Need Help - Cant get cat calm

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TheNewTeddy

TheNewTeddy

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Vidya is out today, and the only thing I have to do today is test Boo, but I can't get him calm enough for testing. I finally was able to poke him but he wont let me get near his ear to get at the blood drop.

I only have one thing to do today but I just cant get him calm and I'm starting to get very angry at myself. I need help.
 
First, BREATHE...

Now, another one.....it really does help.

NOW - Boo is picking up on your stress, the more upset you get at yourself, the worse the situation will get. You've been really lucky to get this start under your belt - DON'T blame yourself for a hiccup. Stop trying for a bit, go do something that relaxes you, take a walk, breathe deep....then, when you're calmer and happier, Boo will calm down too...

HUGS - been there, done that....it's OK.
 
I don't think I can calm down today. I'm facing a lot of issues, and I'm starting to hate myself, and that was before this.

Boo has always been a difficult cat but while his numbers were high he's been lethargic. Now that he's "back to normal" he is doing what he would have done if I had tried to touch his ear prior to any of this - attack me.

I don't see him calming down at all. He was like this last night when I tried, and I don't see how he can calm down in an hour. And last night I was in a good mood, something I am not in today.

The healthier he gets the harder he is getting to test, we almost need both of us here to do so, but we can't always both be home. Vidya does most of the testing, and she manages to get it on the first shot, and she does the food stuff, and she does the needle. Every time I try to do these things I just screw them up.
 
Sorry to hear you are not having a good day...

where do you normally do the testing? with Boo on the ground or on a table or something?
 
Every time I try to do these things I just screw them up.
Click to expand...

Show me where you've screwed up - I've seen you doing well! I've seen SUCCESS! I've seen a cat that's close to regulated in a VERY short time that I can only dream of....a 'hiccup' or 'mistake' isn't 'screwing up' - it's learning something new. I know this can be REALLY REALLY stressful and when you combine other issues with it, it can quickly mess with your head...believe me I KNOW!

I don't see him calming down at all.
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QUIT adding to it by deciding what the future holds before you get there. Boo may totally surprise you if you give him a chance. You might have to go to the burrito method by wrapping him in a towel or sheet for a time or two - IT'S NOT GOING TO HURT HIM!!! It's NOT going to make him hate you either!!!

Breathe again!!!! Talk it out if you need to...
 
you can try putting a calming collar on Boo; you can get them at Petsmart and other places... it worked great with 2 of my guys. Pheromone lavender scent.

Also, some people need to wrap the cat in a towel or bag to immobilize the cat to test.
maybe when you are both home, she can help you with some tips on how she tests and that may help you.

Are you poking the ear with the lancet device or free hand? If free hand, you may be poking harder than she does, or if you are using the lancet device, maybe you have the dial set different setting?

I am sure as you get in more practise it will get alot easier and before you know it, you won't even be thinking about it, it will be just like breathing and blinking.
 
Perhaps this may help: neosporin ointment (not cream) may be applied to the test area a few minutes before testing, then wiped off to test. The petroleum in it helps the blood bead up and the pain relief reduces the annoyance of testing.
 
I got his evening PS -- 4.8 (86.4 US) -- when I got home. TheNewTeddy and I will keep working on it together until we have it down to a science. At least we've each finally mastered filling the syringe to the 1.75u (unmarked) 'mark', which feels like quite an accomplishment.

Vidya
 
I second Gayle's suggestion ofthe calming collar. I have not used
that but today I had to drive over 2 hours with a nervous cat who usually cries in the car. I charged up aFeliway plug over night and put that inthe car.She did very well. I am impressed with Feliway.
 
Do you have treats that Boo can't resist?
Start by preparing everything you need for the test (including the glucometer with a strip inside but not completely pushed in to give you more time). Now breath! There is no rush. Don't even think about the test cuz now is time to pet your kitty! Once you KNOW he is in a good mood start by warming up his ear (with a sock filled with rice for example) and keep on talking to him and petting him. Keep breathing normally, time does NOT matter! While your left hand is still holding the cat or petting the cat, push the strip in the glucometer. Take your lancet and cotton wool and poke the ear, if he is still cooperative just grab the glucometer and test the blood, but if for any reason he starts being turbulent while the blood is ready to be tested, give him a treat and talk to him while you use the glucometer.

I did not write (breath normally) at the end of each sentence, but really, dOnt forget to do that. It might seem obvious but if you are not zen your cat won't be zen either! Forget about the test while you are at it. And once it is done notice how useless being stressed would have been!

:)
 
kimouette said:
Do you have treats that Boo can't resist?
Start by preparing everything you need for the test (including the glucometer with a strip inside but not completely pushed in to give you more time). Now breath! There is no rush. Don't even think about the test cuz now is time to pet your kitty! Once you KNOW he is in a good mood start by warming up his ear (with a sock filled with rice for example) and keep on talking to him and petting him. Keep breathing normally, time does NOT matter! While your left hand is still holding the cat or petting the cat, push the strip in the glucometer. Take your lancet and cotton wool and poke the ear,
Click to expand...
I did all of this


kimouette said:
if for any reason he starts being turbulent while the blood is ready to be tested, give him a treat and talk to him while you use the glucometer.
Click to expand...

I will try this
 
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