffering? Should I start insulin? Is it time to let him go? I am a mess and feel horrible like everything is my fault. What do I do?

 

[Ale & Bobo & Minnie (GA)]

I’m so sorry for your vet’s horrible bedside manner. And for everything you and your cat are going through - what’s his name? I also disagree with your vet on food. Unfortunately most vets do not know a lot about feline diabetes….they have many animals to look after and they all have different diseases and treatments. Vets also get their information about nutrition from the big cat food manufacturers so they are biased in what they recommend. Vets prescribe food that’s actually bad for diabetic cats and what you’re feeding is perfect.

I have to say, and this is not meant as an attack or a judgement at all - but I think he should never have come off insulin. 145 is not really remission because the normal range is 70-120. So he may have benefited from a little insulin. We recommend home testing because you don’t have to experience the type of hypo you saw him have on the way back from the vet since you’re monitoring daily and can intervene with food. My recommendation would be for you to get him back on insulin asap, either Lantus or prozinc, and home test. That’s the best shot for getting him healthier and giving him good quality of life. Cats with diabetes not getting insulin can develop other health issues, like the cataracts you mentioned he has, and others more severe.

would you be willing to start home testing?

With a diabetic cat you need

• A low carb wet diet that is 10% carbs or under. Most of us use around 4-7% carbs
• A suitable insulin such as Lantus or Prozinc which are long acting, more gentle insulins than the old insulins.
• We recommend hometesting the blood glucose with a human meter…it is not necessary to use a pet meter which is expensive to run and is no better. It will keep your kitty safe and you will know how the dose is working for your kitty. Only testing every so often will not tell you what is happening in between those times and an awful lot can happen in even a day.
• HELP US HELP YOU has information about the spreadsheet, signature and hypo box which you will need to be able to look after your beloved kitty properly

Can you tell us what insulin your cat was on before?

We are happy to help you with setting up the spreadsheet, how to learn to home test and much more!

 

[Bron and Sheba (GA)]

Hi and welcome to the forum to you and your beautiful kitty.
I do get very cross with vets, who see a cat with a few issues who think the best solution is to PTS.
I would definitely not consider PTS.

Your kitty is very treatable. It is never too late to treat diabetes. And diabetes is a treatable disease which can be managed with insulin.
Ale has given you the pathway to the care he needs. Hometesting the blood glucose is an important part of this as it will tell you (without guessing) how much insulin he needs. It might sound scary but it isn’t. It just takes a few days for you both to get used to a new process.

If he has some kidney issues, there are foods that are compatible with diabetic foods, so that can be addressed. We can help you with that. You don’t need expensive prescription foods for either the diabetes or the kidney issues.

 

[Nina M]

Hello!
Thank you both for the reply’s. my cat Yogi and I appreciate it it. I couldn’t believe the way the vet spoke. I feel like she was mad I didn’t buy the RX prescription stuff and follow her instructions and that I was a bad cat mom. Im willing to try everything to make him feel better and give him a good life but I dint want him to suffer either.
I originally got off insulin because I didn’t know what I was doing and he crashed fast with changing diet and insulin. My ex was good at given it but I was not. So I tried diet alone. I felt pretty good after finding groups and learning more and got him on a low carb wet diet. I was happy to hear he was in remission. I figured he gets worked up so much to get in the car and vet that 145 was looking good.
I would really like to start at home resting. As I would like to know his at home BG and would feel better about giving insulin. My cat is not used to or likes be cornered, held down or touched but I’m willing to try!

I will know more Wednesday when I get the lab work back but curious to know if he has kidney issues what food is recommended for both diabetic and kidney kitties?

I will let you guys know the results when I get them. In the meantime… where do start for at home testing?

 

[Ale & Bobo & Minnie (GA)]

I’d start by getting Yogi used to you handling his ears. Try to massage the ear tips a few times a day and see how he responds. If you’re in the US, most of us get all our testing supplies from Walmart. Walmart’s ReliOn is a good meter and the test strips are the most economical. You can also get lancets there. Look for 26 or 28 gauge.

When it comes to 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 too 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
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
Here is a video one of our members made testing her kitty VIDEO: How to test your cat's blood sugar

always give a low carb treat immediately after, whether the test was a success or not, to start to build positive association.

