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Ann & Tess GA
Very Active Member
Hi Michelle :YMHUG: Please, you are doing everything you can for Belle and you can deal with this. Diabetes is a very treatable disease, too many people think it is a death sentence. IT IS NOT!!! Tess is nearly 14 and was DX over a year and a half ago, she will tell you she is just fine thank you! Tess is one of those kitties that need a very little bit of insulin, but don't want to give it up entirely. I thinks she loves all the extra attention. :roll:
One of the best things you can do for Belle is to get rid of the dry food. Even if it is a lower carb food is is hard on cats because of the lack of moisture. Cats normally get most of their water from their prey. They tend to drink very little water, and dry food makes that problem worse. I think understanding food is one of the hardest parts of this whole sugar dance. You said that Belle likes Fancy Feast, go to the the old food list , print out the list (or just those pages for foods you can find) take a highlighter and mark those varieties that are under 10% carbs, the carbs are always in the 3rd column over from the name of the food even if the header isn't visible. This will make it easy to take along when you are shopping. It will also keep you busy for a while and Belle can get her nap in. :lol:
Equally important is BG testing. By testing at home you will save a ton of money over going to the vet. Moreover cats get upset at the vet and the stress can raise their BG a lot, once you get used to testing at home you can get more accurate BGs there than at the vet. You can also see at any given time just how well Belle is doing and that will set your mind at ease.
With more accurate home tests Belle's insulin can be adjusted much more precisely too.
You are on a tight budget and there are ways to keep costs down. First call you vet and find out how much it costs for a box of syringes . You do not need to buy them from him! My (ex)vet Charged me $47 for syringes I could get for $17 online. Many of us use a site called ADW you can get the lancets and test strips there too, even cheaper than at Walmart. Unless you spend over $100 you do have to pay shipping, but it is usually still way cheaper to order online. You just need to keep track of your supplies and plan ahead. If you don't have a credit card, maybe your dad can help you and you can repay him. If you get the Relion meter at Walmart ADW has strips that will fit it. I have to check on which ones.
I had a thought on your concern about getting the shot in. You said Belle's fur was very fluffy. Try taking a wet cotton ball and dampening the fur around the shot site. it will make it easier to part the fur and to see the ski. Then you can see the needle go in. You won't be able to feel for insulin residue though. I always bend over and sniff the shot site afterwards and then give Tess a little kiss. She doesn't notice because I shoot while she is busy eating. :lol: I also put a very slight sideways pressure on the needle when i withdraw it and can feel it come out. That way I know it went in.
lastly, remember the vet works for you!
Oh, did you ever say where you live? City and State? There may be a member nearby who can help you get started!
Breathe! And eat some chocolate!!! You'll get through this. :YMHUG: :YMHUG: cat_pet_icon cat_pet_icon cat_pet_icon
One of the best things you can do for Belle is to get rid of the dry food. Even if it is a lower carb food is is hard on cats because of the lack of moisture. Cats normally get most of their water from their prey. They tend to drink very little water, and dry food makes that problem worse. I think understanding food is one of the hardest parts of this whole sugar dance. You said that Belle likes Fancy Feast, go to the the old food list , print out the list (or just those pages for foods you can find) take a highlighter and mark those varieties that are under 10% carbs, the carbs are always in the 3rd column over from the name of the food even if the header isn't visible. This will make it easy to take along when you are shopping. It will also keep you busy for a while and Belle can get her nap in. :lol:
Equally important is BG testing. By testing at home you will save a ton of money over going to the vet. Moreover cats get upset at the vet and the stress can raise their BG a lot, once you get used to testing at home you can get more accurate BGs there than at the vet. You can also see at any given time just how well Belle is doing and that will set your mind at ease.
With more accurate home tests Belle's insulin can be adjusted much more precisely too.You are on a tight budget and there are ways to keep costs down. First call you vet and find out how much it costs for a box of syringes . You do not need to buy them from him! My (ex)vet Charged me $47 for syringes I could get for $17 online. Many of us use a site called ADW you can get the lancets and test strips there too, even cheaper than at Walmart. Unless you spend over $100 you do have to pay shipping, but it is usually still way cheaper to order online. You just need to keep track of your supplies and plan ahead. If you don't have a credit card, maybe your dad can help you and you can repay him. If you get the Relion meter at Walmart ADW has strips that will fit it. I have to check on which ones.
