PTS a cat due to diabetes? What do you think?

[Mister]

Is it wrong to PTS a cat because I cannot manage his diabetes? I understand that diabetes is controllable and I've spent over 2k attempting to control Mister's diabetes. I've poked him with needles and lancets. I've shoved food down his throat on many occasions. He's very thin and lethargic. Everything else is normal for him. But I cannot manage his diabetes. Is this my fault? Or is there possibly something going on that the vet and I are missing? I swear I've gotten that put me out of my misery look from him but it could just be my frustration driving the wheel...

What do you think we should do?

I've a lot going on. As hard as I'm trying I don't understand if I'm wrong to want to PTS a cat because I can't control his diabetes.

 

[Barb & Mr. Frog]

Our opinion probably isn't the important one here, as it is your cat, not ours. Folks here can likely help you with the diabetes however, if you have enough patience left to work with them to get kitty right.
I'm assuming you've had a number of tests done to rule out other issues if you've spent that much, maybe the results of the blood tests, and some other info would help. Are you home testing? (if so, what meter, how often, when) What food/s is he eating? How often? Are there other health issues you haven't mentioned? What kind of insulin? Dose? Your name? Kitty's name is Mister?

 

[Carl & Polly & Bob (GA)]

Well, naturally the overwhelming majority of people who post here would say "please don't PTS just because of diabetes, because diabetes is not a death sentence". And I think we all truly believe that to be true. And simple diabetes isn't a death sentence provided it can be managed. But none of us is in your shoes, so it really isn't fair for any of us to judge.

I went back and read your prior posts from a couple weeks ago.
You have six kitties? And are moving or have just moved?
You mentioned that you were feeding a raw diet.
And that you were planning on purchasing a test kit.
But I didn't see you mention what type of insulin you are using.

Of course, we would like to help you to help your kitty. From previous blood tests or any tests, are there other complications besides diabetes involved? Are you trying to treat multiple conditions?

Bottom line, and just my opinion...
Only you can make this decision, and I get the sense that it isn't a decision you are taking lightly at all. If given a choice between PTS and doing nothing to treat the illness (like no insulin, for instance), then putting the cat to sleep would be the better choice. But have you considered maybe trying to find a new home for him, where someone would be able to treat him? I know that isn't a really likely option, but many of the cats here were adopted because they were diabetic. And organizations like DCIN try to rehome diabetic cats.

None of us would want you to lose your kitty to this illness. But none of us can fully understand your situation either. All we can offer is help if that's an option.
When my cat was first diagnosed, the possibility of putting him down was mentioned. But it was a purely financial question. Ultimately, I refused to do it and elected to spend my savings to treat his DKA episode, then started with insulin, diet change, etc. It took only 10 weeks for Bob to go into remission, so I was extremely fortunate in that aspect. And very glad that "PTS" wasn't our final decision. But it might have been, so I can understand where you are right now.

My hope is that you'll reconsider, but I can't judge you regardless.

 

[Elizabeth and Bertie]

Hi,

It's not your fault. Feline diabetes isn't always easy to get under control. Some diabetic cats are really easy to manage; some take a bit more work. My own cat was extremely difficult initally (and I felt such a failure that I left this forum because I thought ours was a hopeless case!) but things got better for us over time; and now, six and a half years after his diagnosis, he is still really happy and healthy (touch wood/anti-jinx!).

Sometimes a change of insulin helps; or a change in insulin dosage; or a change of food. (Are you still feeding Mister some kibble during the day?)

I understand you have been trying to hometest (testing Mister's blood glucose at home); may I ask: What readings did you get? Did you test prior to each insulin shot? And do you know how low Mister's blood glucose typically drops at the peak of the insulin cycle? (5 - 6 hours after the shot?) Having more info about that could really help folks here to help you. :smile:

Best wishes and a very big reassuring (((hug))) to you,

Eliz

 

[Larry and Kitties]

If only diabetes that I think it is wrong. However, there may be other, more serious problems. If you provide us with more information like blood work results, blood glucose reading and other information we may be able to help you.
If other serious problem which may be present then saying goodby is likely best

 

[Wendy&Tiggy(GA)]

I think you are also feeding dry food - is that correct?

You take away the dry, do a little home testing and Mister may go into remission within 6 months. 84% cats do. I think he deserves that chance.

Wendy