Total Newbie to Diabetes and this group

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valveeta21

Member Since 2015
My cat, Sherlock, is such a sweet kitty. He's so good with my kids, he never, ever hisses at them or tries to attack them. I just learned today that he has diabetes. He is only a year old, so I'm a little shocked. And I'm concerned about how much everything is going to cost. I got an estimate from the vet, which includes food, insulin, syringes, etc. I was wondering what you more experienced "cat parents" feed your little guys. Do you buy prescription food? And where do you get your insulin? I"m on a really tight budget, but I want to do all I can for my guy.
 
Welcome!!! You found the best place for information and support! I am kinda new here, been here since June.
Do not buy dry prescription food! Wet prescription food is ok. Most of us feed our sugar kitties Fancy Feast Classics. Some others are Friskies Pate and Sheba. Those are the cheaper ones. I also feed mine Nulo and there are many, many others. I'm sure someone else will chime in with suggestions.
What insulin did they suggest? I started with Vetsulin and switched to human insulin, Lantus. To save cost most of us will buy from Canada. For example, here in the US 5 Lantus Solostar pens would cost over $400. From Canada it only costs me $169. I'm not good at linking but I will try....http://www.canshipinsulin.com/.
Also, please start home testing, it has saved MANY cat lives!!!! You can use a human meter. I use Relion Confirm, you can buy it from Walmart.
 
Thanks for getting back to me! I'm not sure what insulin they want me to use. I'm going later this afternoon. But I will check out the link when I get back.
 
Welcome to FDMB.
Were there any ketones? Did he need to be hospitalized? If no to both, ask your vet about changing diet to low carb, over the counter, canned food first - its easier to do before getting on insulin.
FYI: Friskies pates are about half the cost of Fancy Feast.
See my signature link Secondary Monitoring Tools for some other assessments which may be helpful.
 
I'm new owner of a diabetic cat, but the cat was dx in 2012. My question is do you feed him dry food? Did he receive any medicines lately?

Initial cost can be a little high at first. But once you have everything you will be able to search for different, cheaper places to purchase.

More experienced people here will be able to help you better.
 
Here is a link to the a good food chart. You want to keep the carbs 10% and under. Many of us give Fancy Feast Classics and 9 Lives. Check out the chart the carbs are the 3 column from the left. foodchart. One year old is really young to be diabetic. Do you know what his number at the vets was? And has he been on a steroid for any reason recently?
 
Did you vet do any other blood work to see if there may be an infection? A one year old cat is very young to develop diabetes. It is not impossible, just unusual. An infection can also raise a cat's glucose levels so that is why I am asking. Also, what type of test did your vet use to make the diagnosis? Was it a fructosomine test?
 
Suzi_S said:
Wet prescription food is ok.
Click to expand...

Just a note, because I've been seeing this around the boards a bit...Purina DM wet prescription food is ok for diabetics, but none of the other prescription foods are. Hills uses corn fillers in all their canned foods (including their diabetic and weight loss diets) so they are way too high in carbs for diabetics.
 
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