New to Sugar Kitties

[mfangman & Baby]

I'd like to introduce myself, Marilyn , and my sugar kitty, Baby, and say a big, "Thank You!" to all of you who have gathered, typed and posted the valuable information we've been soaking up for the 6 days since Baby's diagnosis. It's a lot of information, and a bit overwhelming, but just having the information available in such an easy format and forum is tremendous! thank y'all!

 

[Larry and Kitties]

Welcome. If youhave any question do no hesitate to ask

 

[BJM]

Welcome to FDMB!

If you're just starting out, we recommend ketone testing to identify if there are excess ketones buidling up due to fat breakdown. That can lead to a very expensive complication, diabetic ketoacidosis, a medical emergency.

See my signature link Secondary Monitoring Tools for info on how to do that, as well as some supplemental methods for evaluating your cat's health.

 

[Elizabeth and Bertie]

Hello Marilyn and Baby, and welcome to FDMB!

A diagnosis of feline diabetes certainly can be overwhelming at first. As well as the shock of the diagnosis there's also a lot of info to take in. But everyone here has been exactly where you are now, and we understand how you feel.

Diabetes is very treatable and Baby can have a happy and healthy life!

Is Baby on insulin yet? What is the insulin called? And what dose are you giving?
And what are you feeding Baby at the moment?

Most of us here test our cat's blood glucose at home. It helps to keep the cat safe and ensure that it's getting the correct dose of insulin; it will give you a greater sense of control over the situation; and it will save you a heap of money in vet's bills!

 

[mfangman & Baby]

) Thank you, all, for the kind welcome! Baby is currently on Lantus, 1.5 units, twice a day. He is eating Hills w/d, mixed 3/4 wet with 1/4 dry. I supplement his diet with one fish oil pellet (opened and squirted on a dish) once a day to help his itchy, flaky skin. I haven't tested his blood yet, his day of testing with the Vet is in one week... although I have been reading a lot about home testing here, I'm not yet confident enough to try! I think, after Baby's initial testing with the Vet, I will begin testing at home. Baby was last weighed at 17lbs, but is definitely slowly losing. His energy is fine and his whining for more food has stopped. He still treats his doggie sister with disdain and dismissal, but we saw him yesterday rolling her over (boston terrier, 25lbs) and chomping on her neck! YEA! We haven't seen him dominate in months! I'm figuring he's feeling better! Dog's a little po'd tho!
I'm doing a lot of lurking here, learning a lot, taking a lot of notes! Thank you, all, again, for the wonderful information and open, supportive environment!

 

[Denise & Honey]

hi Marilyn

you know everyone is going to encourage you to home test - particularly as Baby is already on Lantus .... you need to know that its safe to give the shot. Cats are full of surprises and rarely give clues as to how they are feeling. Getting the bg is the only way to be sure he's safe. And, testing at the vet will probably give higher than normal numbers because every cat get stressed going and being handled by strangers - so, not as accurate as you could get at home (for less money ;-) )

Also, you would really want him off the dry food completely but don't do it until you are home testing as his numbers could fall.
And, very few people use prescription food here - too expensive and brings no value for the kitty. And yes, most of us have faced the vet on this issue and been refunded on the food.

Anyway, enough of the soapbox - you are doing good for Baby just by coming onto this site and reading up on all of the info.
It is overwhelming at first but after a while, it kinda sinks in and becomes part of you :lol:

Edited - forgot to add, my kitty also had flakey skin and dandruff all of her life, but since the switch to wet food only, it completely cleared up.