Old Cat New Diabetes

[dolphindolly]

I have a 16 year old cat who recently, within the past year, has been losing weight, eating more, and drinking lots of water. She also seems to be urinating more and will sometime urinate on the carpet which she has never done before. My husband doesn't want to take her to the vet because it can be very costly and she appears very happy otherwise. I am thinking because of her symptoms she probably has diabetes.

Can anyone tell me how much the treatment might be for a cat with diabetes? I agree to a certain extent; I don't want to spend a lot of money on an old cat when there are so many cats in need of a home. Sorry to all the cat lovers if that seems cold. I love my cat and don't want her to suffer needlessly.

Thanks for an help.

 

[BJM]

I have a 16 year old cat who recently, within the past year, has been losing weight, eating more, and drinking lots of water. She also seems to be urinating more and will sometime urinate on the carpet which she has never done before. ... I am thinking because of her symptoms she probably has diabetes. ...

The only way you're going to know is to take her to the vet. Please don't wait. Diabetes is a horrible way to die, OK, and you don't want to do that to her.

It also could be hyperthyroidism, which can be treated with a vey inexpensive medication, methimazole, (and that can be given using a pill pocket or putting it in a very tasty bit of food). This would require a vet visit, bloodwork (and regular follow-up bloodwork), and a prescription for the methimazole.

 

[MaryB & Chester]

Take your cat to the vet. You won't know what's wrong until you do.
16 isn't ancient. My Baby lived to 21. One guy around here has a cat that's 23 - and diabetic!

The big expense I've found with diabetes is the insulin. I use Lantus, which runs about $150 for vial that should be good for at least three months. Glucose testing at home is by far the biggest cost savings. That cuts WAY back on the vet visits and lets me run most of the testing from home. I was able to get a blood meter with 200 strips at American Diabetes Wholesale (see clickable banner above) for less than $50. Syringes run me about $15 for 100 (almost two months' worth) and lancets are even cheaper (I think). There's no need to feed any fancy precription diet - many people here feed plain ol' pate-style Friskies or Fancy Feast, as a couple of examples of good, low-carb wet food.