 

[Nina M]

Thank you for this information. I will start touching his ears and gathering supplies.
What would be a suggestion for a low carb treat? I only have low carb dry food (as a treat).
I will also let you know what the numbers come back. I know last time she called me and was like he is diabetic again but I want all the test results. She should provide that, correct?
My mom is going off of what the vet says and thinks I should put him to sleep so he doesn’t suffer. I don’t want him to suffer but I also want to try to make him feel better before I go that route. I think the vet was also upset cuz I didn’t follow her way and kind of like well if you’re not going to get RX food and just let this go on I think EA is best. But then said probably insulin and we will see the other numbers. He has definitely looked thinner and I don’t want him starving to death (1.5pound since last year) but want to see if intervention will help. Ultimately I want what’s best for him.

 

[Ale & Bobo & Minnie (GA)]

Low carb treats can be any freeze dried treat, those lickable pouches like the ones from Inaba Churo, or even regular chicken. If he’s not food motivated, then whatever he loves the most whether that’s scratching his chin or petting his head. The important thing is they he gets a reward for tolerating the testing.

only you know your cat and only you can make that decision. My Minnie had a laundry list of health issues from diabetes to cardiomyopathy and asthma, but as long as she had quality of life, I gave her the tools to fight all of them. If you’re not going to treat the diabetes, humane euthanasia would be advisable because untreated diabetes can be very painful for a cat. It causes them to not process the nutrients in food well so they will slowly starve to death. We can help you treat the diabetes and get him regulated so that he has a good life. Diabetes is not a life threatening disease, unless it’s untreated.

yes, you have the right to all test results you paid for. Are they doing a fructosamine test?

 

[Nina M]

Ok, something like this for treat?
INABA Churu Cat Treats, Grain-Free, Lickable, Squeezable Creamy Purée Cat Treat/Topper with Vitamin E & Taurine, 0.5 Ounces Each Tube, 10 Tubes Total/Two Flavors, Chicken Variety or
Whole Life Pet Freeze Dried Chicken Cat Treats - Human Grade - One Ingredient - Sourced and Made in The USA? He is very food motivated.

Ok, that makes sense. I tried long enough with diet alone to fight diabetes which did work at one time but you are right, if I’m not going to (do more to) treat it then I should let him go. I will give it my all to try to at home test and give insulin. Is it too late for that? I’m not sure if the doc said it cuz I didn’t feed him the RX stuff or she feels it’s been too long. He weighs 10.15 pounds (lost 1.5 pounds in one year). I thought she said he weighs 9 pounds but says 10.15 pounds on paperwork. Said i will be starving him to death. Then changed course and said he needs insulin and it might work but let’s see if he has other problems too.
I don’t think they ordered that test. I know they mention thyroid and kidneys and on the paperwork it just says IDEXX - Healthchek plus standard CBC

 

[Bron and Sheba (GA)]

My Sheba lost a lot of weight before she was treated with insulin. She eventually put back on all the weight and muscle she had lost...in fact she was almost overweight and I had to make sure she did not put on more weight.
We find a lot of CG are pressured by their family and friends to put a diabetic cat to sleep. I have heard it twice this week.
So please just say, he is your kitty and it's your money and your decision.

Some of the suitable foods if he does have a kidney issue, you can find on the WERUVA WEBSITE
All their foods have detailed nutritional information. Look for the phosphorus levels in the food. You need 250-200mg phosphorus or less/100kcals in the food.
There is a new line out that is phosphorus focused and is low phosphorus HERE

You can also find suitable food in THIS LIST... look for the level of phosphorus i mentioned above.

If you would like help with setting up the spreadsheet we are happy to help you.
Also we would appreciate it if you could set up your signature... its not hard.
How to do it HERE

 

[Nina M]

Thank you. We will see what the blood work shows tomorrow.

Were the two treats I mentioned in my last post ok for low carb treats?

I set up my signature, hope it’s ok.

I am really nervous about the results and if I can give insulin and at home test. I don’t want him crashing fast on me. And hard with my mom thinking it would be more humane to Put him to sleep after the vets speech.

