We have done renal failure and hyperthyroidism, but Shrek is our first diabetic

[Cathy4cats]

Hi all,

Cat mom to four cats; our oldest, Shrek (tuxedo cat with green eyes who behaves like an ogre at times), nearly 9, was just diagnosed with diabetes 2 weeks ago. He has lost over 2 lbs in 1.5 months. He is otherwise healthy. Had his first glucose curve at the vet's; we are increasing PZI insulin from 1 unit 2x daily to 2 units 2x daily, with f/u glucose curve in one week. He was previously eating Natural Balance LID duck and green pea canned and dry food due to digestive issues, but has switched to Purina DM canned food without problem; actually, he'll eat just about anything--which is a problem! Feeling a bit overwhelmed; Shrek is a bit hyper and likes to bite when he is unhappy (when he is being restrained for a needle), but he is my nearly 16-year-old daughter's special baby!

We have done subQ fluids before for Mimi (who passed away almost 8 years ago) and meds and radioactive iodine for Petey (who passed on 3.5 years ago), as well as caring for a dog with doggie dementia, but this is our first time with a diabetic animal. Any words of wisdom and/or encouragement are welcome. Would love suggestions on successfully restraining the cat for his injection with minimal distress for all involved.

Thanks,
Cathy4cats

 

[BJM]

Welcome to FDMB.

The insulin syringes are so thin that many cats barely notice the injection, especially when distracted by eating. Giving a low carb treat at or after the injection usually makes the cat interested in coming to get the shot!

For safety, we strongly, strongly encourage home glucose testing with an inexpensive human glucometer, matching test strips, and lancets for alternate site testing (26-28 gauge). We have reference numbers for using human glucometers. Vets may want you to use a pet glucometer, but those have fairly expensive test strips ($1.00 or more per strip vs $0.36 per strip) and we recommend testing before each shot to make sure it is safe to give and between shots to monitor how low the glucose goes (at least once a week).

Be sure to check out the Feline Health forum and browse and post there with all your questions.