Jacky's Mom
Member Since 2019
I want to make the change in diet from Purina DM to Friskies pate. We're new at this and I'm testing, but not quite sure of when to test to make sure it's a safe transition. Thanks!
@Sandi & Whisper Thank you Sandi for responding Whisper is so adorable, I see how many kitties you have, bless you for taking all of them especially Henry, that sweet boy.Transitioning too quickly can cause stomach upset for sure. Whispy's diet has to be changed over the course of about two weeks or he gets off track, but he had symptoms like IBD when we first adopted him, so that could be why. If you gets vomiting or diarrhea, just slow down the switch.
I have never used your insulin, but Diane is right in being concerned that a change from dry to wet will reduce the need for insulin no matter what kind, and you will need more tests to do that. In general, you should always test before each shot, then I'd suggest sometime between 3-4 hours after your morning shot (if the midnight test was lower than you normally see, then test on the earlier side, like +2 or +3, and if not then maybe +3 Or +4). Then test before the evening shot, and when you go to bed. (Unless some of those tests show low or unexpected numbers, in which case you might need more.) But since I believe Novolin N can hit pretty quickly and hard, someone who uses it may want to shift those testing times earlier -- and you should listen to them instead of me.
I know that you are having trouble when testing, but I'll try to find a good post showing a bunch of tricks. If you don't feel like you can test that much at this point, I would almost be inclined to say that you should reduce your dose a little while removing dry food. Let me see if I can find someone well versed in Novolin for you too. Back in a few.

Hi Lou no problem, I figured I would just tag you and Sandi since I saw you welcomed her when she joined. Thanks so much. Idjit is such a beautiful boy and I was reading about him and he seems like he's such a character. My Tyler snores up a storm also. I'm so happy that your sweet boy is in remission @Idjit's momLois and @Diane Tyler's Mom, I am so sorry, I didn't see this earlier or I would have responded.
Lois, I have not used Novolin, and had hoped that you would visit again so we could help you with diet, dosing and testing. Novolin is a very fast acting, but not a long lasting insulin for cats. I realize there may be a financial issue to be considered and Novolin is the least expensive insulin you can use for a cat. But there are several other much more suitable ones such as Lantus and Prozinc. It might be worth exploring down the road.
First, you are correct in gradually reducing the dry and increasing the wet. A low carb diet is definitely going to affect blood sugar and you do not want to make the entire change abruptly. Testing Jacky during the cycle between shots is going to tell us how low that Novolin is taking his blood sugar and we can make some judgments about dosage. You are doing more testing today! Good for you and good for Jacky.
Testing, it's a process of practice and patience and here are some wise words that Chris & China (GA) wrote about getting used to the process:
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Here's something I wrote up for others for testing...maybe it'll help you too!
It can be really helpful to establish a routine with testing. Pick one spot that you want your "testing spot" to be (I like the kitchen counter because it's got good light and it's at a good height....it also already blocked 2 escape routes due to the wall and the backsplash) It can be anywhere though...a rug on the floor, a table, a particular spot on the couch...wherever is good for you.
Take him there as many times a day as you can and just give his ears a quick rub and then he gets a yummy (low carb) treat. Most cats aren't objecting so much with the poking..it's the fooling with their ears they don't like, but once they're desensitized to it and learn to associate a certain place with the treats, they usually start to come when they're called! Or even when they hear us opening the test kit!
You also have to remember...you're not poking him to hurt him...you're testing him to keep him safe and understand what's going on inside his body. There's just nothing better than truly understanding what's going on inside your kitty's body and with this disease, the more knowledge you have, the more power you have against it. The edges of the ears have very few pain receptors, so it really doesn't hurt them. Also, if you're nervous and tense, it's going to make your kitty nervous and tense too. As silly as it might seem, try singing! It forces you to use a different part of your brain!
It's also important to make sure his ear is warm. A small sock filled with a little rice and microwaved or a small pill bottle filled with warm water (check temp against your wrist like you would a baby bottle) works well
For new kitties, using a heavier gauge lancet is also really helpful. A 25-28 gauge lancet pokes a bigger "hole" than a 31-33 gauge lancet does, so look for "Alternate Site testing" lancets that are usually a lower number
Finding the right "treat" will be a great help too! Freeze dried chicken, bonito flakes, little pieces of baked chicken...whatever low carb treat you can find that he really enjoys will help him to associate the testing with the treat! China's Achilles heel was baked chicken, so I'd bake a piece, chop it into bite sized pieces, put some in the refrigerator and freeze the rest to use as needed. It didn't take long for her to come any time I picked up the meter!
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Using the cotton ball, pad or folded tissue that you use to back the ear when you poke, fold it over the poke site and compress gently for 10 to 15 seconds is going to help prevent bruising. I use some Equate Pain Relief ointment (like Neosporin only Walmart brand) to help releive discomfort. You can try a cool compress on his ear if he will allow it.