I had a thought on your concern about getting the shot in. You said Belle's fur was very fluffy. Try taking a wet cotton ball and dampening the fur around the shot site. it will make it easier to part the fur and to see the ski. Then you can see the needle go in. You won't be able to feel for insulin residue though. I always bend over and sniff the shot site afterwards and then give Tess a little kiss.
She doesn't notice because I shoot while she is busy eating. :lol: I also put a very slight sideways pressure on the needle when i withdraw it and can feel it come out. That way I know it went in.lastly, remember the vet works for you!
- -- the vet cannot tell you that you cannot test
-- the vet cannot make you bring Belle in for a BG curve or fructosamine test
-- the vet cannot make you feed his expensive (and poor quality) prescription foods
-- the vet cannot tell you that you have to put Belle to sleep!!!
-- Belle is your cat , you decide what is best for her, the vet can advise you, but cannot make you do anything you think is not in Belle's best interest!
-- YOU CAN find a new vet if this one does not want to work with you
Oh, did you ever say where you live? City and State? There may be a member nearby who can help you get started!
Breathe! And eat some chocolate!!! You'll get through this. :YMHUG: :YMHUG: cat_pet_icon cat_pet_icon cat_pet_icon
julie & punkin (ga)
Very Active Member
hi michelle! i have a daughter named michelle too!
i have read most of the posts here, but not all, but you remind me of my daughter with all your worries and concerns, so i wanted to give you a quote that i've given her.
you are in the best of hands. everyone here has been in your shoes. we are available basically 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (including holidays like today) to help you through anything that comes up. we'll tell you when it's over our heads and you need to see a vet. basic diabetes care and instruction though - you just hit the jackpot. there are a zillion of us capable of helping you get started and deal with what comes up.
for now, just take it one day at a time, like others have told you. many of those things you are dreading and worry about are not going to happen. let's get you hometesting and confident on the shots, and you'll feel SO much more confident about how she is. the blood sugar numbers will tell you if Belle is doing ok or not. then every time you test her you'll be reassured.
i used to be afraid every single morning that punkin would be dead when i got up. but he's not! we've been doing this since last december, and punkin just got done with a little 30 minute purr-fest on the living room floor.
also, i'll second what others have said - you have to get rid of the dry food. every single bite of it. donate it to a non-diabetic kitty or shelter. some kitties eat 3 kibbles and their blood sugar rockets high. it's not helping her and it works against what you're doing with the insulin. but we want you testing! because if she is a kitty who rockets with the dry kibble and the kibble goes away, then she might need a lot less insulin - testing is going to tell you that - and we don't want to create a new problem by changing too many things at once. home testing is your answer to all of this.
:YMHUG: you're in the right spot. we'll teach you how to help Belle. she'll be better before you know it - you'll have your "old" girl back. hang in there.
i have read most of the posts here, but not all, but you remind me of my daughter with all your worries and concerns, so i wanted to give you a quote that i've given her.
you are in the best of hands. everyone here has been in your shoes. we are available basically 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (including holidays like today) to help you through anything that comes up. we'll tell you when it's over our heads and you need to see a vet. basic diabetes care and instruction though - you just hit the jackpot. there are a zillion of us capable of helping you get started and deal with what comes up.
for now, just take it one day at a time, like others have told you. many of those things you are dreading and worry about are not going to happen. let's get you hometesting and confident on the shots, and you'll feel SO much more confident about how she is. the blood sugar numbers will tell you if Belle is doing ok or not. then every time you test her you'll be reassured.
i used to be afraid every single morning that punkin would be dead when i got up. but he's not! we've been doing this since last december, and punkin just got done with a little 30 minute purr-fest on the living room floor.
also, i'll second what others have said - you have to get rid of the dry food. every single bite of it. donate it to a non-diabetic kitty or shelter. some kitties eat 3 kibbles and their blood sugar rockets high. it's not helping her and it works against what you're doing with the insulin. but we want you testing! because if she is a kitty who rockets with the dry kibble and the kibble goes away, then she might need a lot less insulin - testing is going to tell you that - and we don't want to create a new problem by changing too many things at once. home testing is your answer to all of this.