 

[Nina M]

My Sheba lost a lot of weight before she was treated with insulin. She eventually put back on all the weight and muscle she had lost...in fact she was almost overweight and I had to make sure she did not put on more weight.
We find a lot of CG are pressured by their family and friends to put a diabetic cat to sleep. I have heard it twice this week.
So please just say, he is your kitty and it's your money and your decision.

Some of the suitable foods if he does have a kidney issue, you can find on the WERUVA WEBSITE
All their foods have detailed nutritional information. Look for the phosphorus levels in the food. You need 250-200mg phosphorus or less/100kcals in the food.
There is a new line out that is phosphorus focused and is low phosphorus HERE

You can also find suitable food in THIS LIST... look for the level of phosphorus i mentioned above.

If you would like help with setting up the spreadsheet we are happy to help you.
Also we would appreciate it if you could set up your signature... its not hard.
How to do it HERE

Hello

Are the two treats I put above ok to give?

so according to the vets this is more a diabetes issue. His numbers are in the 300’s so if I don’t want him to slowly starve to death and get other issues I will have to learn to give him insulin.
How do you post screenshot photos here?

 

[Bron and Sheba (GA)]

I am really nervous about the results and if I can give insulin and at home test. I don’t want him crashing fast on me. And hard with my mom thinking it would be more humane to Put him to sleep after the vets speech.

You will be absolutely fine managing your beautiful kitty.
I just don’t understand vets saying to put them to sleep as feline diabetes is a very treatable disease and the cats just lead normal lives.
He won’t starve to death while you learn to give the insulin. Just feed him several times a day. Two main meals with the insulin and then 2 or 3 snacks every cycle (a cycle is 12 hours)

To post a screenshot copy and paste in into here.

Re the treats…I live in Australia and don’t know those treats but will tag a couple of people who can help you with them
@Ale & Bobo & Minnie (GA)
@Diane Tyler's Mom

keep posting and asking questions. We are here to help and support you. And you are very capable of learning to give the insulin and test. We all thought we could not in the beginning.

 

[Ale & Bobo & Minnie (GA)]

Those are good, yes but I’ve bought the Whole Life Pet treats before and 1/2 of the bag was crushed powder. I like these better:

Your pet will love this Cat-Man-Doo Life Essentials Chicken Littles Freeze-Dried Cat & Dog Treats, 5-oz bag:
https://www.chewy.com/dp/152851?utm_source=app-share&utm_campaign=152851

You can also get any of the Pure Bites and Vital Essential freeze dried treats. Inaba Churu also makes chicken and tuna fillets. All are low carb

 

[Ale & Bobo & Minnie (GA)]

Now that you have the results, I’d ask your vet for the insulin prescription and get him started on it as soon as you can. Have you ordered the test supplies from Walmart yet? You’ll need syringes too. Make sure you get Lantus or prozinc. Those are the best insulins for cats.

 

[Diane Tyler's Mom GA]

Tap on this blue link and read post #64 the post numbers are to the right of each post and you can read about the freeze dried treats I listed

https://felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/new-to-this-i-need-advice.269452/#post-3007388

You can even give small pieces of plain boiled chicken


I prefer glargine and Lantus is the major brand name glargine the USA you can get generic/biosimilar glargine at very reasonable prices using GoodRx coupon.
https://www.goodrx.com/lantus?label...d-pens-of-100-units-ml&quantity=1&slug=lantus
Make sure that the Match your prescription pull down menue says generic glargine 1carton of 5 3ml pens.
There is no wait time test, feed, give insulin
Lantus usually doesn't kick in until 2 hours after the shot
Let us know if the vet writes the script for you because you will need U-100 syringes with half unit markings , I can tell you which ones you can use
We buy the pens but use the syringes to draw out the insulin because if you use the pen you can only adjust by full units. We adjust increases or decreases by 0.25 units , even though the syringes adjust by 0.5 units these make it easier when you have to adjust NY 0.25 units
Just ask me and I can tell you where to buy them


Also
The 5 pens will last about a year, we use the pens just like a vial, you would just insert the syringe it the gray rubber stopper on the pen and draw out your insulin
Its generic lantus



Or this one also

I see some members will call CVS, Rite Aid, Costco, Walgreen's, to get the price for 5 pens
Posted by another member
One members posted this
. I paid $175 for a box of 5 pens at Walmart pharmacy, but GoodRX coupon says you can get it for around $90 if you have a Rite Aid pharmacy near you.

