Mr. Peepers

[Star8527]

Hi there! I found out today my cat Mr Peepers has diabetes. I brought him in because he was rubbing his ears and she said he lost weight since his check up a month and a half ago. They ran the blood panel and found out he is diabetic. She called later tonite and talked to my husband she saidsaid we need to decide what to do. I was told the insulin would be 200 every 2 months. I think no I know I can get it cheaper. I don't wanna lose my buddy. She isn't back in until wed so I need to find which insulin we will be using making sure it's generic and than start calling around and looking online. Where do you buy yours from? Also what about food? My cat is very picky I am worried he will hate what I have to switch him to. Any help would be appreciated since I am new to all this.
Karen and Mr Peepers❤❤

 

[Yong & Maury GA]

Welcome Karen and Mr. Peepers!
We all understand the overwhelming feeling but feline diabetes is treatable! It's not a death sentence and we have ways to help it not break the bank either . Can't say anything about the insulin price they gave you because not sure which one it is for, except I've never heard $200 every 2 months. My first vial lasted me 3 and I still have it with some left as a backup. I have not heard of generic brand insulins for cats but either way, have to wait to confirm which insulin.

Food - The expensive prescription diets are 100% unnecessary and actually a lot are too high in carbs for diabetic cats. Most here feed Friskies pate (non-indoor formulas) and Fancy Feast pates (Think they're called classics). Since you have not started insulin yet, you should make the food change before hand. You'll definitely want to home test, for some reason a lot of Vet's say it's not needed. Well, ask if they would give their human baby / toddler insulin without checking BG first . Home testing has saved many a kitty's life here.

This next section I post looks overwhelming so I'll try to keep it short!
Spreadsheet link instructions, if you need help just ask! http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/fdmb-spreadsheet-instructions.130337/
Signature information is super helpful for a quick glance of kitty history and helps those of us with bad memories:
http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/editing-your-signature-profile-and-preferences.130340/
Lastly, I like to give this because it's better to be prepared: http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/how-to-treat-hypos-they-can-kill-print-this-out.15887/

For home testing if your Vet is OK with it, they will probably push the pet meter, AlphaTrak 2. Many of us use a human glucometer, ReliOn Confirm/Micro (Walmart brand) is very popular due to test strip affordability. That's where the cost can be an issue. AlphaTrak 2 strips are bout $1 per strip. ReliOn C/M are about $0.36 per strip. Apologies if I've overwhelmed you more, I like to put things in one place for you initially, and I tried to answer some questions . Feel free to ask ANY questions here! This is a support group for Mr. Peepers and YOU!

 

[JanetNJ]

Yong have great advice.

If the insulin she wants you to use is lantus, many on here by it through marks marine pharmacy in Canada. https://rxcanada4less.com/

You can get 5 lantus pens for $150 which, depending on your dose, could last you a year or more.

You can also save on vet visits and keep your cat super safe at home by learning to test at home.

 

[Lillie]

I don't have any advice to give but I just had to tell you how much I absolutely love your kitty's name! 'Mr. Peepers'-