Whoa....I am so confused.

[Brutus Dale]

Well, I haven't been around for a while.
This whole experience has been pretty stressful for me. (As you all know.)

I did buy a home blood meter. Brutus, however, will not let me near his ears. No way, no how.
I just read on here that I might be able to try his feet. So, I guess that is my next experience.

He goes back to the vet tomorrow to have his blood tested.

I still do not really know what the heck I am doing. *sigh*
The few times that he did not eat a good meal, I lowered his dose.
No idea if that was OK or not.

I have to go away for a few days a couple of times this Fall and I am so nervous.
I have no idea if my husband or Brutus will be able to do the shots.
I have been the only shooter for him, and I he only permits the shots because
we have a routine. He eats, then jumps up on the table for a few Temptations cat treats.
While he is eating them I give him a shot.

I know Temptations are not the best, but he wants no part of the meat etc treats
that have been suggested here.

I have COMPLETELY changed his diet. He used to live on Temptations treats, and
I did not know better.

 

[Squalliesmom]

Well, I haven't been around for a while.
This whole experience has been pretty stressful for me. (As you all know.)

I did buy a home blood meter. Brutus, however, will not let me near his ears. No way, no how.
I just read on here that I might be able to try his feet. So, I guess that is my next experience.

He goes back to the vet tomorrow to have his blood tested.

I still do not really know what the heck I am doing. *sigh*
The few times that he did not eat a good meal, I lowered his dose.
No idea if that was OK or not.

I have to go away for a few days a couple of times this Fall and I am so nervous.
I have no idea if my husband or Brutus will be able to do the shots.
I have been the only shooter for him, and I he only permits the shots because
we have a routine. He eats, then jumps up on the table for a few Temptations cat treats.
While he is eating them I give him a shot.

I know Temptations are not the best, but he wants no part of the meat etc treats
that have been suggested here.

I have COMPLETELY changed his diet. He used to live on Temptations treats, and
I did not know better.

So sorry about the trouble you're having trying to test Brutus. I can't really help with advice as to that, but I certainly can relate to your frustration and confusion. It WILL get better. As far as treats go, I have tried the Purebites and my cats aren't crazy about them, either. A company called Young Again makes a carb-free treat that I have just tried, my cats love it but it's a little pricey. I think you can only get it online from the company.

 

[Critter Mom]

Does Brutus like chicken? You could try baking or poaching some chicken meat and giving him little pieces as treats if he'll go for it. You could freeze some for later, too.

 

[Bobbie And Bubba]

Bribery while you are testing. Bubba was good with it and then decide to not let me. I give him a few shavings of Bonito Flakes and the sneak attack! Sometimes he swats are me and I have been bitten, but I won't rescind as it is just too important. I started conveying that to him with my attitude and now it's easier again. Good luck, it will get easier. If you make up your mind that it will get done, somehow I think kitty "get it" Hugs

 

[AliciaG]

OMG...thank you so much.
The bacon after feeding was my way to get him to hop up on the table and
allow me to give him his shot. I have been doing this with every shot, about 1/2 to 1/3
of a slice each time. I feel like my head is going to explode.

If this has been keeping his glucose up and the vet has increased the insulin up to 5 units twice a day,
should I reduce it since I will be stopping the bacon?? Maybe go down to 4 units until his next visit in a week?

I HATE this.

It'll be okay. Some of this is a waiting game especially once you start shifting food around. If you'd still wanting to give home bacon,can you visit a butcher's or natural foods to see if they do any cures without sugar?

 

[Tucker&Me]

You could try baking or poaching some chicken meat and giving him little pieces as treats if he'll go for it

Hi Jill! Very good suggestion here by Critter Mom. I did this AND put the bits in a small plastic Tupperware thingy with Bonito flakes!! Cats LOVE Bonito flakes.I shook the container to make sure the bites were 'coated'..Tucker cannot resist. Excellent stinky treat!!
About the testing...did you try the "conditioning" steps first? Slowly acclimating Brutus, praise & REWARD, release. Fiddle with ears abit, praise & REWARD, release. They are animals and respond very well to this type of conditioning. Jill, this is a must for the health of your sweet boy. Start again.
Have you seen this video? It may be an option for you!