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MKS

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Hi. My cat Rocky was just diagnosed. I’m very stressed with all this entails. I’m fine giving the insulin shots but I’m not fine with how I have to change not only his schedule, but his brothers as well. They have always had food out all day and now I’ve been told rocky can only eat twice a day. He meowed at me for 4 hours yesterday because he was hungry. He’s on prescription glycobalance. I feel like we can no longer go out at night or away because he is supposed to get his shots in 12 hour intervals. Please someone tell me how stringent I have to be and what you do? Thank you
 
Welcome.
It all depends on what insulin you are using. A couple of them have a bit of leeway but not much. Some people teach a friend/relative/neighbour how to give shots and how to test the blood glucose. What shot times would work best for you most days/nights?

Glycobalance is not the best food for a diabetic cat. It is too high in carbs.

Also, unregulated diabetic cats cannot process their food properly so they are hungry. You can feed a main meal at shot time and then a few snacks throughout the cycle. Just pick up any food 2 hours before the next shot so that the test number at shot time is not carb influenced.

What insulin are you using? And are you home testing?
 
GLycobalance is higher carb then he should have. Most of us feed fancy feast classic or friskies pate. here's a food chart. You want to look for foods under 10 % carb. https://catinfo.org/chart/index.php

The good news is you don't have to only feed twice a day. I fed 4 times a day.... and they had food out to graze whenever they want. Just no food two hours prior to the preshot test. If you aren't home testing yet, we can help you with that. :D I have a video in my signature showing how I tested my cat CC at home.

I know it's totally overwhelming in the beginning... but it is not a death sentence and they can live long happy lives with it.
 
I have not started testing at home yet. He was just diagnosed on Monday. What is the protein level in food that is a good number to look for?
 
MKS said:
I have not started testing at home yet. He was just diagnosed on Monday. What is the protein level in food that is a good number to look for?
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So it's more the carbs you are looking at. You want under 10% (under 7 is even better). Many here feed fancy feast classic or Friskies pate foods. I fed my diabetic weruva because she needed lower phosphorus for her kidneys. I'm also a big fan of Tiki cat
 
He was on hills prescription c/d formula prior as he had urinary issues. I wonder if that is better.
I appreciate all the help. So you’re telling me I can give him a little food during the day to hold him over until shot time?
 
MKS said:
He was on hills prescription c/d formula prior as he had urinary issues. I wonder if that is better.
I appreciate all the help. So you’re telling me I can give him a little food during the day to hold him over until shot time?
Click to expand...
Correct. Most of us feed several meals throughout the day. Just no food at least 2 hours prior to the preshot test.
 
Red & Rover (GA) said:
Welcome.
It all depends on what insulin you are using. A couple of them have a bit of leeway but not much. Some people teach a friend/relative/neighbour how to give shots and how to test the blood glucose. What shot times would work best for you most days/nights?

Glycobalance is not the best food for a diabetic cat. It is too high in carbs.

Also, unregulated diabetic cats cannot process their food properly so they are hungry. You can feed a main meal at shot time and then a few snacks throughout the cycle. Just pick up any food 2 hours before the next shot so that the test number at
MKS said:
He was on hills prescription c/d formula prior as he had urinary issues. I wonder if that is better.
I appreciate all the help. So you’re telling me I can give him a little food during the day to hold him over until shot time?
Click to expand...
He is on vetsulin

What insulin are you using? And are you home testing?
Click to expand...
Red & Rover (GA) said:
Welcome.
It all depends on what insulin you are using. A couple of them have a bit of leeway but not much. Some people teach a friend/relative/neighbour how to give shots and how to test the blood glucose. What shot times would work best for you most days/nights?

Glycobalance is not the best food for a diabetic cat. It is too high in carbs.

Also, unregulated diabetic cats cannot process their food properly so they are hungry. You can feed a main meal at shot time and then a few snacks throughout the cycle. Just pick up any food 2 hours before the next shot so that the test number at shot time is not carb influenced.

What insulin are you using? And are you home testing?
Click to expand...
JanetNJ said:
Were these perscription foods the dry or wet variety?
Click to expand...
The prescriptions were for the dry. I do soak it in a little water to soften.
 
Hi! Automatic feeders would help a lot with picking up the food 2 hours beforehand, so you don't have to feel like you can never be home. Please do your research on it. If you decide you would like to use it, I have one to rehome for free (just shipping) in the supply closet forum.

It's very important to test before giving insulin, and from what I've seen Vetsulin drops cats hard and fast. You will have to test, feed, wait 30 minutes, then give insulin. There's a specific forum for vetsulin questions (this is the link), and I would suggest looking there for more information about the insulin (I only gave Moo Moo Lantus, so I will not be any help). Please refer to this guide for treating hypoglycemia as well.

Fancy Feast pates are super accessible, other low carb canned foods may not be (depending on where you live). This is a list of foods and their carb %.
 
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