Adam Sala
Member Since 2016
Greetings!
My 8 year old cat Pixel was diagnosed about a six weeks ago. He had been drinking more water and filling the litter box faster than usual. I understand now these are pretty common symptoms, so I'm guessing this story has been told here a million times. I've learned a lot about pet diabetes since then but I still feel very newbish.
His diet is still dry cat food.
Wet food is also available but he won't eat it yet. I'll keep trying, but early on he had a nausea spell and wouldn't eat anything for several days. It was pretty scary with vet visits & assisted feeding etc, so I've been a bit paranoid about using hunger as a big motivator. I have moved him to scheduled feeding times though (twice/day, a couple hours around his injections). Before food was always available to him via a feeder. I'll take tips for convincing a finicky cat to eat wet food instead of dry. So far heating it, cheese, and tuna can juice has not tempted him very well.
His insulin is U-40 Prozinc. He started at 1 unit twice/day, but due to high BG readings the vet has gradually increased the dosage - now he's getting 4 units twice/day. This has me a bit concerned, as some of his current BG readings are still as bad as they were on first diagnosis (500 range).
A couple weeks ago I finally picked up a home tester (nothing fancy, a generic CVS/pharmacy glucose meter). Unfortunately I'm not getting as many readings as I'd like, maybe one good measurement every few days. The cat does not want to cooperate. I've been measuring high lately (300-500), though I have seen it get in the 90-160 range, and he's never had a hypoglycemic event as far as I know. The vet suggested I measure once every 2-3 days for now, ideally 8 hours after his morning injection. I'd love some tips on getting the cat to cooperate easier.
Thanks!
-Adam
(&Pixel)
My 8 year old cat Pixel was diagnosed about a six weeks ago. He had been drinking more water and filling the litter box faster than usual. I understand now these are pretty common symptoms, so I'm guessing this story has been told here a million times. I've learned a lot about pet diabetes since then but I still feel very newbish.
His diet is still dry cat food.
Wet food is also available but he won't eat it yet. I'll keep trying, but early on he had a nausea spell and wouldn't eat anything for several days. It was pretty scary with vet visits & assisted feeding etc, so I've been a bit paranoid about using hunger as a big motivator. I have moved him to scheduled feeding times though (twice/day, a couple hours around his injections). Before food was always available to him via a feeder. I'll take tips for convincing a finicky cat to eat wet food instead of dry. So far heating it, cheese, and tuna can juice has not tempted him very well.
His insulin is U-40 Prozinc. He started at 1 unit twice/day, but due to high BG readings the vet has gradually increased the dosage - now he's getting 4 units twice/day. This has me a bit concerned, as some of his current BG readings are still as bad as they were on first diagnosis (500 range).
A couple weeks ago I finally picked up a home tester (nothing fancy, a generic CVS/pharmacy glucose meter). Unfortunately I'm not getting as many readings as I'd like, maybe one good measurement every few days. The cat does not want to cooperate. I've been measuring high lately (300-500), though I have seen it get in the 90-160 range, and he's never had a hypoglycemic event as far as I know. The vet suggested I measure once every 2-3 days for now, ideally 8 hours after his morning injection. I'd love some tips on getting the cat to cooperate easier.
Thanks!
-Adam
(&Pixel)