:YMHUG: you're in the right spot. we'll teach you how to help Belle. she'll be better before you know it - you'll have your "old" girl back. hang in there.
MJ+Donovan
Very Active Member
Thanks for popping in over here, ladies.
Melissa and Belle are in Bethel CT. I believe there are a few members closer to her than me who are trying to help out behind the scenes.
MJ&Donovan
Melissa and Belle are in Bethel CT. I believe there are a few members closer to her than me who are trying to help out behind the scenes.
MJ&Donovan
dragonkitty03
Member
Gwen and Smoky,
Thanks so much! I’m so glad that I found this place… Are you still crying?? I can’t seem to stop and I’m so scared to leave the house. It is very scary!! How is Smoky doing?? Better I hope.. Yes I’ve notice people here are great!!
((((((hugs))))))
Melissa and Belle
Tucker,
Oh thanks so much!! Where in CT are you? We may be living close together… Can you help me with the shots?? To make sure I’m doing it right? Its like 9am and 9pm and when I start home testing I will need help with that too… thanks so much!!! I don’t have a car so that would help a lot!!! Thank you!!!
Dear Nikki,
Awe really! Yeah my sibling is like that!! She is a scary kitty…. Awe Giz sounded like he had a sweet side to her… oh yes that is a very good gift.
Thanks, your mom called my mom and she feels better now, still scared and worried but not has bad… tell your mommy thank you… my mom is going to call your mom around the time I get my shot… if we all work together we can get her through this….
Oh YUM my mom hasn’t eaten and she needs to so she can share it with ME!!! Sometimes she gets bacon pizza! YUM my favorite!!!! Yes Me too, no swelling is good.. Cheese is good though. Enjoy your moms pizza!!!
Head butts and paw pats
Your friend Belle
Squeaky and KT
Oh thanks GOD! Plus I think she is doing better anyways!!
Oh wow, I’m going to ask my vet about home testing… yeah I do the same thing I watch her breath I wake her and call her name just to make sure she is okay… I just checked on her a few minutes ago,.. I always ask if she is okay and when she is sleeping and doesn’t move I worry… I get scared and then I wake her or touch her ear or something.
Really? Belle is doing what she has done.. So why am I so scared?? I feel pretty good at the moment… but I know she isn’t using the cat box or drinking water as much as she use to, witch is good, right? That’s good that he never had a low.
I’m glad he is getting better.. Belle doesn’t play really but she sleeps a lot and she does what she always does… so she should be okay right? Sometimes she will call me when she is in the kitchen to bring me a cat toy and there it is right in the kitchen.. Then she walks away..
LOL I do that too!! =)
Thanks! I hope so!!!
Denise and Shakes,
Thank you for the warm welcome.
Yes and yes I am… oh really? Because its almost down to the top if the label. Well that’s good I will be good for a while.. That eases me some, about that… Wow that is GREAT! So I will run out of needles before I do the insulin.
Awe thanks! I will check that out… I need to buy some more needles before I run out of them…. Money is tight so I hope its not to much… everyone on here seems really wonderful!
Thanks I will come on by. Really still? Do you get a smell when you don’t get a fur shot?? I can smell the insulin but the fur isn’t wet, I can here the sound of the insulin coming out too… I have good ears… yes I will try to clam down.. Maybe if I eat something and have a soda that will help me.. Thanks so much!!
Melissa and Belle
Thanks so much! I’m so glad that I found this place… Are you still crying?? I can’t seem to stop and I’m so scared to leave the house. It is very scary!! How is Smoky doing?? Better I hope.. Yes I’ve notice people here are great!!
((((((hugs))))))
Melissa and Belle
Tucker,
Oh thanks so much!! Where in CT are you? We may be living close together… Can you help me with the shots?? To make sure I’m doing it right? Its like 9am and 9pm and when I start home testing I will need help with that too… thanks so much!!! I don’t have a car so that would help a lot!!! Thank you!!!
