New diagnosis: Vet rec? Food rec?

[Gingembre1]

Hi all, got the diagnosis today, feeling super overwhelmed. Two questions:

Does anyone live in the East Bay near San Francisco (around Wanut Creek) and has a vet they can recommend? I feel like my vet isn’t super familiar with handling diabetes with cats, as some of their recommendations are already counter to what I’m reading here.

Second question: Can you tell me what wet foods you’re using? My cat is not picky in the slightest. I can’t afford doing the prescription diet. He currently gets some fancy wet foods, some of which meet the criteria (less than 10% carbs, high protein, reasonable fat content), but I need to go and pick up more wet food.

Thank you!!

 

[Sharon14]

Welcome! I can’t help with a vet recommendation, but for food, many of us use Friskies Pate or Fancy Feast Classic. Both are low carb, affordable and easy to find.

 

[Sybil and Zoe]

Welcome! and we all feel your pain of being side swiped by a diagnosis of diabetes.I am on the east coast so no advice on vets. My kitty was diagnosed a month ago and being a nurse I was totally overwhelmed with all I already knew about diabetes so I really felt the need to test and inject responsibly, especially the testing part. It is expensive to buy strips and test twice daily but a necessity to avoid hypoglycemia or dka. You have come to the right place. This forum is such a blessing and so full of experienced diabetic cat moms! I dont think my vet was particularly well versed with diabetes either since I was told dry food was ok if it was the weight management type. After reading Lisa DVM inro on diabetes and cats I got her off that right away. You are super lucky to have a cat that is not picky because the feeding issue has been my biggest challenge but that too is resolving. Take a deep breath and know that you have good resources here and it does get easier!

 

[Tom & Thomas (GA)]

Welcome! I'm pretty new to this myself. But here are some ways to keep your costs down from the start, a concern you mentioned in your intro post. All these points are covered in more detail in information you can find here, and all the more experienced and knowledgable people on the board can give you better advice on specifics.

- Don't let a vet talk you into buying expensive prescription food. It's not even good food.
- Learn how to do blood glucose testing at home. Also less stressful for the cat. And less stressful for you since you're in control and can always check if worried.
- Don't buy an expensive special pet glucometer. A human meter is fine.
- Order insulin through Mark's Marine Pharmacy in BC. Much, much cheaper than in the US. And a short shipping distance for you.

 

[Kris & Teasel]

Welcome! If you like your vet for the rest of your kitty's care stay with him/her. Most vets aren't well versed in the details of treating feline diabetes. That's why we ended up here. I respect vets and give them their due but it's impossible for them to know everything about every cat and dog disease. The best case is if your vet is willing to learn or at least trust you to do things responsibly. What you don't want is a "my way or the highway" ego.

 

[Dyana]

Hi and Welcome, Ginger and Mr. Meow Meow
I lived most of my life in Walnut Creek, but have been in New Jersey for 25 years now.
I know how overwhelming it feels at first. I remember when my kitty J.D. was first diagnosed way back in 2005. He was 11 years old, and for months I was desperately trying to find a vet that I thought knew more about diabetes then they all seemed to. I never did find one. As his regular local vet tried, upping his dose, and doing fructosamine tests, J.D. eventually went into DKA and had to be hospitalized for over a week at a Veterinary University. I found this board, and even the doctors at the University didn't seem to know as much or help me as much as this board did. J.D. survived and lived to be 20, and our bond grew so very close during those 9 years. I am still around, on FDMB helping people when I can, because I want to pay it forward for all the help and advice I received from this forum.
We can help you to save money and to learn to test Mr. Meow Meow's blood sugar so you don't have to go to the vet so often, and will be here for you to support you.