Animal shelter volunteer looking for more info

Discussion in 'Feline Health - (Welcome & Main Forum)' started by sotto1031, Aug 7, 2015.

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  1. sotto1031

    sotto1031 Member

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    Aug 7, 2015
    Hi everyone! I volunteer at a local animal shelter, caring for the cats who are available for adoption. I found this site while searching for more information about feline diabetes, and I am hoping that some of you might be able to help me with a situation I have.

    Right now, there is a very sweet, 4-year-old female cat at the shelter who was found as a stray with a litter of kittens. Recently, she was treated for a wound in her mouth and given a Depo injection. After the wound was healed, and she was ready to be put up for adoption, the vet did a blood test and found that her blood glucose was very high. As a result, the initial recommendation was euthanasia, because it was thought she had diabetes. However, it was also noted that the Depo could have raised her blood glucose levels, so she has been in a holding pattern ever since while they wait to see if the levels go back down.

    First of all, I really don't agree with the idea that she should be euthanized simply for being diabetic, if that turns out to be the case. She is an incredibly sweet cat who would make a wonderful companion for someone. I have one cat who has been an only child his whole life (and I don't entirely know how he'd handle another cat), but I started thinking seriously about whether I should offer to take her, if she turns out to have diabetes and would otherwise be put down. I just can't bear the thought of her being euthanized for what seems like no good reason. And that is why I've come to this forum, hoping to get a better understanding of what would be involved if I chose to adopt a diabetic cat.

    I would be very grateful for any thoughts or insights you have -- thanks so much for listening!
     
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  2. Anitafrnhamer

    Anitafrnhamer Member

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    Jul 9, 2013
    Yes the Depo in combination with dry food is probably what caused the elevated glucose. That combination is what caused my cat to become diabetic among other things.
    The good news, with prompt and proper treatment, it is possible to get the condition in remission (meaning diet controlled and doesn't require insulin).

    First, this cat needs to be put on canned food that has less than 10% carbs (wet food is the best food for cats). Most of us feed Fancy Feast Classic (not the gravy lovers) or Little Friskies Classic Pate (with the exception of Mixed Grill). These foods are inexpensive and along with insulin helped my cat go into remission in about 10 weeks. Sometimes just the change in food can reduce the glucose level but it will need to be monitored daily to see if insulin is required. Even if a cat goes into remission weekly monitoring is necessary to catch a relapse early----once a diabetic they are always considered a diabetic even if the condition is diet controlled.

    Second, an inexpensive glucometer. Walmart Relion Micro or Confirm is inexpensive and readily available. This is what I use.

    This website will give you a lot of information and it has a food list as well: http://catinfo.org/

    I hope this little bit of information helps to answer some of your questions. Don't hesitate to ask questions. Remember the only "stupid" question is the one you don't ask.
     
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  3. sotto1031

    sotto1031 Member

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    Thank you SO much! This is incredibly helpful. I really appreciate it!
     
  4. Jan Radar (GA)

    Jan Radar (GA) Well-Known Member

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    I admire your willingness to help an animal in this situation by educating yourself. I will also tell you that my now diet controlled diabetic cat needed insulin for only a short time. When I changed his diet from vet prescribed high carb dry food to low carb wet food -less than 10% carbs, he basically has not needed insulin ever since. Of course, every cat is different, but in my case what my cat needed was to eat what he was meant to eat which is meat! If you do decide to adopt this cat we hope you will continue posting your questions so we can help you to help this sweet kitty.
     
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  5. sotto1031

    sotto1031 Member

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    Thank you so much. It's really encouraging to hear that sometimes a controlled diet is enough to manage the disease (although if she required insulin as well, so be it). I think when I go in for my volunteer shift tomorrow I'm going to inquire about at least fostering her to start with. Maybe I can foster her long enough to get her diabetes under control without insulin, which could make it easier to find her a permanent home. Or maybe I'll just fall in love with her, and if she and my other cat get along okay, she can just stay. :)
     
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  6. Larry and Kitties

    Larry and Kitties Well-Known Member

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    I have had a 50% success rate with diabetic cats from a shelter.
    In July of last year I adopter Dulce as an untreated diabetic. No real history on him. After just a a month of insulin he no longer needed insulin.
    I adopted Patches II last December. She was left in an apartment when the tenets left so no history. I can control her blod glucose under 100 all the time with 1 1/2 units of Lantus.
     
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  7. Jan Radar (GA)

    Jan Radar (GA) Well-Known Member

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    Sounds like you have a good plan. :):cat: I will also say that it is much easier to do a diet change before any insulin dose is in the picture. Once the cat is on insulin, you must test the blood glucose level constantly so you are giving the correct dose. The amount of insulin my cat needed changed almost daily during our food switch. So doing the switch in foods first is very wise.

