? Ketone blood test meters

[Molly and Sammy]

I know I should be checking for ketones, though thankfully Sammy did not show problems when tested at the vet two months ago. I don't think I could capture urine so am looking at blood ketone meters. Can anyone recommend an affordable one? Checking Amazon, I see several options, most in the $50-$60 range with 10 strips included. Also, how often should I be testing for ketones? Thank you.

 

[FurBabiesMama]

I have and like the Keto-Mojo meter. You can get a kit for 59.99 and then get ketone strips for 99 cents each 'for life'. https://keto-mojo.com/collections/all/products/the-ketonian-special

 

[Molly and Sammy]

I have and like the Keto-Mojo meter. You can get a kit for 59.99 and then get ketone strips for 99 cents each 'for life'. https://keto-mojo.com/collections/all/products/the-ketonian-special

Thank you! How often should a diabetic cat showing no symptoms be tested?

 

[FurBabiesMama]

Thank you! How often should a diabetic cat showing no symptoms be tested?

I think I have seen somewhere on this site that you should test at least weekly. It really depends. If your cat's glucose is in higher numbers, you need to test more than if it is not. If your cat has ever had an issue with ketones, you need to test more often than if not.

I have been fortunate and we have never had any ketone issues, and Mia stays in very good numbers these days, so I'll confess that I have not tested for ketones in a long time.

 

[Squeaky and KT (GA)]

Any time a cat is in higher numbers, it's a good idea to check ketones a time or two a week. If they're not eating well or seem to not feel well, daily. It's the first clue that you're heading down a dangerous path and need to visit the vet as something's brewing. It could potentially be the beginning of hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver) or Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA).