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Chase

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Hi everyone!

My name is Gina. My daughter's ex-boyfriends cat (they had adopted him together) was just diagnosed with diabetes. He was going to put him down (because he didn't want to deal with) but we agreed to take him home with us. He is at the vet's now, but they are not starting insulin until morning because there would be nobody there to see how he reacts. I am not 100% convinced that his diabetes is the cause of what is going on, I am thinking that it may be a symptom of something more serious. Anyway, he is on IV fluids and I guess we just wait and see if he makes it thru the night :? I just wanted to introduce myself and Chase the cat, if he makes it I'm sure I will be spending a lot of time here.

Thank you,
Gina
 
Hi Gina and Chase!

I started on this forum a little over a week ago. In that time i've learned a LOT and feel equipped to (at least in part) advocate for my cat. Whatever happens, you'll find a welcoming and really informative community here. You might get some more advice if you happen to have Chase's blood work or Glucose levels on hand. What were the symptoms? For Shiro the increased thirst and urination with a loss of 2 lbs in one week did it for us. What else do you think is going on? How old is Chase?

Whatever happens, best of luck!
 
Gina & Chase,
Welcome to the best place you will ever ever find!
and THANK YOU for taking that baby! what a wonderful person you are.
Diabetes is not a reason to end a life, as you will find out.
Some questions:
what kinds of food are you feeding? (low carb - under 7 - is the best)
what kind of insulin are they going to start with? (some are better than others, might want to ask before purchasing)
what amount are they starting on (lower is better)
your vet suggest home testing yet ( the ONLY way to go)

You will get lots of questions, suggestions/advice and tons of support here!

Keep us posted and furry hugs coming your way! ;-)
 
Chase said:
Hi everyone!

My name is Gina. My daughter's ex-boyfriends cat (they had adopted him together) was just diagnosed with diabetes. He was going to put him down (because he didn't want to deal with) but we agreed to take him home with us. He is at the vet's now, but they are not starting insulin until morning because there would be nobody there to see how he reacts. I am not 100% convinced that his diabetes is the cause of what is going on, I am thinking that it may be a symptom of something more serious. Anyway, he is on IV fluids and I guess we just wait and see if he makes it thru the night :? I just wanted to introduce myself and Chase the cat, if he makes it I'm sure I will be spending a lot of time here.

Thank you,
Gina
Click to expand...

Hi Gina,
First welcome to the site. I also want to thank you for saving Chase's life.

Now, I am glad that the vet has not started insulin yet because it may be a perfect time to make a few changes and see if he really IS diabetic.

The first big thing that needs to be addressed is diet. There are tons of cats who are DIET CONTROLLED. Chase needs to be eating a low carb WET food, no dry food and no dry treats, as all of the dry foods are high carb and can result in high blood sugar so your vet may think he's diabetic.
Here are some links on food and also a list of foods from which you can choose.If you stick with wet pate types you should be OK. Most people are fine with feeding fancy feast pates or friskies pates as they are decent foods and low carb.
Binky’s Food Lists
Feeding Your Cat: Know The Basics of Feline Nutrition

You can save yourself worry and money by picking up a BG meter at the pharmacy ... the Relion is a good meter and the strips are the most economical. You can easily test Chase at home and see where his blood sugar levels are when you are feeding a low carb diet.
Testing on cat’s ear

I am hoping that you can get Chase on some better food, and test his BG, then see if he truly is diabetic or not.

If you find that his numbers are still high, and do need to start insulin, when you speak to the vet about which insulin, i would say that Levemir or Lantus are the best long term ones and Prozinc is almost as long lasting... but try the food first.

If the vet wants to keep Chase there 'to regulate him or find a good dose', just bring him home because you will not regulate a cat in a day or two.... some cats take weeks or months, so don't waste your money on long vet stays, unless he's really sick.
 
Gina, what a wonderful woman you are for being willing to deal with Chase's health problems! :YMHUG:

I am new to this too, and have to tell you that you found an excellent place to come for information and people who are very friendly and helpful!

I will say some prayers that Chase makes it through the night!
 
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