Dear Nikki,
Awe really! Yeah my sibling is like that!! She is a scary kitty…. Awe Giz sounded like he had a sweet side to her… oh yes that is a very good gift.
Thanks, your mom called my mom and she feels better now, still scared and worried but not has bad… tell your mommy thank you… my mom is going to call your mom around the time I get my shot… if we all work together we can get her through this….
Oh YUM my mom hasn’t eaten and she needs to so she can share it with ME!!! Sometimes she gets bacon pizza! YUM my favorite!!!! Yes Me too, no swelling is good.. Cheese is good though. Enjoy your moms pizza!!!
Head butts and paw pats
Your friend Belle
Squeaky and KT
Oh thanks GOD! Plus I think she is doing better anyways!!
Oh wow, I’m going to ask my vet about home testing… yeah I do the same thing I watch her breath I wake her and call her name just to make sure she is okay… I just checked on her a few minutes ago,.. I always ask if she is okay and when she is sleeping and doesn’t move I worry… I get scared and then I wake her or touch her ear or something.
Really? Belle is doing what she has done.. So why am I so scared?? I feel pretty good at the moment… but I know she isn’t using the cat box or drinking water as much as she use to, witch is good, right? That’s good that he never had a low.
I’m glad he is getting better.. Belle doesn’t play really but she sleeps a lot and she does what she always does… so she should be okay right? Sometimes she will call me when she is in the kitchen to bring me a cat toy and there it is right in the kitchen.. Then she walks away..
LOL I do that too!! =)
Thanks! I hope so!!!
Denise and Shakes,
Thank you for the warm welcome.
Yes and yes I am… oh really? Because its almost down to the top if the label. Well that’s good I will be good for a while.. That eases me some, about that… Wow that is GREAT! So I will run out of needles before I do the insulin.
Awe thanks! I will check that out… I need to buy some more needles before I run out of them…. Money is tight so I hope its not to much… everyone on here seems really wonderful!
Thanks I will come on by. Really still? Do you get a smell when you don’t get a fur shot?? I can smell the insulin but the fur isn’t wet, I can here the sound of the insulin coming out too… I have good ears… yes I will try to clam down.. Maybe if I eat something and have a soda that will help me.. Thanks so much!!
Melissa and Belle
dragonkitty03
Member
Hello Julie1220,
Awe really? My name is Melissa.. Its okay people call me Michelle all the time…
That would be great!! I have tons of worries… I’m clam at the moment.. I hope it can last for a while…
Wow I really like that quote! Thanks for sharing that for me!!
I really appreciate it… Its so new to me, and I have no money and I need to get more needles the u40 and I have no idea how I will get them…. I’m taking her to the vet in a few days so that should go well I hope… I’m scared about that… She seems like she is doing much better better then she was at least… Everyone here is so kind!!! It helps a lot… I’m crying less and tonight before bed I think I will try to take a nice long shower and relax…
That’s what I’m hoping… I would feel better… she is new on the shots so she may need the two doses twice a day for a while?? When I go back to the vet I will tell him I want to home test and I can fax it to him every 10 days so he can see how she is doing and if changes need to be made he can let me know, I hope this helps… I need to know if Belle is good and he can tell me what numbers are good and what numbers I should give her a shot with… that way it will save us both the time and save me money.. I can do this and I wont be so high strung!
Oh I know the feeling, I’m scared when she is sleeping and doesn’t move she died or when I wake up she is dead too.. WOW really? So its almost a year now!! What is that??
Oh really?? Well I have another cat I can give it too… I have to try to ween her off the dry because she loves her dry… yes I will home test her and see what happens… she is on a very low dose right now, so maybe she can stay on what she is or get a lower dose. I will save money and get that started….
Thanks! I think she may have been sick for a while but I hope she gets better really soon! Thank you sooo much!!!! :hug:
Awe really? My name is Melissa.. Its okay people call me Michelle all the time…
That would be great!! I have tons of worries… I’m clam at the moment.. I hope it can last for a while…
Wow I really like that quote! Thanks for sharing that for me!!