    I'd also suggest that you consider getting an inexpensive human glucose monitor so you can keep an eye on the glucose levels in the kitty. that way you will be able to judge the effectiveness of the food switch in lowering her levels. Don't let a vet tell you that you need an expensive pet specific meter. Home testing sounds awful when you imagine it but the truth is that it's really not a big deal once you and the cat get used to it. My cat jumps up on the table at the correct times each day for his test and of course the yummy low carb treat that follows. If you decide to do it we will be happy to help you with any questions you may have. Good luck to you!
     
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  8. sotto1031

    sotto1031 Member

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    Thank you Larry and Jan! I am so glad I found this forum.

    Here is a picture of the kitty in question. Isn't she a doll? :cat:
     

    Attached Files:

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  9. Jan Radar (GA)

    Jan Radar (GA) Well-Known Member

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    She is beautiful!! I'd do whatever it took to save her too. :D
     
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  10. Cat Ma

    Cat Ma Well-Known Member

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    CJ went into remission in less than 3 weeks after a change to a low carb canned food diet and possibly help with short-term insulin. She no longer shows the signs of diabetes (frequent hunger, constantly gulping down water, lots of trips to the litter box and trouble walking). She is on steroids (prednisilone) daily and is doing very well.

    Feline diabetes is very manageable and is not the end of the world. Many cats here lead very happy, long lives. We have 18, 19 and 20 year olds still going strong here! Some are still on insulin; others are not.

    This beautiful 4 year old shelter cat has so many lives left! She deserves a home!
     
    Last edited: Aug 8, 2015
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  11. BJM

    BJM Well-Known Member

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    There are some links in my signature you may find helpful:
    Secondary Monitoring Tools
    And, if you decide to adopt her, you'll want a to discuss the Vet Interview topics with your vet.
     
    Last edited: Sep 9, 2015
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  12. Bron and Sheba (GA)

    Bron and Sheba (GA) Well-Known Member

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    What a beautiful healthy looking kitty...it would be terrible to put her down. I think it is wonderful you are thinking of taking her. She will no doubt reward you with love and devotion.
    This is a great site with many wonderful people who will help you every step of the way.
    Diabetes is a very manageable disease and cats that have steroid induced diabetes often go off the insulin.......of course there is no guarantee she will stay off of it but with the right food and treatment there is a good chance.
    I wish you the best of luck and I hope your only cat will accept her.....introduce her slowly and give your present cat plenty of attention. When you get to that stage post here and there are people who have done it successfully and can help.

    I would first start giving only low carb wet food. The sooner you start that the better for the cat. It doesn't have to be expensive food or prescription food. This page below will give you some ideas. Not sure which country you live in but most countries are covered.
    http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/food-links.133016/

    Good luck. Please keep posting and asking questions.. We are all on your side cheering you on.:bighug:
     
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  13. pevsfreedom

    pevsfreedom Well-Known Member

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    Luna was in a shelter for over a year with diabetes before we got her. I'm glad we didn't have that guy looking after her (mr. euthenasia).
     
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  14. Tucker&Me

    Tucker&Me Member

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    Jun 24, 2015
    Dear Sotto
    What is your name? I'll just call you ANGEL Sotto! That is what you are!
    Everyone here has given you super great advice already.The food is very very important. Make sure if she remains at shelter, even for awhile, that she is to be given ONLY the canned wet! I would start immediately, transitioning her to the low carb wet.
    I am excited for you! You are going to be learning so much that is going to help you help other kitties in the future.
    Yes, it can be trying & difficult learning this sugar dance but it is invaluable knowledge and imparts deep confidence in self. And alot of pride in knowing that YOU are helping to SAVE A LIFE.
    This beautiful kitty resembles my little sugar boy, Tucker!
    He was in pitiful shape 2 months ago! So was I! If I hadn't found this site, I don't know if he would've even survived.

    So thank you so much for your beautiful heart, Angel Sotto and Welcome!! Like has been said, ask questions, we're all here for YOU. -Brenda
     
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  15. BJM

    BJM Well-Known Member

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    Just a note: some vets and shelter staff can be very, very rigid about "my way or the highway". Walk softly and provide veterinary references tactfully.
     
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  16. pevsfreedom

    pevsfreedom Well-Known Member

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    Luna went into remission in the shelter by being switched from dry to wet, then came out after awhile, but that did the job at first.
     
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  17. pevsfreedom

    pevsfreedom Well-Known Member

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    Kind of have to treat them like your own doctor, and if you've ever had a pain in the neck doctor you know exactly what I mean.
     
