How do I test BG if cat is too big to hold still?

[Lori in Ohio]

I want to test my cats BG levels because his sister from the same litter is Diabetic, but he is so big and strong, he will not let me.

I had hubby try to help me calm him and hold him still, but he fights and breaks away.

He is 11 yrs old and 18 lbs.

 

[Jana+BK+Chester(GA)+Wilbur]

You may want to consider wrapping him in a large towel or blanket (keeps those claws under control!).

 

[Lori in Ohio]

tried that. He goes spastic and we cannot keep his head still.

 

[Sue and Oliver (GA)]

Try the clothespin trick. It mimics the way mother cats hold their kittens by the scruff the neck: http://www.felinecrf.org/giving_sub-qs_ ... _peg_trick

 

[Anonymous]

Are you ear or paw sticking? Mugsy is big and fights like mad too so, I went for the paw sticks with a helper holding him. It was an ordeal and took too trys (my first time as well as his) but, we managed to do it. Holding on to a foot is easier than holding on to an ear.

 

[janelle and Nomad]

There is a restraint type device that looks like a carrier and only the head sticks out. I think foster and smith might have it.if you could get him in that then one person could hold the head and one could prick the ear if I can find exactly where I saw that product I will post again

 

[MommaOfMuse]

Is this what you were thinking of?

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3261+1992+3159&pcatid=3159

Mel

 

[Laurie and Mr Tinkles]

You could try the clothespin trick. If that doesn't work, and the carrier-type restraint is not an option or doesn't work, then I would try approaching this very gradually. Since he isn't getting insulin, there is no big hurry to get the test, so I would try desensitizing him slowly to having his ears (or paw) handled. Start out just having him lay next to you or wherever you want to test him, and pet and talk to him, then handle his ear or paw for a few seconds...try to avoid pushing it to the point of him resisting, then immediately give a treat. Gradually increase the time, then start bringing the meter and lancet pen with you, but don't use it, then hold it up to his ear without triggering....you get the idea, right?

Some cats HATE to be restrained, and will fight like crazy against it. Tinkles is like that, I never really restrained him to test him...DH held him sometimes in the beginning, but I deliberately took my time and avoided heavy restraint because I knew it would only backfire. I would back off a little when he resisted, and try again after he settled down....try making it pleasant, and take baby steps...it worked well for us.

 

[Larry and Kitties]

I sit on the floor and put the cat in my lap. That way I can use by elbows and part of my body to help control the cat.

 

[BJM]

Think positive reinforcement - what kind of treat, toy, praise, play, etc is rewarding to the cat
Then combine that with the baby steps mentioned above; this is called shaping behavior

- do step 1 and reward, repeat several times across the day for a good week or so until that step can be reliably done, then move on to adding the next step.

- if you hit a snag, back up to the prior step and re-do it, plus evaluate if the step that failed could be broken into smaller parts. If so, take a smaller step and work on getting that accomplished

 

[Lori in Ohio]

Laurie,
Thank you. I will try your suggestions.
It makes sence.

If that doesnt work, I will try the clothes pins.

 

[RuBee]

You know, if you're still having problems - I sit in an arm chair, so that the arm is butted against his backside. He can't scoot backward out of my hold, and if you have someone up front to hold his head gently (and maybe scratch under his chin!) you might just be successful.

(I know what it's like to have a big boy - Rufus weighed 22lbs. before insulin, and is down to 15.4 now. He was very resistant to testing at first, and liked to let me know it in every way possible - now, unless he's REALLY hungry, he's as patient and gentle as you please.)

Good luck, and stick with it!

 

[Anonymous]

These are some great suggestions! Mugsy only likes to be touched from a distance even when he wants to snuggle in bed. I'm working on touching a foot when he's relaxing. That way i hope my helper can keep him from biting me while I test him. Ears are out, at least for now. Good luck.

 

[troublelaurak]

If you are worried he might bite you, that agitation can be picked up by kitty. So, I suggest you wear some reasonably heavy gloves (but they still have to allow some manual dexterity). That way, you can be calmer and that might help too. Just a thought.

Another thought - it might be easier to test Mugsy's pee if all you want to know is whether or not he is diabetic. Pee catching offers an advantage in that it is an average - so you'd know if his blood sugar rose enough over the renal threshold in the time it took for his body to produce and eliminate that urine.

Good luck! Laura

 

[Anonymous]

Laura - thanks but, i already know he's diabetic. I'm switching to Lantus which means BG testing. I just have to convince him and he is stubborn.

 

[JandB]

Laura - thanks but, i already know he's diabetic. I'm switching to Lantus which means BG testing. I just have to convince him and he is stubborn.

It's not easy is it? I do feel for you as I haven't succeeded yet either. It worries me too that if the cat gets stressed or angry the BG will be high anyway!