What will your kitty be onI called my vet today and suffice to say that we will not be on the Novolin N for long.
Thank you so much for the responses. You guys are amazing!
Diane, Idjit really is a character and definitely boss of the house. We are a couple of old folks that are devoted cat servants, which is just the way Idjit likes it.Hi Lou no problem, I figured I would just tag you and Sandi since I saw you welcomed her when she joined. Thanks so much. Idjit is such a beautiful boy and I was reading about him and he seems like he's such a character. My Tyler snores up a storm also. I'm so happy that your sweet boy is in remission @Idjit's mom
I said, Lantus or Levemir. Not sure what they're going to say. My vet wasn't in. I talked to the vet tech.What will your kitty be on
Definitely take the diet change slowly. I'd start by reducing the kibble by 1/16th cup and make up for that reduction with the Friskies pate. Do that for 2 or 3 days and then reduce by another 1/16 cup. Repeat until the kibble is totally out of the picture. While transitioning, get mid cycle tests every cycle possible to see how low BG is going. The kibble takes longer to get out of the system so making the change slowly will allow you to catch any drop in numbers as a result and dose can then be adjusted accordingly. If you are having trouble testing Jacky, slow the process down a bit more. Some cats are more carb sensitive than others so making the change slowly will prevent GI upset and keep Jacky safe.
If you change to another insulin, you may be able to speed up the transition process a bit but the same principle of doing it incrementally will apply as removing kibble can have a significant lowering effect on BG.
My 2 kitty's are also the bosses lol. I always cave in to them. They are brothers.Diane, Idjit really is a character and definitely boss of the house. We are a couple of old folks that are devoted cat servants, which is just the way Idjit likes it.
https://rxcanada4less.com/If vet will cooperate they can assist with ordering from Marks Marine Pharmacy in Canada. Less cost, check out the website.
[url]https://rxcanada4less.com/[/URL]
Lois, I have not personally ordered from Marks Marine in Canada, but have read many posts about it and from members who have. I have not read one post that was negative. I suggested it because Lantus, Basaglar and Levemir are also used for humans and are excessively expensive in the U.S. It's a way to save money on a product that people need, a product that is effective.Could you tell me something about the pharmacy in Canada. I saw the website, but I mean how long have people been using that pharmacy? What assurance do you have that the insulin is all it should be. I know people on the Facebook support group get it there. I'm not trying to be difficult. I just need reassurance.
Thank you! ♡♡
Ets...I gave him 2 units of Novolin instead of 3 because I fed him more Friskies wet food this morning. I hope that was the right thing to do. I would like to stop the Novolin until he's completely on the new insulin and on just the wet food How long does it take to get the insulin from Canada once you order it? I would be more than willing to get it locally and pay more to get him started and then order it.
They are probably very good techs and vets, I wouldn't say no to that. The ER vet clinic here with followup from our regular clinic saved Idjit's life a few years ago.Talked to my vet's office. Maybe detected a slight chill. Vet not in. Vet tech is working up the best way for me to proceed and they asked me not to make any more changes until I talked to vet tomorrow morning. I really always just thought they were the best and I feel bad like I'm second guessing them because of Dr. Internet.
The AAHA says on their website that Novolin N is not for cats. The spelled it Novulin N. I did a google search for Novulin N and couldn't come up with anything, so I'm assuming its the same thing.
Edited to say, if you think I'm wrong, please say. Wouldn't you be upset if you read that report. Am I perhaps misunderstanding something? I don't care about being wrong. I just want my sweet kitty to get the best chance at as healthy a life as he can have.
I just want to clarify that I wouldn’t call PZ an in/out insulin like Novolin with a longer duration. PZ is a long duration insulin and there is some thought that a dose might extend further than 12 hours. In that case, you would start to see carryover and overlap somewhat resembling a depot insulin to a degree.Prozinc was developed for cats, but is again an In & Out insulin akin to the Novolin. However, it is not as harsh and has a longer duration than Novolin.
This from your post above:
Ets...I gave him 2 units of Novolin instead of 3 because I fed him more Friskies wet food this morning. I hope that was the right thing to do. I would like to stop the Novolin until he's completely on the new insulin and on just the wet food
@MrWorfMen's Mom
@Marje and Gracie
Thank you Marje, I had seen it described as an In & Out type insulin, but now know better. Adding that to my files of information.I just want to clarify that I wouldn’t call PZ an in/out insulin like Novolin with a longer duration. PZ is a long duration insulin and there is some thought that a dose might extend further than 12 hours. In that case, you would start to see carryover and overlap somewhat resembling a depot insulin to a degree.
PZ is an in and out insulin; I said it’s not an in and out insulin like Novolin.Thank you Marje, I had seen it described as an In & Out type insulin, but now know better. Adding that to my files of information.