I really appreciate it… Its so new to me, and I have no money and I need to get more needles the u40 and I have no idea how I will get them…. I’m taking her to the vet in a few days so that should go well I hope… I’m scared about that… She seems like she is doing much better better then she was at least… Everyone here is so kind!!! It helps a lot… I’m crying less and tonight before bed I think I will try to take a nice long shower and relax…
That’s what I’m hoping… I would feel better… she is new on the shots so she may need the two doses twice a day for a while?? When I go back to the vet I will tell him I want to home test and I can fax it to him every 10 days so he can see how she is doing and if changes need to be made he can let me know, I hope this helps… I need to know if Belle is good and he can tell me what numbers are good and what numbers I should give her a shot with… that way it will save us both the time and save me money.. I can do this and I wont be so high strung!
Oh I know the feeling, I’m scared when she is sleeping and doesn’t move she died or when I wake up she is dead too.. WOW really? So its almost a year now!! What is that??
Oh really?? Well I have another cat I can give it too… I have to try to ween her off the dry because she loves her dry… yes I will home test her and see what happens… she is on a very low dose right now, so maybe she can stay on what she is or get a lower dose. I will save money and get that started….
Thanks! I think she may have been sick for a while but I hope she gets better really soon! Thank you sooo much!!!! :hug:
Phoebe_TiggyGA_NortonGA
Very Active Member
Just double check the label on your insulin -- some say U40 (pet insulins like Prozinc or PZI or Caninsulin) and many say U100 (human insulins like Lantus, Levemir and Humulin N)
It is possible to buy PZI in different strengths --- that is why you need to check it -- you cannot safely use U40 syringes with U100 insulin.
You need to use syringes that match the insulin
It is possible to buy PZI in different strengths --- that is why you need to check it -- you cannot safely use U40 syringes with U100 insulin.
You need to use syringes that match the insulin
dragonkitty03
Member
thanks, yeah the needle I have is u40 on the needle... can i get those at like cvs or something like that??
Larry and Kitties
Very Active Member
U40 syringes are for animal use only and not available from your local pharmacy. You can get them from your vet or over the internet. Just Google for U40 syringe.
You can use the human U100 syringes for a U40 insulin. If you draw up the U40 insulin to the 2 1/2 mark on a U100 insulin you would have drawn up 1 unit of the U40 insulin.
You can use the human U100 syringes for a U40 insulin. If you draw up the U40 insulin to the 2 1/2 mark on a U100 insulin you would have drawn up 1 unit of the U40 insulin.
tuckers mom
Very Active Member
I'm in Milford CT but don't mind driving if I need to. I can show you how to hometest and I've used PZI, not ProZinc, but PZI for years. I currently use Levemir and Lantus, but if nothing else I could show you the basics.
I have several FDs, most are off insulin, only one is currently insulin dependent.
With my DCIN supplies I think I have some U40 syringes you can have if you'd like them. I'm pretty sure my Sweet Potato was transported up with a box of them but he didn't need insulin once he got here.
I have several FDs, most are off insulin, only one is currently insulin dependent.
With my DCIN supplies I think I have some U40 syringes you can have if you'd like them. I'm pretty sure my Sweet Potato was transported up with a box of them but he didn't need insulin once he got here.
Phoebe_TiggyGA_NortonGA
Very Active Member
I think Lori and Tom offered to send some U40s in with the Newbie Kit
dragonkitty03
Member
Oh that would be GREAT thanks!! I can DEF use the syringes.. Your so kind… I just hope the ProZinc will last a few months so I can save money to get a new bottle… I’m going to talk to the vet about home testing when I bring her inn, this week sometime, and tell him I can fax or mail him the spread sheet or however its done and I will do that every ten days and he can let me know if I need to reduce or whatever with the insulin.
I just thought of something… My dad’s GF cat had diabetes for 3 years and then reversed it but he didn’t die from it and he never had a low and he was an outdoor/indoor cat… he has other problems that got him in the end… I should keep that in mind when I feel worried about Belle… I think he was a little younger or older then Belle is but I know Max will guide me though it so Belle well get well….
