1) preferred insulins - Lantus or Levemir in pens, Prozinc. These all last roughly 12 hours. Vials of these last longer than 1 month if refrigerated on a non-moving shelf - up to 6 months in many cases.
2) you do NOT need the AlphaTrak meter; a human glucometer will be fine. Its like reading Celsius or Fahrenheit for temperature. Both are correct. We have reference numbers to use for evaluating the dose. The Arkray USA Glucocard 01 or 01 mini are available from our shopping partner ADW (link at top of page). Or, pick up the WalMart Relion Confirm or Confirm Micro locally - its the branded version of the Arkray meters.
3) home testing with the glucometer - always test before you give insulin to ensure it is safe. You'll need 27-28 gauge lancets and lots of test strips (cost of test strips is how the meter makers make their money and part of why we don't use AlphaTraks - too expensive for most of us!)
4) diet - not the prescription diets! many cats get bored and won't eat them after a few days OR they are too high in carbohydrates. Take 'em back if you bought them. Instead, in the US/North America, get Friskies Pates or Fancy Feast Classic Pates for low carb, canned, over the counter and low cost foods. Nix on dry; it is NOT good for cats.
