Courtney and Kismet
Member Since 2012
This is a basic list of all the supplies you will need to start home testing and treating your diabetic cat. I'm not promoting any brands here, and have only included suggestions based on my own personal experience. Just make sure that you buy matching test strips for whatever glucometer you get.
The list is also attached as a word doc which can be downloaded and printed. The list can also be accessed via Google Docs anytime from anywhere. New Member Shopping List Please feel free to share with newbies.
New Member Shopping List
1) Glucometer. Walmart’s ReliOn meters are a popular choice on FDMB. The ReliOn Prime’s test strips are only $9 for a bottle of 50.
2) Test Strips to go with your new Glucometer. Make sure you have plenty of extra strips at all times. You do not want to run out when your cat suddenly decides to take a swan dive to the 40’s.
3) Lancets. Make sure you get plenty of lancets. Get a thicker gauge ( 28 gauge) at first so that it is easier to get a blood drop to form.
4) Cotton Balls/Tissues/Cosmetic pads to hold against the inside of the ear when testing and to staunch blood after poke. I use a clean, wadded up tissue.
5) Antibacterial Ointment. Neosporin with pain relief or any ointment like it. Rub on kitty's ear after poking. Make sure you get an ointment, not a cream.
6) Ketone Test Strips such as Ketostix. These are urine strips to test for Ketones and can be found at most pharmacies or Walmart. Some glucometers will also accept ketone blood test strips. This is a good alternative for those with a multi-cat household or who have a hard time catching a urine sample.
7) Low Carbohydrate Wet Food. See Dr. Pierson’s list for commercial cat foods. It is recommended that diabetics eat less that 10% carbs. http://www.catinfo.org/docs/FoodChartPublic9-22-12.pdf Some popular brands fed by members include Fancy Feast Classic Pates, Friskies Pates, Wellness, Evo, and Merrick's Before Grain. Find a food that is nutritionally sound and affordable. There's no need to break the bank or buy Rx food.
8) High Carbohydrate Wet Food. Keep a couple of cans on hand for emergencies in case your cat's BG drops too low. Look for a wet food with gravy. See Dr. Lisa’s chart above for a food over 10% carbs.
9) Corn Syrup or Honey. Corn syrup (such as Karo) and Honey can be used in place of the HC wet food by mixing a drop or two into LC wet food. It’s a good idea to have some in addition to HC food in the case of emergency. If your cat goes into a hypo coma, or refuses to eat, you can rub karo directly onto their gums.
10) Diabetic appropriate treats. Freeze dried chicken and turkey are popular with most kitties.
11) A Sharps Container to hold used syringes and lancets. I use an old laundry detergent bottle. Make sure you check local regulations on disposal of sharps.
12) Chocolate/candy/wine/your favorite treat. For you!
13) Rice to make a rice sock. (optional.) Fill a clean sock with rice and tie it off. The rice sock can be heated in the microwave and then pressed against kitty's ear to encourage bleeding. Some members use a warm washcloth or paper towel as alternatives.
The list is also attached as a word doc which can be downloaded and printed. The list can also be accessed via Google Docs anytime from anywhere. New Member Shopping List Please feel free to share with newbies.
New Member Shopping List
1) Glucometer. Walmart’s ReliOn meters are a popular choice on FDMB. The ReliOn Prime’s test strips are only $9 for a bottle of 50.
2) Test Strips to go with your new Glucometer. Make sure you have plenty of extra strips at all times. You do not want to run out when your cat suddenly decides to take a swan dive to the 40’s.
3) Lancets. Make sure you get plenty of lancets. Get a thicker gauge ( 28 gauge) at first so that it is easier to get a blood drop to form.
4) Cotton Balls/Tissues/Cosmetic pads to hold against the inside of the ear when testing and to staunch blood after poke. I use a clean, wadded up tissue.
5) Antibacterial Ointment. Neosporin with pain relief or any ointment like it. Rub on kitty's ear after poking. Make sure you get an ointment, not a cream.
6) Ketone Test Strips such as Ketostix. These are urine strips to test for Ketones and can be found at most pharmacies or Walmart. Some glucometers will also accept ketone blood test strips. This is a good alternative for those with a multi-cat household or who have a hard time catching a urine sample.
7) Low Carbohydrate Wet Food. See Dr. Pierson’s list for commercial cat foods. It is recommended that diabetics eat less that 10% carbs. http://www.catinfo.org/docs/FoodChartPublic9-22-12.pdf Some popular brands fed by members include Fancy Feast Classic Pates, Friskies Pates, Wellness, Evo, and Merrick's Before Grain. Find a food that is nutritionally sound and affordable. There's no need to break the bank or buy Rx food.
8) High Carbohydrate Wet Food. Keep a couple of cans on hand for emergencies in case your cat's BG drops too low. Look for a wet food with gravy. See Dr. Lisa’s chart above for a food over 10% carbs.
9) Corn Syrup or Honey. Corn syrup (such as Karo) and Honey can be used in place of the HC wet food by mixing a drop or two into LC wet food. It’s a good idea to have some in addition to HC food in the case of emergency. If your cat goes into a hypo coma, or refuses to eat, you can rub karo directly onto their gums.
10) Diabetic appropriate treats. Freeze dried chicken and turkey are popular with most kitties.
11) A Sharps Container to hold used syringes and lancets. I use an old laundry detergent bottle. Make sure you check local regulations on disposal of sharps.
12) Chocolate/candy/wine/your favorite treat. For you!
13) Rice to make a rice sock. (optional.) Fill a clean sock with rice and tie it off. The rice sock can be heated in the microwave and then pressed against kitty's ear to encourage bleeding. Some members use a warm washcloth or paper towel as alternatives.
