Not Eating Much

[Richard P]

Hello,

My cat Big has never had a problem with eating. I'm sure that's why he's in this mess now. At present he seems fine but he's not eating a lot these past few days. Just a quick note. I haven't made a profile yet and I don't do meter testing. I'm very new to this and am working towards getting there. Here are his stats:

Cat's name: Big
Insulin Type: Novolin N
Dosage: 4 units twice a day 12 hours apart.
Weight: at present 21.5. He was at 24 and I believe he is below the 21>5 at present.

We are going to the vet on 3/7/2019. He is still urinating tons and drinking like he is going through a desert. I'm wondering if he is in hypo or not. I know now that Novolin N is not a long term insulin which seems to last only about 8 hours. I'm wondering with the 4 units that maybe it's to much now. I see the importance on having a meter on hand for daily testing. Do cats that are diabetic always urinate so much even if you get control of the insulin? I'm sorry if these seem like stupid questions. I don't think I have been given the right advice at the vet. or perhaps I just didn't know what to ask. I keep reading and learning but there seems to be so much information about this. I just didn't realize that all the insulins were so different from one another.

The big question is what do you think of his extreme thirst and lack of desire to eat. He is eating some but not a lot right now. This from the cat which would consume his food like the Russians were in the harbor. Thank you ahead of time.

Best,
Richard

 

[Elizabeth and Bertie]

Hi Richard,

My cat Big has never had a problem with eating. I'm sure that's why he's in this mess now. At present he seems fine but he's not eating a lot these past few days. Just a quick note. I haven't made a profile yet and I don't do meter testing.

A diabetic kitty who is not eating is a bit of a 'red flag'... In the circumstances it would be advisable to test Big's pee for ketones. Testing involves dipping the end of a ketone test strip into a drop of pee, timing for a given number of seconds, and reading off the result. Anything above 'trace' is a reason to contact your vet ASAP...
Also, since you're not homesting (yet?) it could be worth your getting strips that test for both ketones and urine glucose (for example, Keto-Diastix). This will show you how much glucose is being excreted in the urine since the last time Big had a pee.
Crumpling plastic food wrap loosely over the cat litter is often a good way to catch a little sample. Or, if you use clumping litter you may be able to push the test strip straight into a freshly wet pee clump. ...With my current (diabetic) foster I'm finding that keeping a really shallow layer of litter in the tray works well. It takes a while for the litter to absorb the pee, and sometimes I get a nice little pool of pee in the bottom of the tray.

I haven't made a profile yet and I don't do meter testing. I'm very new to this and am working towards getting there.

There's a lot to take in at first. But it does get easier. Honestly! I would strongly suggest that you do get a glucose meter and start to learn how to test Big's blood. We can help you learn.

I know now that Novolin N is not a long term insulin which seems to last only about 8 hours. I'm wondering with the 4 units that maybe it's to much now.

Novolin is not recommended for kitties. The current guidelines (from the AAHA and ISFM, etc) are that cats are prescribed longer-acting insulins such as Prozinc, Lantus or Levemir.
Novolin can drop the blood glucose really hard and fast in many kitties, and 4 units is a high dose....
Because Novolin drops the blood glucose so fast it is particularly important to be hometesting....

He is still urinating tons and drinking like he is going through a desert. I'm wondering if he is in hypo or not.

The excessive urinating and drinking is most likely due to high blood glucose levels.
These can be caused by too little insulin OR too much insulin....
Since 4 units is a high dose 'too much' seems like the prime suspect here. But there are 'some' kitties who do genuinely need high doses.... They are however in the minority...

I know it sounds strange that 'too much' insulin can raise blood glucose. But this is how it works. ...If the blood glucose drops too low or too fast (or both) the body can release stored glycogen to raise the blood glucose level. It can also release hormones that cause temporary insulin resistance, keeping the blood glucose high for up to a few days. When the effect wears off, the body becomes responsive to insulin again...

Do cats that are diabetic always urinate so much even if you get control of the insulin?

Cats with well-regulated blood glucose shouldn't pee any more than a non-diabetic cat. There are other conditions that cause excessive urination though such as kidney disease and hyperthyroid.

The big question is what do you think of his extreme thirst and lack of desire to eat.

This is concerning.
Please do check his pee for ketones. Also, because the strips don't register all forms of ketones also have an awareness of how Big's breath smells. It should smell like normal cat breath (!). If it smells fruity or like acetone that can also indicate ketones.

If Big has an infection that could also be putting him off his food. Urinary tract infections, for example, are quite common with unregulated diabetics. Infection would also put him at greater risk of developing ketones which can quickly build up to cause a nasty and dangerous condition called diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).

If Big's appetite doesn't pick up very soon I would strongly suggest that you take him to be checked over by a vet. Hopefully there's nothing serious going on. But it's really important that diabetic kitties do eat...

Eliz

 

[Elizabeth and Bertie]

@Richard P , how is Big doing today? I do so hope his appetite has picked up and that he's feeling better.

Regarding using Novolin, you may find some helpful info in this 'beginner's guide'. Any questions; ask, ask, ask...
Beginner's Guide To Novolin/Humulin/NPH

Eliz

 

[Richard P]

Hello,
Not so much. Last night I had to give him some chicken. He didn't eat much of his normal food and it was still there this morning. Same problem today. I'm going to the vet after work. Not sure if I should give shot or wait till I get done when I get home. Getting prescription for Lantus as well. Novolin N just doesn't seem to be cutting it. Poor sad boy. I'm not looking forward to testing at home but it's better than waiting to see the vet. I have absolutely no idea what his levels are. Plus he's usually scared to death when we go. I'm sure we don't get a positive reading when I'm there. Need to go Lantus board for more information. Watched video on how to use Lantus for dosage. Thinking syringe will be better than pen. There is no way I can give him a shot and have him stay put for 5 to 10 seconds recommended for the pen. I also like using 1/2 inch needles and am not sure that they have those for a pen. Thank you for your help. I have been beside myself of late with this and have been having a very difficult time focusing for work or much else.

Best,
Richard