Deb,
Here's the link to the FDMB page of info, tips, tricks, and little videos on hometesting:
Hometesting Links and Tips
In a nutshell, hometesting involves pricking the outer edge of the cat's ear to get a teensy droplet of blood, transferring that to a test strip in a glucose meter, and waiting for the meter to count down and give the result. Like anything new it can take a few goes to get the hang of it, so do be patient with yourself.
Most of us reward our cats with a cuddle or a low carb treat for each test and
attempted test; and they can very quickly learn that 'test = yummy treat time'.
Ears bleed much more easily when they are warm.
Massaging the ear briefly can increase blood flow. Or some folks use a 'rice sock' (see link above) or a pill bottle filled with warm water to hold inside the ear to warm it.
It helps to hold something against the inside of the ear while you are pricking the outside, the lancet needs something to resist, otherwise it can push the ear away. You can use a piece of folded tissue, or cotton wool, or (as I do) just a finger tip; but you may also prick your own finger that way sometimes...
Massaging immediately below the ear prick can 'milk' more blood out. The blood flow runs from the tip of the ear downwards, so massaging below the ear prick will help you catch some of that blood that's on the way down.
Doing two ear pricks very close together can often produce enough for a test where a single ear prick seems to have not produced enough.
A teesny weensy smidge of vaseline on the outer edge of the ear will help the blood to 'bead up' and stop it disappearing into the fur.
Some cats are OK with being held or restrained, and some aren't. Mine isn't, so I crumble a few treats and test him while he's munching on those.
It is well worth practicing on yourself or another willing human volunteer, just to get the hang of the actual testing process. But remember that your cat will not feel the test like you do. When we prick our fingers it can sting just a little, but fingers have evolved to be sensitive; there are very few nerve endings in the outer edge of the cat's ear.
Don't be discouraged if you don't get a successful test the first time. You may feel that you don't have enough hands at first, but it does soon get easier; and when you get the hang of it a test can be done in just
seconds.
Please do post if you need any help.
Eliz
