Newbie here - questions about feeding

[brandiflakes]

Hi everyone,
My 14-year-old Meko was diagnosed 1 week ago. I am overwhelmed by the diagnosis. I am grateful to have found this forum. My apologies if this question has been answered already.

I have questions about feeding. Before he was diagnosed, I was feeding him wet food twice daily and then he could graze on dry food. Since starting insulin on the 31st, I've taken away the dry food for grazing, but I'm afraid to remove it completely as I haven't started home testing yet. I have been giving a very small amount of dry food with his wet food (Friskies pate) twice daily, is this ok? We are supposed to see the vet on Thursday, August 10. I was planning to ask the vet about food then because his blood work came back indicating something is going on with his kidneys. How much/how often should I be feeding him? I keep reading about hypoglycemia and I am so worried. I go back to work tomorrow after having the week off and I'm anxious about what may happen while I am at work.
Thank you in advance,
Brandi (and Meko)

 

[Kris & Teasel]

Friskies pate is fine for diabetic kitties but don't take the dry away until you're testing blood glucose at home. The BG can drop significantly in some cats when kibble is taken out of their diet. Some vets say you should feed only twice a day but most of us feed several small meals a day. Most kitties are happier that way and it can help to keep BG level more stable. We advocate testing before feeding and giving insulin. The food should be removed at least two hours before those tests so the result isn't food influenced.

Diabetic cats are usually very hungry because they can't derive as much energy from their food as they need. They also usually lose weight because of FD. You can feed as much as your kitty wants but in small meals throughout the day and even overnight. Many people use an automatic feeder for this.

Home testing of BG is the essential tool for keeping your kitty safe so I recommend you get that going as soon as you can. It gives enormous peace of mind.

 

[Kris & Teasel]

BTW - I''m a fellow Canadian in Ottawa!

 

[brandiflakes]

Thanks for the info! I will continue with the dry food and look into an automatic feeder.
I am planning to start BG testing this week when hubby returns from working out of town - I want a second set of hands the first few times as Meko is pretty grumpy.
Great to hear from a fellow Canadian Do you buy most of your supplies in-store or online?

 

[Kris & Teasel]

Thanks for the info! I will continue with the dry food and look into an automatic feeder.
I am planning to start BG testing this week when hubby returns from working out of town - I want a second set of hands the first few times as Meko is pretty grumpy.
Great to hear from a fellow Canadian Do you buy most of your supplies in-store or online?

If your vet prescribes Lantus, a human insulin that works very well for many cats, it can be bought OTC in Canada. I buy mine at Shoppers Drug Mart and accumulate points. I also use a human meter, a Freestyle Lite, that came free when I bought a box of 100 test strips. Test strips for a pet meter are $$$$ but even human meter strips are pricey in Canada. I wait until the 20% off Seniors' Day at Shoppers and also collect points. I don't know if Shoppers has that program in Alberta.

If your vet prescribes an animal insulin like Caninsulin (also used in dogs) or ProZinc (cats only) you'll have to buy it from the vet. I buy my insulin syringes from my vet.

 

[Christie & Maverick]

I buy mine at Shoppers Drug Mart and accumulate points. I also use a human meter, a Freestyle Lite, that came free when I bought a box of 100 test strips. Test strips for a pet meter are $$$$ but even human meter strips are pricey in Canada. I wait until the 20% off Seniors' Day at Shoppers and also collect points. I don't know if Shoppers has that program in Alberta.

Yes they do, I'm in Alberta , Great suggestions Kris, every little bit helps.

 

[JanetNJ]

Hi everyone,
My 14-year-old Meko was diagnosed 1 week ago. I am overwhelmed by the diagnosis. I am grateful to have found this forum. My apologies if this question has been answered already.

I have questions about feeding. Before he was diagnosed, I was feeding him wet food twice daily and then he could graze on dry food. Since starting insulin on the 31st, I've taken away the dry food for grazing, but I'm afraid to remove it completely as I haven't started home testing yet. I have been giving a very small amount of dry food with his wet food (Friskies pate) twice daily, is this ok? We are supposed to see the vet on Thursday, August 10. I was planning to ask the vet about food then because his blood work came back indicating something is going on with his kidneys. How much/how often should I be feeding him? I keep reading about hypoglycemia and I am so worried. I go back to work tomorrow after having the week off and I'm anxious about what may happen while I am at work.
Thank you in advance,
Brandi (and Meko)

What is the current dose? If his kidneys are failing he will benefit from extra water that wet food provides. If you post a copy of his blood work we can suggest other things that may help him feel better.

Testing at home is easy. I have a video in my signature showing how I test my cat CC.