New & Confused

[yoopermom01]

A week ago our 7yr old cat Toby was Dx with diabetes. Ive had no experience with it in animals or people, so this is all Greek to me. The vet started him on 1U 2xDay. I have switched him over from free feeding dry food, to wet food. Him and our other cat Joey (9yrs) are loving the canned food but are hungry all the time.Joey is starting to adjust, but Toby is driving us all CRAZY asking for food day and night. He goes from me, to my husband to my daughter all night waking us up asking for food. He keeps trying to steal poor Joeys food. He gets his shots at 9am and 9pm. When should he be fed, keeping in mind that we feed twice a day? Does the timing of the feedings matter? Can I feed him more than that? Its like we are starving him, and he has lost sooo much weight already even thou he has never lost his appetite. We go to the vet today to get his blood tested and insulin adjusted. Im reading things here about going into hypo, and my vet never talked to me about that & it has me worried. Going to have to ask about that today. I havent done any home testing, because i didnt know it was an option and Ive read it a few times the last few days and i just dont understand it.Even if the doc does the blood testing, should I look into urine testing? UUGHH! I have a mountain of medical issues I am trying to get under control myself, and this on top of it is overwhelming. Any advice would be appreciated.

 

[Sue and Oliver (GA)]

First,several deep breaths. This disease can be easily managed from home; we would love to help you help Toby.

First, what kind of insulin? We favor mild long lasting insulin like Lantus, Levemir and ProZinc as opposed to harsher shorter lasting insulin like Humulin and Canninsulin.

Yes,we test at home. Stress raises blood glucose levels and most cats are very stressed at the vet. Then doses based on those numbers can be too high once the cat gets home. It is much cheaper and more accurate to test at home, and much easier on the cat. We can guide you through it, from getting him used to the process, giving you a shopping list and step by step instructions. Just ask!

Unregulated diabetics are literally starving - their bodies aren't processing the food well. You might add water to the wet food and make a bit of a gravy so he will slow down his eating. And consider feeding him extra until his numbers come down.

Urine testing is not as accurate as ear testing. It gives you an indication of how his sugars were before the urine made its way through his body several hours ago. Ear testing will tell you his levels right now, and let you know whether it is safe to give the dose you are planning to give.

So, breathe, do some reading and ask questions.

 

[KPassa]

Welcome!

At first, it can definitely seem overwhelming, but you've found the right place. We're here to help you with anything and everything, from home-testing to dosing to lending a sympathetic ear.

I agree with Sue that you might want to feed him a bit more, at least until he starts getting into some better numbers and his body begins to utilize food properly. Here's a great thread about feeding Kitty as much as they want that is worth a read-through and might give you some more ideas on how to keep the overly ravenous Toby satiated. ;-)

Please let us know how else we might be able to help you. :YMHUG:

 

[Wendy&Tiggy(GA)]

What kind of food (brand type) are you feeding now? Not all wet foods are low enough carb for diabetic cats so let us know and we will check it.

You can feed him more - just weigh him every few weeks and if he starts to gain too much weight you can adjust. As sue said, diabetic unregulated cats need more food. You can also feed him throughout the day instead of 2 big meals - its better for the pancreas that way - and will stop him bugging you at night! either leave the food out, or buy a timed feeder , or freeze the food and let it defrost.

Wendy