Theresa'sK.C.
Member Since 2014
Hi I am new here.We just found out today that KC has diabetes and I am so nervous about it.I pray I can do this.I know I can but I'll need a lot of help and guidance .
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Sue and Oliver (GA)
Member Since 2009
You're in the right place! Everyone who posts on your thread received help when they were scared and overwhelmed at first, and they are paying it forward helping you out. You can learn alot on the index page, reading the threads there especially the ones on Nutrition and Health. We have a very successful protocol that has helped thousands of cats to regulation and often, remission. Here are the basics:
1. A slow, long lasting insulin. Lantus, Levemir and ProZinc are popular as they have a slow onset; they are not harsh and they are easiest to use for regulation. Humulin and Canninsulin are less popular because, in most cats, they have a rapid onset and don’t last as long. We like new diabetics to start low and go slow. That is, start at a low dose of .5 or one unit twice daily every 12 hours. And increase slowly, by .25 or .5 units as the numbers indicate. What kind of insulin and what dose is KC on?
2. A low carb, wet diet. We like to feed under 8-10% carbs. There are several food charts you can use: Dr. Lisa’s food chart
Hobo’s Food Chart Rhiannon’s 8% and under list
Whatever food you can afford that your cat will eat in that lower range. BUT do not change over to wet until you are hometesting. With our Oliver, the switch meant an overnight change of 100 points downward. If we hadn’t been testing and had given our usual amount., he could have hypoed.
2. And most importantly, hometesting. We think cats tend to be stressed at the vet and we know stress raises blood glucose levels. So we test our cats at home. You want to know what the number is before you give the shot to be sure the amount you are planning to give is safe. And testing midcycle will show you how the insulin is working. We use human glucometers and test on their ears or paws. Here is a video that shows you how it is done: Video for hometesting
So, do some reading. Ask questions. And breathe :mrgreen: This disease can be managed easily at home and the whole sugar dance is very doable. We would love to help!
1. A slow, long lasting insulin. Lantus, Levemir and ProZinc are popular as they have a slow onset; they are not harsh and they are easiest to use for regulation. Humulin and Canninsulin are less popular because, in most cats, they have a rapid onset and don’t last as long. We like new diabetics to start low and go slow. That is, start at a low dose of .5 or one unit twice daily every 12 hours. And increase slowly, by .25 or .5 units as the numbers indicate. What kind of insulin and what dose is KC on?
2. A low carb, wet diet. We like to feed under 8-10% carbs. There are several food charts you can use: Dr. Lisa’s food chart
Hobo’s Food Chart Rhiannon’s 8% and under list
Whatever food you can afford that your cat will eat in that lower range. BUT do not change over to wet until you are hometesting. With our Oliver, the switch meant an overnight change of 100 points downward. If we hadn’t been testing and had given our usual amount., he could have hypoed.
2. And most importantly, hometesting. We think cats tend to be stressed at the vet and we know stress raises blood glucose levels. So we test our cats at home. You want to know what the number is before you give the shot to be sure the amount you are planning to give is safe. And testing midcycle will show you how the insulin is working. We use human glucometers and test on their ears or paws. Here is a video that shows you how it is done: Video for hometesting
So, do some reading. Ask questions. And breathe :mrgreen: This disease can be managed easily at home and the whole sugar dance is very doable. We would love to help!
Rachel
Member Since 2013
Welcome to FDMB! We all know the feeling of your baby getting that diagnosis. The good news is that diabetes is a disease that can be managed. We can help you!
Are you already giving insulin? What kind?
What are you feeding KC?
Are you willing to learn to home test? We can help. It's the best way to keep our kitties safe.
We can definitely help you! Ask any questions you have!
Are you already giving insulin? What kind?
What are you feeding KC?
Are you willing to learn to home test? We can help. It's the best way to keep our kitties safe.
We can definitely help you! Ask any questions you have!
Deb & Wink
Member Since 2013
Hi Theresa and extra sweet kitty KC and welcome to the message board.
Have you read this post yet? Newbies - a message from your cat
Breath, remember to breath. Deep breathing exercises can help to relieve the stress of learning to deal with this scary new disease.
We've all been where you are now. We'll help you get through this and learn how to best take care of your kitty KC every day.
Have you read this post yet? Newbies - a message from your cat
Breath, remember to breath. Deep breathing exercises can help to relieve the stress of learning to deal with this scary new disease.
We've all been where you are now. We'll help you get through this and learn how to best take care of your kitty KC every day.
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