NEWBIE

[georgieboy]

I am new at this in regards to having a kitty that is suffering from diabetes. He was diagnosed on Mon, May 20th. He's 9 and had hind leg problems and was drinking water like crazy so I took him in to my vet. I have him on W/D wet but he has had a hard time switching over from just eating dry food (friskies). I am required to give him 2 units of Humblin (I think that's the spelling) 2 times a day. He is still has reservations of eating just wet. Could you tell me a little more of your successes and what I should avoid? I have also tried canned tuna and boiled shrimp. It has been hit and miss also with boiled chicken. Maybe if you could share the way you make it I might be more successful. I am truly scared and want to do my best. He has a brother that enjoys eating fancy feast (classic) seafood cans and the occasional dry food. Any suggestions so I can get them both on the same page. I appreciate this forum and want to thank you in advance for your help.

 

[Sue and Oliver (GA)]

Hi and Welcome! Sorry your boy is diabetic but we will try to help. First, I'd send for our free home testing kit. It's the picture at the top of this page. Humulin is not an insulin we recommend - it tends to hit fast and hard and not last very long. Even with Humulin, testing will keep him safe until you can possibly get a better insulin. Getting him to eat wet is important, but you want to be careful changing over to all wet until you are testing. In some cats, it means a big drop in blood glucose numbers and you don't want him to drop without your being aware. After you are testing, then you can work on transitioning him to wet. This vet has some great ideas on transitioning: http://www.catinfo.org

Keep reading and asking questions. We will try to help you help your sweet boy.

 

[BJM]

You may find it helpful to practice injecting an apple or pear. The resistance of the skin will be similar to the feel of injecting through the skin.

 

[Wendy&Tiggy(GA)]

Hello and welcome to the board

The hind leg issues will resolve when you get the blood glucose under control, however people here have had success with methylocobalamin pills (a form of vitamin B12) - they take 4-6weeks to have any effect and work better once the blood glucose is regulated. There is a cat version called zobaline which doesnt have sugar or the toxic xylitol in itI

To get his blood sugar better under control, and possible remission you will want to get rid of the dry food. But its critical you start home testing before making a food change as his insulin needs will drop.!!! I see you are having issues getting him off dry, thats probably because cats dont love the W/D food and get sick of the liver flavour fast. Does he like the fancy feast classics? Those are just as good for his diabetes, and since his brother likes those that would make life easy!! I would stop feeding his brother dry at the same time. Sues transitioning tips will also help.

Wendy