How often to feed?

[Mimis mom]

Is there a “too often” option? I’ve been doing every 2 hours (sometimes 2.5) and I just started to wonder if that might be too often? Like does her blood sugar need time to dip so her insulin can work- or was that sentence silly seeing I’m still learning how diabeetus (diabetes) works?

On the contrary how often is not often enough?

 

[Panic]

I suppose it depends on the kitty! Is she a grazer or will she scarf down everything immediately? Free feeding is encouraged but some kitties don't have the self-control to nibble at leisure. Alternately, you usually want to give most food before nadir so they don't "use up" the rest of the insulin early in the cycle.

 

[Mimis mom]

How can I know when her nadir is because every cat is different right? Do nadirs change every cycle or once you know your cats nadir that’s it

 

[Panic]

You'll have to think of it as a moving target, I'm afraid. Testing at various times every day and seeing when they commonly hit their lowest before heading up again will indicate nadir, but for any cat they could have the same nadir for months... and then one day it changes.

 

[Marje and Gracie]

Hi Rosa

Feeding every 2-2.5 hours is not too often. Many whose cats are on Lantus feed at PS, +1, +2, and +3. Different cats might need different feeding schedules depending on onset, nadir, and duration.

 

[Mimis mom]

How will I know what Mimi needs? I think she would eat every hour if she could. She’s always hungry which is a good thing because the minute she stops being hungry is a call for an emergency

 

[Judy and Freckles]

Weigh Mimi weekly and look at her body condition score to decide what she should weigh then you can calculate the number of calories she should eat in a day.

I've learned that cats that are unregulated tend to have a ravenous appetite. When she doesn't act like she's starving, it might actually mean her glucose numbers are where they should be.