Just call around for the best price

A member just posted this
Allie was using the Lantus and I just switched to the generic and using the GoodRX I got 5 pens for $81.30 at Walgreens. GoodRX has a 1-800 number to assist you in using their services to get your pets prescriptions filled if the pharmacy gives you any issues.

I think I found it for you
GoodRx / Customer service

1 (855) 268-2822

@Nina M

 

[Diane Tyler's Mom GA]

@Nina M
Foods for Diabetes and Kidney Issues
BFF play chicken Checkmate
Protein 31%
Carbs 5%
Phosphorus 133%

BFF play chicken & turkey topsy turvy
Protein 32%
Carbs 5.20%
Phosphorus 134%

BFF play chicken cherish
Protein 31%
Carbs 4.90%
Phosphorus 132%

BFF chicken & turkey tiptoe
Protein 31%
Carbs 5.10%
Phosphorus 133%

BFF chicken duck & turkey take a chance
Protein 32%
Carbs 5.20%
Phosphorus 152%

BFF play chicken & lamb laugh out loud
Protein 31%
Carbs 5%
Phosphorus 152%

BFF play chicken & duck destiny
Protein 32%
Carbs 5.10%
Phosphorus 163%

BFF play chicken & beef best buds
Protein 33%
Carbs 5.30%
Phosphorus 175%

Don't know if your kitty likes pate but here is the list of the BFF line.
YOU WANT CARBS UNDER 10% AND PHOSPHORUS IDEALLY LOW 200's OR LESS

Also

https://www.amazon.com/Weruva-Focus...cphy=9003521&hvtargid=pla-1796056536677&psc=1

I know you can buy single cans of the BFF I listed at Petco, Petco, to see which ones your kitty likes , the Focused one not to sure

 

[Nina M]

@Diane Tyler's Mom
Thank you for the info on the freeze dried treats. He is definitely food motivated so he will like this and I can use it to keep him busy during pokes.

@Diane Tyler's Mom and @Ale & Bobo & Minnie (GA)

I plan on getting the testing stuff at Walmart tomorrow!!! Does it matter which ReliOn meter I get? Also do you prefer a 26 or 28 gauge?

The vet prescribed him Lantus / Glargine. I was going to get it from Walgreens and use the GoodRX as that was the best price. They said they dont have it on hand and will get it in 2 days. I was thinking great I can start Saturday morning. I will have time to take my time and watch him. Well the vet and Walgreens called and said the vet didnt write the presciption for the syringes so they canceled the order. They said we will write you a new one Monday, I said why so long. The vet isnt in, I said well who wrote the presciption yesterday. They said another vet but they saw the test result and talked with the vet that saw yogi. Now both arent here and the other ones wont write it up. So now I have to wait till Monday, give to Walgreens and then wait two days till next Wednesday. Well the vet was so worried about him and how skinny he is and how i was a bad pet mom but now makes me wait a week in a half to get him insulin. Needless to say I am upset, scared and frustrated about all of this. My nerves are shot.
Meanwhile they said you can buy and give him the RX food and that will help. Ummm no!

Should I feed him the diabetic and kidney food? I have never heard of the BFF brand before. I will try to add his test results in next post.

 

[Nina M]

Thank you for giving me a place to talk about this, vent and get recommendations/support from people who have been through this. It means a lot.

Thank you for giving me a place to talk about this, vent and get recommendations/support from people who have been through this. It means a lot.

 

[Bron and Sheba (GA)]

All those blood tests are pretty good except the glucose is higher, which is to be expected and I can see the SDMA and BUN are up a bit.
I would look at using a lower phosphorus diet which is what is recommended for cats that are showing early signs of kidney issues. There is no need to feed a kidney diet.
Have a look at the food chart I will post below and look for foods that are low carb and have 250 to 200 mg phos/ 100 kcals or less. Thee is a section you will see at the top which has the phosphorus levels.
FOOD CHART
You can also look up the Weruva website. They have all their nutritional values listed and they also have a recent addition to their lines that is low phosphorus.

