How long can kitties go without b4 trouble.

[CraignShadow]

Hey everyone, long time away which is good because my Shadow is doing well on her regimen, I have a question though. My job wants me to travel overnight (about 36-40 hrs total) which means she could miss 3 doses in a row. Would this be too long?
Shadow is doing well with good (almost overweight) weight and no symptoms of any complications. Shadow and Callie are both borderline feral (Callie is actually a T&R that adopted me after her release) and I am the only one they come to. While I can have some one check and feed them on schedule, they will have little chance to give Shadow her medicine as she will run for cover the moment she realizes it's not me. My job can get someone else to go, but you know how it is in corporate America. I will contact my vet and ask her as well, but I wanted to hear what some of you have done in the same situation. What problems have you had and are they serious enough that you wouldn't travel? I have to give them an answer on Monday, so any quick advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Chris & China (GA)]

Without seeing a spreadsheet and knowing what kind of numbers Shadow has been getting, it's really hard to give much in the way of helpful advice.

What insulin is Shadow on?

The simple answer to your question is that missing 3 doses in a row could definitely cause problems and if she's really doing well, I'd hate for you to lose that momentum.

Most of us either hire a petsitter to come give the insulin (but usually reduce the dose a little if our petsitters can't or won't test when we need them to), leave them with a vet (which also isn't all that great since most vets offices aren't open 24 hours so the cat isn't being watched for problems at least 8 hours overnight...and not all vets are really good about keeping shooting schedules) or we stay home with our sugarcats and have a few adult beverages instead of a life

 

[BJM]

It isn't recommended. If needed, get a really large 48" long dog crate to corral the cat while you are gone. That way, the urine can be monitored and the insulin given.

 

[Sue and Oliver (GA)]

It would be best not to lose momentum. As she will probably be stressed and might be off her food while you are gone, you then have 2 of the contributing factors to DKA.

How about seeing if a vet tech would come give the shot for the 3 days? If they can't test, go for a smaller than usual dose. There are also pet sitting services with sitters who are experienced with ill cats. BJ's crating idea is a good possibility for keeping her corralled.