Newbie needs some guidance

[Jessie's mom]

Hello! My kitty, Jessie, was just diagnosed, and I don't really know where to start. I guess a little background would help, so here goes.
I had heard that two adult cats were in need of a new home and were on a waiting list to a local shelter. Male, female, spayed, neutered, declawed, never been outside. I just couldn't picture them adjusting to all the changes they would have to face, so I took them in. Actually, it took an entire week for the previous owner to be able to capture Jessie and bring her to me. He had to buy a large dog crate, no way could he get her into a carrier. She bit him so badly, I'm sure she was so stressed, as was he. He told me then that if she ever needed medical attention, I would have to find a vet to come to my home. I just prayed that she would stay healthy for a long time. I have had her brother, Church, to the vet for his checkups and shots, and it's like a war zone when he comes back in the house. So of course it has to be my little girl that is sick. I noticed she was drinking a lot, and the litter pan was full, and then realized how thin she was getting. She has not been to the vet. I collected a urine sample for testing, and the vet called to tell me she is diabetic.
I decided to find out what I could do from home and found this site. I am already in the process of switching her to wet food, and her brother also. Makes so much sense, of course they need meat! But, I have no vet to guide me, or prescribe insulin, and I do not want to traumatize her.
This site has given me hope. I was afraid that there would be no way to help her if I can't take her to a vet. She has not even had a blood test. I don't want to delay in starting treatment. Any help will be greatly appreciated.
Sorry so long for a first post.

 

[beggargirl]

I'm a bit too new to give advice, but I just want to say hi and welcome!
It is a bit late for a lot of people right now, so you might get more eyes on your post tomorrow.
This is a wonderful place, and I'm sure you'll find the help you need here.

 

[julie & punkin (ga)]

changing all your cats to low carb canned food is the perfect first step! you want to get rid of every bite of dry food i the house because cats are so hooked on it - we jokingly call it kitty crack. we've seen cats here whose blood sugar will raise 200 points and stay high for a day from just a few bites of dry cat food.

here's a couple of links:

Info on Cat Nutritional Needs: http://catinfo.org/

Janet & Binky's Food Page: http://binkyspage.tripod.com/canfood.html
You're looking for canned food that has less than 10% carbs - most of us try to stay a little lower, say 6% or less. check the links for both "old" and "new" canned cat foods. You'll see brands that you recognize, then check the column that lists carbs for some that will work for you.

are you saying the diabetic cat is semi-feral?

oh yeah, and welcome! we'll help you!

 

[doombuggy]

Check your area for a vet that might be able to come to your house. If not, ask the vet you took the brother to if he/she can give you a calmer for her so that you can bring her in. My BFF has a cat who HATES going to the vet and she has to do that for him to get him in there. I mean he would foam at the mouth!

you are doing the right things, but she should be checked. JMHO

Good luck

 

[terri1962]

Hello
I am new too. Welcome. I would look too for an vet to come to the house. I am not sure but you might ask some of the other members about how to home test your kitties sugar. People do it all the time and I know other members do it. Maybe you can buy a glucose monitor and test strips, please do ask someone as I have no idea about that or how to do it.
I have four kitties and of course the worst one to take to the vet is always the one to get sick. I have upend beds and move furniture and everything else to get her into the carrier all the whilst hissing and growling going on. Good Luck

Terri