I’m sorry you have had such a different time getting to this point with the vet. But we are here to help you

 

[Ale & Bobo & Minnie (GA)]

Most people use the ReliOn Premier. To start, I’d go with the 26 gauge.

are you in a state that requires prescription for syringes? I get mine from Walmart too and here they don’t require it, but I have to buy them at a store. They won’t ship it. These are the ones I use:

 

[Hendrick Cuddleclaw]

Hi and welcome to the group. So his name is Yogi? I admire your determination and tenacity, most people would never have done everything you have done so far. It is interesting, many vets consider a cat "in remission" when the truth is they are just a well-regulated diabetic feline. A BG of 145 is not normal and a cat in remission should not be that high, as Ale mentioned that is outside the normal non-FD range.

sure 17 is old but some cats live into their 20s with diabetes as long as it is managed. I think you've got this! We are here to help you every step of the way.

 

[Bron and Sheba (GA)]

Make sure the syringes have half unit marking on them.
Also Lantus and Prozinc use different sized syringes so make sure you get the right ones with the right insulin.
Lantus uses U 100 syringes
Prozinc uses U 40 syringes

 

[Nina M]

@Hendrick Cuddleclaw
Yes, his name is Yogi and kind of looks like your kitty. It has been an up and down last 4 years with him and I just try to do the best I can. I'm hoping to get the insulin Wednesday and do my best with giving shots and it hopefully helping him. He needs to gain weight, I just worry about everything because he cant obviously tell me how he is feeling.

@Ale & Bobo & Minnie (GA)

I have both 26 guage and 28 guage lancets coming that are supposed to be for dogs and cats. Also, unfortunately I do need a prescription for the syringes as that's what the vet wrote up wrong (as the pharmacy needs a prescription and she didnt include that). I am confused by the insulin part of it, you have the insulin vial and then needles and/or syringes?

@Bron and Sheba (GA)
When I go to pick up prescription I should make sure the syringes have half unit markings? I just ask the pharmacist? He will be getting 1 unit of Lantus 2x a day, so make sure I get the U 100 syringes? And also same question, are syringes the same thing as needles or do you need both?

I have almost everything I need for testing, they forgot to give me the test strips when I picked up my order so they are mailing it to me. Picking script today and giving it to pharmacy so home to have it on Wednesday. Super nervous to do all of this and dont want him crashing (1 unit isnt a lot, no?) but hope to make him feel better.
Thank you everyone by the way.

 

[Ale & Bobo & Minnie (GA)]

Do you have Walmart near you? The pic of the syringes I posted earlier are the ones you want. You can show it to the pharmacist and get them.

 

[Nina M]

@Ale & Bobo & Minnie (GA)

Is there a difference between syringes and needles? I was told by Walgreens that I needed prescription for both vial and syringes (still waiting on vet to actually write it up. I called saying I want to come on my lunch break as I work till after they close a and they said they havent written it yet.... they wrote it up wrong last Wednesday, having me wait 1.5 weeks for this and it will take 2 days for walgreens to fill, vet is making an already stressful situation for me more stressful) ..... or can I just buy the syringes you are showing at Walmart. Walmart is 20 minutes from me. I traveled there yesterday (ordered online) and when I got home they didnt include my testing strips so they mailed it to me today.
It seems like everything is so difficult already and i havent even tried giving insulin or testing. Starting to lose hope in all of this.

 

[Bron and Sheba (GA)]

The syringes you need are the U100, 3/10 ml, 30 or 31 gauge, 6 or 8 mm insulin syringes with 1/2 unit markings.
The needles are attached to the syringes, so you don’t buy the separately.

 

[Nina M]

Ok,
I got the syringes and insulin. Just waiting on lancets (arriving tomorrow) they were out at my local Walmart. I have a couple of questions.
so these are what they gave me with the insulin.

I found these from a couple of years ago (when my ex did it a couple of times before we just did diet along). Are they good? or expire?

Also they told me that the insulin expires 28 days from opening, Is that true? I will be starting out with 1 unit of insulin (Lantus / Glargine) 2x daily. I will be wasting alot of insulin.

