Trying to home test...

[Rachel & Link]

Link was diagnosed 2 months ago and I have been putting off home testing because it seems impossible. I have heard so much conflicting advice.

I finally purchased the Countour Next EX home glucose monitor. I cannot get a drop of blood, I have used vaseline, a warm compress, ton of treats. I have watched countless youtube videos. No drop of blood comes not to mention my cat is freaking out. Any idea what I should do?

 

[Bron and Sheba (GA)]

Don’t give up. It can be hard in the beginning. I couldn’t get a drop of blood either!
Try massaging the ears to get him used to having his ears touched. Give him a small treat each time you massage his ears.
And try milking the ears up to the tip each time as that will encourage the blood.
What size lancets are you using? Size 26 or 28 is best in the beginning as they are bigger.
Have you held a touch behind the ears to see where the vein runs along the outside of the ears? You need to prick between that vein and the edge of the ear if you can.

when I was testing on my own, I used to get everything ready, and kneel down on the testing spot and sit on my heels. I would get Sheba and put her inbetween my knees so she was facing the same way as I was, so that if she backed away, she would back into me. I would gently hold her under her chin on her chest with one hand and then put a small low carb treat in front of her and while she ate it I would test her.
Expect to fail a few times. We all did. But you will get it and your kitty will soon start to associate testing with a treat.