Hi. I am new and introducing my cat Sassy to you all.

[Michsassy]

My Sassy was diagnosed with diabetes 3/7/2020 and began Lantus .05 2x's per day, 12 hours apart.
I changed her diet to from Friskies wet (1/2 can in am and 1/2 can pm) to FF Classics 1 can am/1 can pm then FF Naturals (diet chart says zero carbs). did not BG test as my vet did not recommend. Within two-three weeks I felt she was not urinating alot and not drinking so much, so I thought we are good. Sassy lost weight (which she needed to, wieghed 15 lbs. on 3/7/2020.
I have to say after reading much on this forum, I am disappointed I was being told not to test. I am now ordering a human meter (like Relion Micro from what I've read) and have my spreadsheet ready as I see this will be the most helpful guide to success for Sassy.
As of last week, I have noticed she is back to her too-skinny look, slightly greasy coat and I am growing concerned. I am reluctant to take her to vet due to her having anxiety and not getting accurate BG reading. I thought I would look for guidance on this forum once I begin testing.
Until I get underway with providing #'s, should I feed a little throughout day up until 2 hours before feeding?
She is behaving ravenous and gobbles her food like nobody' business and back to urinating alot.
I would love to hear thoughts.

 

[Red & Rover (GA)]

Welcome.
It is great that you will be home testing. It is the only way to keep your little one safe. We can help you with that, and all sorts of other things.

Diabetic cats cannot metabolize food properly. So yes, they are ravenous. And I can of FF total per day is too little even for a non-diabetic cat.

You might want to give this a read-through. It will give you an idea of calorie need and has a link to a calorie calculator.
http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/feed-kitty-as-much-as-they-want.205170/

Insulin works best if meals are given at shot times and snacks are given throughout the day and left out at night, especially during the first half of the cycle.

Again, welcome to the best place you never thought you would be.

 

[Nan & Amber (GA)]

Hello and welcome!!!

Lantus .05 2x's per day, 12 hours apart.

Do you mean 0.5U? Would you mind posting a picture of the syringes you are using, with the plunger pulled up to where you measure the dose?

 

[JanetNJ]

Welcome! I have a video in my signature showing how I test my cat CC at home.

 

[jt and trouble (GA)]

WELCOME TO FDMB. The best place to find answers for Sassy. Theres a wealth of information here with plenty of people to help you decipher it all.
Sadly we hear a lot of Vets tell their clients not to bother with home testing. From "Oh she will learn to hate you" to..."Its not necessary". I think we've heard them all. Of course testing is the ONLY way to keep Sassy safe. Would you mind sharing your name with us? We understand if youre not comfortable with that so it ok. Its just easier to address a name.
I agree with R&R. An unregulated cat is ravenous . They NEED to eat.

I'm glad you found us! Again WELCOME

 

[Michsassy]

Welcome.
It is great that you will be home testing. It is the only way to keep your little one safe. We can help you with that, and all sorts of other things.

Diabetic cats cannot metabolize food properly. So yes, they are ravenous. And I can of FF total per day is too little even for a non-diabetic cat.

You might want to give this a read-through. It will give you an idea of calorie need and has a link to a calorie calculator.
http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/feed-kitty-as-much-as-they-want.205170/

Insulin works best if meals are given at shot times and snacks are given throughout the day and left out at night, especially during the first half of the cycle.

Again, welcome to the best place you never thought you would be.

Welcome.
It is great that you will be home testing. It is the only way to keep your little one safe. We can help you with that, and all sorts of other things.

Diabetic cats cannot metabolize food properly. So yes, they are ravenous. And I can of FF total per day is too little even for a non-diabetic cat.

You might want to give this a read-through. It will give you an idea of calorie need and has a link to a calorie calculator.
http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/feed-kitty-as-much-as-they-want.205170/

Insulin works best if meals are given at shot times and snacks are given throughout the day and left out at night, especially during the first half of the cycle.

Again, welcome to the best place you never thought you would be.

Thank you for the link. It is very helpful. I also corrected my post to be 1 can in am and 1 can in pm.

 

[Michsassy]

I apologize. Correction,

I believe it is .1. If I count the lines, it has five lines up to and including the one numbered five. Thank you for you help. the first black linewould have not insulin

 

[Nan & Amber (GA)]

Hmmmm.... I think what you are giving is actually 1U (not 100% because the numbers aren't visible, so going by your description). Here are some labeled pics of two types of syringes. The one on the left has half-unit markings, it sounds like yours doesn't so you'd be looking at the one on the right, and you are drawing up to 1U.

 

[Nan & Amber (GA)]

(0.5-1U are typical lantus starting doses for a cat, so this would make sense)

 

[Michsassy]

Hi, my name is Michele. I have looked through cat food sheet of all brands with percentages of protein, carbs, etc. and was wondering now Sassy is too skinny, should she have a little carb in her wet food? FF Natural chart says zero in carbs. That is what I have been feeding her past 10 days.

 

[JanetNJ]

Hi, my name is Michele. I have looked through cat food sheet of all brands with percentages of protein, carbs, etc. and was wondering now Sassy is too skinny, should she have a little carb in her wet food? FF Natural chart says zero in carbs. That is what I have been feeding her past 10 days.

You want low carb. You can look for foods that are higher CALORIES, but low carb. Duck tends to be high calories.

 

[Michsassy]

Welcome! I have a video in my signature showing how I test my cat CC at home.

Hi, Janet. Thank you so much for the video. It is very informative and has put me at ease. Like you, I too am upset I didn't test right away. It is only logical way to be able to access status of your cat's health. I love this fourm and all the info it provides.
Your cat is adorable and how cute just laying there for you to test.

 

[JanetNJ]

I'm lucky

Hi, Janet. Thank you so much for the video. It is very informative and has put me at ease. Like you, I too am upset I didn't test right away. It is only logical way to be able to access status of your cat's health. I love this fourm and all the info it provides.
Your cat is adorable and how cute just laying there for you to test.

she's so chill about it. Wish she was add cooperative about taking her thyroid meds. Lol