Also, I normally feed my cat around 6:30am (fancy feast pate). He is always hungry in the morning. I leave Young Again dry food or sometime fancy feast in an automatic feeder to open around 1pm. Which sometimes he eats sometimes he doesnt. I usually get home from work between 4:30-5:30. I normally feed him then. He usually doesnt eat a whole lot but eats a little and then crazes through out the night. How do I get him to eat for the 12 hr insulin.

I am so nervous about giving insulin (actually giving and worried how it will affect him). I have someone coming over this week to show me.

 

[JanetNJ]

@Nina M
Foods for Diabetes and Kidney Issues
BFF play chicken Checkmate
Protein 31%
Carbs 5%
Phosphorus 133%

BFF play chicken & turkey topsy turvy
Protein 32%
Carbs 5.20%
Phosphorus 134%

BFF play chicken cherish
Protein 31%
Carbs 4.90%
Phosphorus 132%

BFF chicken & turkey tiptoe
Protein 31%
Carbs 5.10%
Phosphorus 133%

BFF chicken duck & turkey take a chance
Protein 32%
Carbs 5.20%
Phosphorus 152%

BFF play chicken & lamb laugh out loud
Protein 31%
Carbs 5%
Phosphorus 152%

BFF play chicken & duck destiny
Protein 32%
Carbs 5.10%
Phosphorus 163%

BFF play chicken & beef best buds
Protein 33%
Carbs 5.30%
Phosphorus 175%

Don't know if your kitty likes pate but here is the list of the BFF line.
YOU WANT CARBS UNDER 10% AND PHOSPHORUS IDEALLY LOW 200's OR LESS

Also

https://www.amazon.com/Weruva-Focus...cphy=9003521&hvtargid=pla-1796056536677&psc=1

I know you can buy single cans of the BFF I listed at Petco, Petco, to see which ones your kitty likes , the Focused one not to sure

I just bought the phos focused ones this week. My cat Julie isn't diabetic but has kidney disease and I want her phosphorous down. I hope she likes it. She's a PICKY one.

 

[JanetNJ]

Ok,
I got the syringes and insulin. Just waiting on lancets (arriving tomorrow) they were out at my local Walmart. I have a couple of questions.
so these are what they gave me with the insulin.

View attachment 67216

I found these from a couple of years ago (when my ex did it a couple of times before we just did diet along). Are they good? or expire?

View attachment 67217


Also they told me that the insulin expires 28 days from opening, Is that true? I will be starting out with 1 unit of insulin (Lantus / Glargine) 2x daily. I will be wasting alot of insulin.

Also, I normally feed my cat around 6:30am (fancy feast pate). He is always hungry in the morning. I leave Young Again dry food or sometime fancy feast in an automatic feeder to open around 1pm. Which sometimes he eats sometimes he doesnt. I usually get home from work between 4:30-5:30. I normally feed him then. He usually doesnt eat a whole lot but eats a little and then crazes through out the night. How do I get him to eat for the 12 hr insulin.

I am so nervous about giving insulin (actually giving and worried how it will affect him). I have someone coming over this week to show me.

Those syringes are the same. Both ok to use. No the insulin doesn't expire in 28 days of kept in the refrigerator. In the fridge it is good 5-6 months.

Giving the shot is not that hard. Their scruff is where you will shoot it. They aren't super sensitive there. (It's where momma cat picks them up). Also I have a video in my signature showing how I tested my cat CC at home

 

[Nina M]

Hi @JanetNJ

Thank you for your insight and also your testing cats blood sugar video. One of the best ones I have seen out there. I start my cats insulin this Friday. I am super nervous but have all the info from here and hoping all goes well.

Thank you!

 

[JanetNJ]

Hi @JanetNJ

Thank you for your insight and also your testing cats blood sugar video. One of the best ones I have seen out there. I start my cats insulin this Friday. I am super nervous but have all the info from here and hoping all goes well.

Thank you!

We are here for you if you need us. Glad you find the video helpful.

