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MiloMommy818

Member Since 2013
Hey All...

I'm new to the group but not newly diagnosed. My baby was diagnosed in 2011. I was giving him his daily shots for about a year and then after having a baby, it became tough and I stopped. Milo was "fine" but his health was slowly deteriorating. After a trip to the vet today for a UTI, I decided, there are three options, get back on the ball with his treatment, euthanize him, or do nothing and watch him suffer. Obviously, there is only one decision to make. Trouble is, I'm broke, being a single mom of a 1 year old and barely making ends meet. I am determined though to find the best way to financially afford to take care of my first baby, Milo. He is the best, loving and affectionate cat that I know and I can't let him down.

Thanks!

Erika and Milo
 
Hi Erika and Milo and welcome back to the FDMB.

Do you have any of your old testing supplies left? A meter? test strips? lancets?

Where do you live? There may be someone that lives close to you that could help you to learn to home test.

Friskies pate canned food in the 13 ounce cans is nice low carb <10% food, except for the Mixed Grill flavor (11% carbs).

Are you working with a vet?

What insulin are you using?

I know, I know. A lot of questions, but knowing the answers will help us help you better.
 
you can do this economically and use lantus insulin - make sure the vet writes a scrip for solostar pens not vial - because you can go here and sign up for a savings card - be sure to register in the cat's name and list birthdate at least age 18 to qualify for the card - the card will save you tons of money and you can purchase each pen for $25. Most pharmacies will sell insulin pens as a set of 5 pens to a box - so the cost would be $125 instead of over $200. some pharmacies may even sell you one pen at a time.

http://www.lantus.com/sign-up/offers.aspx

and also get the vet to write a scrip for insulin syringes - U100 .3 cc 30 gauge and you can get long or short needles - my preference is short - but there is no right or wrong.

additionally don't let the pharmacy tell you that you must purchase the needles that go with the pens. That is for humans, not kitties.
 
If you aren't already using insulin, your first step should be checking if his diet is low enough on carbohydrates. Cat Info has a wonderful food list with the breakdown as percent of calories (not weight) from protein, fat, and carbohydrates. Keep it under 10% calories from carbohydrates to reduce the load on the pancreas.

Friskies pates are one of the least expensive foods that will do this. Make the food changes gradually, about 20-25% of a change per day, to reduce the chances of GI upsets.
 
Deb & Wink said:
Hi Erika and Milo and welcome back to the FDMB.

Do you have any of your old testing supplies left? A meter? test strips? lancets?

Where do you live? There may be someone that lives close to you that could help you to learn to home test.

Friskies pate canned food in the 13 ounce cans is nice low carb <10% food, except for the Mixed Grill flavor (11% carbs).

Are you working with a vet?

What insulin are you using?

I know, I know. A lot of questions, but knowing the answers will help us help you better.
Click to expand...


When Milo was first diagnosed all he was getting was a shot twice daily. I was not doing home tests nor was he on a special diet. I was a bad FD mommy. :( I live in Albany NY. I am happy to hear that Friskies is good. He loves that kind and it is not too expensive. I am working with a Vet. He is on Lantus. I don't mind the questions. I'm sure I'll have tons for you all!!!!
 
I got in contact with DCIN who is helping with insulin and a home testing kit. They are awesome!! And my local grocery store provides free syringes as long as you have a script.
 
You weren't a bad FD mommy. You simply weren't an informed FD momma bean. Great news that DCIN is helping out with a test kit and some insulin. We think Lantus is one of the better insulins for cats.

With the Friskies foods, be sure to stay away from the ones in gravy and sauce, the shreds, the meaty bits, etc. Those are a bit higher in carbs. The pate styles are nice low carb though.

Glad to hear you are working with a vet and have a prescription for the insulin. That means that DCIN can help you and I see that they already are doing that.

Keep asking us questions, read other posts from other people, there is a lot of information here. Ask for clarification if needed and we'll help the best we can. Lots of experience here with the day to day management of a sugarkitty.
 
Just in case they didnt tell you - Lantus lasts up to six months if you keep it in the fridge (not the door) and dont shake or roll it.

Let us know when you get the testing kit and we can help from there

Wendy

PS you want the friskies pates as some of the others are too high carb
 
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