Newbie Question: How often/How much to feed?

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stacyeb

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I joined last week for my 14 y/o cat, Henry, and we're *slowly* getting used to our new lifestyle. He's handling the insulin shots very well, and he continues to have a ravenous appetite.

What I can't figure out is how to handle his constant hunger. I read one schedule that allows for 3/4 of breakfast 15-30 min before insulin, 1/4 of that serving for a snack an hour and a half later, and then food 30 min before the next dose of lantus 12 hours later (I suppose the usual amount given to an average cat). I was going to follow this, but the poor guy tells me he's starving!! Can I feed him at will? Is there a certain amount or schedule that anyone would recommend? He also has kidney issues, which is better if he's fed more frequently (with his phosphorus binder).

We joined last week when I found out his glucose (not the fructosamine test) was 780. We have a glucose meter, but haven't used it yet (I'm scared to try it). I found out yesterday that my 16 y/o cat has leukemia, so I'm overwhelmed right now, to say the least. At least both of my boys have great appetites right now, so that encourages me.

Thanks, Stacy & Henry
1 unit lantus/2x day
Denton, Texas
 
Yes, you can feed him more - until he is regulated, he can't use the calories from his food, so he is literally starving.

As soon as you start testing, you may gather enough data that you can make doseage adjustments to help him use the food he is eating.
 
Whew--that's a big relief!! He will be relieved too. :-D

My goal is to start home testing at the one week mark--although it's hard to imagine that after having a glucose of 780 that a low carb diet could make him go too low, but I don't know beans about diabetes.

Thank you so much for your help! Stacy & Henry
 
Hi Stacy!
My cat Atticus was just diagnosed right before New Year's, so I'm still a newbie, too, but I just want to say hang in there. I started home testing this past Saturday and it's already gotten easier. There are Youtube videos out there and so many resources here to teach you how to test Henry. Is he eating wet food now?
 
Henry is loving wet food! Thank goodness, given his kidney issues. I feel like all I do all day long is feed kids, cats, and dogs!

Thanks for your words of encouragement. I haven't watched the youtube video yet. I'm saving it for when I finally build up the courage.

Best of luck with your kitty--it sounds like you've got the hang of it pretty quickly. Stacy &Henry

1 unit lantus/ 2x day
 
I'm really sorry to read about your other 16yo cat, Stacy. ((((big hugs))))
Good luck with dear old Henry. I used to have a lovely cat called Henry, he was a yellow stripey number. Got hit by a car. Any old hoo...
I am overwhelmed a bit too at the moment, but there's a lot of useful info around this site. We do what we can. xx
 
Hello!

My kitty Morlei was dx Jan 2nd, so we've been doing the sugardance for about 2 1/2 weeks now. We're still getting used to a feeding schedule, especially with our three other cats who were/are addicted to dry food. Thank goodness Morlei loves the wet though...I ended up buying Blue Basics dry for the other three and they get a cup split between the three along with as much wet as they will eat just to keep their calorie consumption up.

I like Wellness wet for Morlei, the Chicken, Beef & Chicken, and Turkey are all under 4% carbs, are between about 193-220 cal for a 5.5 oz can, and are under the 250 mark for phosphorous. Sorry, I don't remember the measurement for the phosphorous, but I've read it's best to keep it under 250 for senior cats or those with kidney issues.

For snacks, I gave Morlei PureBites freeze-dried chicken. I find it at PetsMart and here in Vegas it's $2.75 a bag. I also poached some chicken for her and she goes absolutely nuts and tries to swat it out of my hand!

I'm still a little confused about the calories myself, I've seen two different ranges: 15-25 cal per lb and 20-30 per lb. Morlei is eating about 350 a day, which is about 26-27 cal per lb for her. I may try to give her a little more because she needs to put about a pound back on in my opinion. Because my other three cats are being so stubborn with the wet food and a feeding schedule, I make sure they are at least getting the absolute minimum of 15 cal per lb. Two of the three could lose a lb or two but my third one cannot so it's definitely a balancing game. I'm scared to death of my cats not getting enough food and having more medical problems to deal with...I've been pretty OCD about it and I just have to keep telling myself that I'm doing everything I can for my babies.

As for home testing...it's an absolute must in my opinion and it'll make you feel so much better to know where Henry's numbers are at. If you've been hearing people say use rice in a sock to help with the testing....it works! You put dry, uncooked rice in a sock and heat it in the microwave until warm. I use it to rub the ear and get the blood going. Then I put the sock under her ear (on the inside of her ear) and pull her ear over it, it keeps the ear still and flat. Poke the ear near the edge, we have better luck on the side with the little flap. It definitely gets easier, you may have to poke a few times but just pet, talk nicely, and give a treat and everything's good again!
 
It's so complicated when there are other cats in the household. Since we've been feeding with more canned food, everyone is overexcited! We have seven cats, and we can't afford to feed everyone can food, so we still use the petsmart brand dry, simply nourish, I think it's called. I have no idea what its carb number is, though. Its good to know about those treats! They miss their temptations.

I guess tomorrow will be home testing day one. Gulp!

Thank you for the encouragement! Stacy and Henry
 
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