 

[Nina M]

Hello all,
@JanetNJ @Diane Tyler's Mom @Ale & Bobo & Minnie (GA) @Bron and Sheba (GA)
Just want to give an update. Help!
I vet tech I found on Rover yesterday came over to show me how to test and give insulin.
testing was a bit traumatic (didn’t go well). She grabbed him by the scruff and went to prick his ear. She did the inside and not the tip (which I read some do but) and he yelped and started scratching and hissing. He jumped up and she still had him by the scruff. We attempted BG reading but it said error or something. She stood up and had scratches all over. I got a towel and she wrapped him like a burrito. She tried again and error. She tried on herself and got a number so we tried one more time. 322. His numbers at vet were 390. So we fed him and she showed me how to give insulin while he was eating. She pitched a tent, he didn’t move and it was over. It looked so easy. She had me pitch a tent and said feel in the middle, that’s where you go. I said I feel it. He didn’t squirm and I thought I can do this (insulin).
Fast forward to this morning, she was going to come over again since the testing didn’t go well and to watch me give insulin. Well she hurt herself last night and couldn’t make it. I know you need to test but I honestly was scared let alone worried about giving the insulin. I fed him and while eating I attempted to pitch a tent, punk starting squirming… not sitting still like yesterday. I pitched a tent again and attempted insulin. I have no idea if I got it in and gave it.
feeling very defeated. I don’t know if I can do this.

 

[JanetNJ]

Hello all,
@JanetNJ @Diane Tyler's Mom @Ale & Bobo & Minnie (GA) @Bron and Sheba (GA)
Just want to give an update. Help!
I vet tech I found on Rover yesterday came over to show me how to test and give insulin.
testing was a bit traumatic (didn’t go well). She grabbed him by the scruff and went to prick his ear. She did the inside and not the tip (which I read some do but) and he yelped and started scratching and hissing. He jumped up and she still had him by the scruff. We attempted BG reading but it said error or something. She stood up and had scratches all over. I got a towel and she wrapped him like a burrito. She tried again and error. She tried on herself and got a number so we tried one more time. 322. His numbers at vet were 390. So we fed him and she showed me how to give insulin while he was eating. She pitched a tent, he didn’t move and it was over. It looked so easy. She had me pitch a tent and said feel in the middle, that’s where you go. I said I feel it. He didn’t squirm and I thought I can do this (insulin).
Fast forward to this morning, she was going to come over again since the testing didn’t go well and to watch me give insulin. Well she hurt herself last night and couldn’t make it. I know you need to test but I honestly was scared let alone worried about giving the insulin. I fed him and while eating I attempted to pitch a tent, punk starting squirming… not sitting still like yesterday. I pitched a tent again and attempted insulin. I have no idea if I got it in and gave it.
feeling very defeated. I don’t know if I can do this.

It's FINE. JUST relax. If it got in great. If it didn't, you'll get it next time. Even after doing it for several years we would occasionally get what we call a fur shot.

The edge of the ear is where you want to aim because there are less nerve endings so it won't hurt. Have patience.... You'll get it. I did t test for the first couple months that my cat was diagnosed so you are better than I was. Lol. Here is a picture of where you would test.

 

[Hendrick Cuddleclaw]

Hi there, first of all I want to say I felt JUST like you do, that this was probably impossible. That helping my boy with the diabetes was just not something I was capable of doing: I had failed him. I was despondent and defeated. It took me a few weeks to get the hang of the ear poke and blood test, and it is really really helpful for most cats if you use some basic conditioning. For a lot of cats, picking a spot for the BG test and always doing it at that same spot is good. So pick a spot, take kitty there but dont do a test. Just pets, massage the ears a while, then give a treat. Do this several times a DAY

Then after a few days maybe try an ear poke. Always, always give treats whether you are successful or not.

She grabbed him by the scruff and went to prick his ear.

In case it wasn't obvious, DO NOT DO THIS. I have never, ever heard of someone grabbing by the scruff to do a test! Sounds like it would be a disaster, stress the poor kitty out and not go well at all. Which as you mention, it did not.

I think you do not want that vet tech coming over again to "show you how" as they don't know how to do it themselves. Try another tech on Rover maybe.


Janet's video is great, much better than mine. But I also have a video in my signature below if you want to take a look.