The vet didn’t give me many and I will need then soon… the Icon of the cat, is that your kitty?? it’s a very pretty cat…. I need to figure out how to get Belle up on here… Yeah I don’t think Milford is far from Bethel… yeah once I start the home testing I will really need help!!!
I just thought of something… My dad’s GF cat had diabetes for 3 years and then reversed it but he didn’t die from it and he never had a low and he was an outdoor/indoor cat… he has other problems that got him in the end… I should keep that in mind when I feel worried about Belle… I think he was a little younger or older then Belle is but I know Max will guide me though it so Belle well get well….
The vet didn’t give me many and I will need then soon… the Icon of the cat, is that your kitty?? it’s a very pretty cat…. I need to figure out how to get Belle up on here… Yeah I don’t think Milford is far from Bethel… yeah once I start the home testing I will really need help!!!
dragonkitty03
Member
Donna,
Wow that is GREAT!! So prozinc works really good??? How long did it take for Asher to get regulated? Belle just started it on Friday evening. She is going to get last shot in about an hr.
Thanks I sure will!! I will DEF say hi!!! Oh I can’t wait!!!! That is great that everyone is SO supportive!!!
Oh okay that’s what I do… I don’t stick the needle all the way inn though.. I do feel for wetness but I don’t, and I do smell the insulin, though… does that mean I’m doing it right? I can hear the insulin coming out of the needle… She is drinking a lot of water today but its also very muggy out and I keep turning on and off the AC… so can that be it??
Oh you will no worries =)
Wow that is GREAT!! So prozinc works really good??? How long did it take for Asher to get regulated? Belle just started it on Friday evening. She is going to get last shot in about an hr.
Thanks I sure will!! I will DEF say hi!!! Oh I can’t wait!!!! That is great that everyone is SO supportive!!!
Oh okay that’s what I do… I don’t stick the needle all the way inn though.. I do feel for wetness but I don’t, and I do smell the insulin, though… does that mean I’m doing it right? I can hear the insulin coming out of the needle… She is drinking a lot of water today but its also very muggy out and I keep turning on and off the AC… so can that be it??
Oh you will no worries =)
dragonkitty03
Member
Phoebe_Tiggy_NortonGA
oh really? okay awesome.... I saw that post and I thought that was for Jennifer cause it was message to her... that would be SO nice of them!! money is SO tight right now, so I could really use that!!! Thanks for pointing that out to me.
oh really? okay awesome.... I saw that post and I thought that was for Jennifer cause it was message to her... that would be SO nice of them!! money is SO tight right now, so I could really use that!!! Thanks for pointing that out to me.
tuckers mom
Very Active Member
I think it's about an hour drive, if you want help learning to hometest in person, I can come by on a weekend, if you can do it with the videos, that's great too. Feel free to contact me if you need help in person.
Karrie and Maverick
Very Active Member
This is such an amazing community - you are in great hands. You aren't alone, and you'll learn everything you need to know. To be honest, you will know more about feline diabetes than your vet soon. The board here helps thousands of FD cats a year whereas a vet only sees and treats a handful. I too was quite overwhelmed and once the initial few weeks were over with, it was just part of the daily routine. Like reading the paper and drinking coffee.
Lori you are wonderful.
Lori you are wonderful.
Jennifer and Katie
Member
Hey, Melissa, sorry it took me the whole day to write back; I've been at work. I had a thought with you not knowing if you're under her skin or not. You could try practicing poking through a medium weight fabric, such as moleskin, to get the idea of what it feels like to poke through something. Then again, my cat has thicker skin, so maybe that's why I can feel it. I've never heard the insulin, or smelled it, but I haven't gotten close enough to her skin to hear/ smell it. I could tell she was starting to feel better once the water bowl was remaining full, instead of emptying several times a day. That was only about five or so days after I started giving her the insulin.
