Tips for getting AMPS BG?

[SuziB]

Hello!

Yesterday I got my first successful BG reading on Reece. I would really love to run a GC to see how her system is responding to her insulin, but my first challenge is getting the AMPS. She is her MOST grouchy before being fed and really wants nothing to do with me touching her AT ALL until she has eaten! I have tried giving her a little food, then trying to get a poke on her ear, but the grumbling and growling and flattening of ears has made it impossible!

I bought Whole Life Pet Just One ingredient freeze dried salmon treats, which she liked on day 1, but isn’t fond of now (my dog loves them, though!). They aren’t helping to distract or reward her. Have any of you found a treat that cats find irresistible? Reece’s previous favorite treat was Greenies crunchies with the soft filling - they were like crack to her! Can I still reward with those or are they too high in carbs?

How do you guys get blood from your cats before they eat??

 

[MrWorfMen's Mom]

Reece is probably extremely hungry in the morning especially if she doesn't get any food overnight (don't know your current feeding schedule). Many folks use timed feeders so they can leave food out overnight but keep food unavailable in the two hours prior to the pre-shot test. That should at least ease off the hunger but if she is still being difficult, feed her half her meal, test, then give her the rest. Worst case scenario and until she gets more used to testing, if you have to, let her eat but test immediately after she finishes her meal before the food has a chance to really hit her bloodstream.

On the subject of treats, I have a very fussy kitty so I'm not sure what to suggest other than Purebites, or some pieces of baked or poached chicken. Orijen makes an acceptable treat I've seen mentioned here but I don't know it they have several types and you need a specific one. Try searching "treats" and see if that gets you some suggestions.

If all else fails, you can use the Greenies sparingly (they are high in carbs) for the first little while, but I'd keep trying to find another reward to elicit her co-operation. My girl wouldn't eat any treats when I started but she loved being brushed so she got extra beauty treatments as a reward for her co-operation for the first little while.

 

[flyingduster]

So when I do the morning testing, I have the food bowl prepped, but covered. I have my strip sitting in my machine ready to be pushed in to trigger it. I have my lancet to hand. And I have a yeowling kitty demanding her breakfast! I try to do the blood test before feeding her (but have the food right in front of us with it covered!) and instantly life the cover once I’m done. Or if she’s being demanding too much I’ll lift the food cover to let her start eating and then do her ear. It’s ok to do it pretty promptly as she is eating, as it won’t affect her BGL quite yet!

 

[Kris & Teasel]

You can try giving her a teaspoon or two of her meal just before doing the PS test. That can help the ravenous kitty be more cooperative. If you do the test right away it won't be food influenced.