Katie currently gets 1.5 U twice a day. The vet told me to go from 1 U to 2 U, which I did, but Katie's numbers yo-yo-d too much, so I dropped to the 1.5 U, because it was what was recommended by people on the site. She's doing much better now; her body even seems to be trying to produce insulin on its own, which means we should be due for a dosage decrease soon.
The home testing really is the best thing for your kitty. As I was told, taking your cat to the vet stresses them, so their glucose number is elevated. If you test at home, they are in an environment that they know/ feel safe in, so the numbers are much more accurate. At first, I had to restrain Katie to do the home testing, but now I can just reach over and grab her ear for the poke, no matter where she is in the house. No more restraint needed. I would offer to come show you, but I live in Utah, which is pretty far away from everyone. But I'm sure someone will be able to help you with that^^
I will also second that the vet can't decide to put her down. She is YOUR cat, so you have that decision. But I wouldn't give up on your kitty just yet. She is sick, but it doesn't have to be the end of her. Admittedly, I still worry about my kitty, especially when I'm at work. She won't let anyone else test her, and stays in my room most of the time when I am gone. I have a tendency to check my phone at every break, just to make sure there hasn't been a call about her. And it is also sometimes difficult at night, because she is a heavy sleeper. I even picked her up once and she didn't wake until I put her back down and started petting her.
But don't fret too much. You do still have to remember to take care of YOU. Getting sick because you're so worried would be counter-productive, and I know she's worried about you. Cats know when someone is down, so she probably wants to help, but doesn't know how. A happy smile and laughter will go miles to make her feel better^^
Katie currently gets 1.5 U twice a day. The vet told me to go from 1 U to 2 U, which I did, but Katie's numbers yo-yo-d too much, so I dropped to the 1.5 U, because it was what was recommended by people on the site. She's doing much better now; her body even seems to be trying to produce insulin on its own, which means we should be due for a dosage decrease soon.
The home testing really is the best thing for your kitty. As I was told, taking your cat to the vet stresses them, so their glucose number is elevated. If you test at home, they are in an environment that they know/ feel safe in, so the numbers are much more accurate. At first, I had to restrain Katie to do the home testing, but now I can just reach over and grab her ear for the poke, no matter where she is in the house. No more restraint needed. I would offer to come show you, but I live in Utah, which is pretty far away from everyone. But I'm sure someone will be able to help you with that^^
I will also second that the vet can't decide to put her down. She is YOUR cat, so you have that decision. But I wouldn't give up on your kitty just yet. She is sick, but it doesn't have to be the end of her. Admittedly, I still worry about my kitty, especially when I'm at work. She won't let anyone else test her, and stays in my room most of the time when I am gone. I have a tendency to check my phone at every break, just to make sure there hasn't been a call about her. And it is also sometimes difficult at night, because she is a heavy sleeper. I even picked her up once and she didn't wake until I put her back down and started petting her.
But don't fret too much. You do still have to remember to take care of YOU. Getting sick because you're so worried would be counter-productive, and I know she's worried about you. Cats know when someone is down, so she probably wants to help, but doesn't know how. A happy smile and laughter will go miles to make her feel better^^
C
Carl & Polly & Bob (GA)
Guest
Hi Melissa,
I had to work most of the day and evening, but it sure looks like you have gotten a ton of help from all of the great people here today! From everything I've read, it sounds like Belle is doing well, and with all this help, it seems like you are feeling a bit more self-confident too. That's terrific. Once you get your testing supplies, and especially if Jennifer comes to visit and shows you all about testing and giving shots, you are going to feel that you really do know what to do, and you'll feel a lot more in control of Belle's well being. Sounds like it's been a great day for both of you.
Threads like these are the best example of how great this place is!
Carl in SC
I had to work most of the day and evening, but it sure looks like you have gotten a ton of help from all of the great people here today! From everything I've read, it sounds like Belle is doing well, and with all this help, it seems like you are feeling a bit more self-confident too. That's terrific. Once you get your testing supplies, and especially if Jennifer comes to visit and shows you all about testing and giving shots, you are going to feel that you really do know what to do, and you'll feel a lot more in control of Belle's well being. Sounds like it's been a great day for both of you.
Threads like these are the best example of how great this place is!
Carl in SC
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