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  18. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

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    Awwwwwww! She really is gorgeous! I'm so glad that she had the great fortune to meet you. You are so caring and compassionate. I think it's wonderful that you're trying to help her. Does she have a name?

    These are for you >>> :bighug::bighug::bighug:

    I hope that everything will fall into place for you and this beautiful girl. :)
    .
     
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  19. Tucker&Me

    Tucker&Me Member

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    Ego, ego. EGO!!!!
    I've worked with Doctors, most of my life. Some of them would have you believe they were born in the manger. ;)
     
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  20. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

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    Brenda - I didn't realise you'd met my brother! :rolleyes:
    .
     
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  21. sotto1031

    sotto1031 Member

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    Hello again, everyone! I didn't realize I had missed so many wonderful messages over the weekend -- I really can't thank you all enough for your support and encouragement. It makes me even more confident that I am doing the right thing in trying to save this beautiful girl's life.

    Quick update: on Saturday I spoke with the adoptions supervisor, and she was absolutely in favor of me taking in this cat if I was willing to provide her with the ongoing medical treatment she needs. In fact, she told me that's how she got her own cat -- the cat was about to be euthanized for aggression, but she took him in, and although it was a huge struggle, she learned everything she could about cat behavior, and two years later, he's doing great. So the adoptions supervisor added a memo to this kitty's record about my interest in fostering her, and the next step is for me to speak with the shelter vet (I just emailed her a few minutes ago).

    So keep your fingers crossed, everyone! I'm going to save a life! :D
     
  22. Jan Radar (GA)

    Jan Radar (GA) Well-Known Member

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    Excellent news! Looking forward to hearing about the next steps. :)
     
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  23. sotto1031

    sotto1031 Member

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    Brenda -- my name is Sarah. :)

    And I should probably have told you all that the kitty's name is She-Hulk!
     
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  24. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

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    Fingers, paws, arms, legs, eyes - all crossed. :D
     
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  25. Lisa and Witn (GA)

    Lisa and Witn (GA) Well-Known Member

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    Many of us have been "foster failures". It would be fantastic if you join the club. :joyful:
     
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  26. Lorraine Edwards

    Lorraine Edwards Member

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    She Hulk how wonderful, and a beautiful little kitty she is and so young, well done to you for finding this site, you are definitely in the right place. My Molly was on Insulin for 5 weeks with a diet change, and she is now in remission, sure it was scary at first and many a sleepless night, but you will get GREAT SUPPORT AND ADVICE on here, and that little one is worth it. I wish you all the luck in the world with the fostering process, im sure it was meant to be.:cat:
     
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  27. Cat Ma

    Cat Ma Well-Known Member

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    Fantastic news!! Thank you for all the wonderful work you do.

    When you have a chance, can you post a photo of She-Hulk in your profile photo? She is a beautiful cat.
     
    Last edited: Aug 10, 2015
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  28. sotto1031

    sotto1031 Member

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    Oh what a great idea! I will do that right now. :D
     
  29. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

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    My but she's a pretty girl. That's as photogenic as it gets! :)
     
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  30. Cat Ma

    Cat Ma Well-Known Member

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    How can anyone not love a face like that?
     
  31. pevsfreedom

    pevsfreedom Well-Known Member

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    Lol. My wife showed a picture of Luna to someone at her work the other day (idk why) and they said "That's the ugliest cat I've ever seen"... WHO SAYS THAT?

    But She-Hulk (what a name) is stunning!
     
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  32. Cat Ma

    Cat Ma Well-Known Member

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    Clearly that person at work needs a new set of eyes. Luna is one beautiful cat. The first thing I notice is her eyes.
     
  33. pevsfreedom

    pevsfreedom Well-Known Member

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    Me too when I saw her at the shelter I was like "that's the one we're getting" and my wife says "what about all the kittens?" and I say "nope, that one!".
     
  34. Cat Ma

    Cat Ma Well-Known Member

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    Bonnie stuck out her paws and tried to grab me as I walked by her cage. She's a polydactyl. CJ, in the same cage with her, wouldn't stop hollering. My decision was made.
     
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  35. pevsfreedom

    pevsfreedom Well-Known Member

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    I had never even heard of a polydactyl cat before! More to love!

    I will say with Luna they undersold the diabetes quite a bit. "Just give her this shot 2x a day and she'll be fine". Found there's a little more to it then that lol (and yes it's definitely worth it, sneaky! :)).
     
    Last edited: Aug 10, 2015
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  36. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

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  37. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

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    Sarah, how did She-Hulk get her name?
     
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  38. pevsfreedom

    pevsfreedom Well-Known Member

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    "The Art of Military Strategy" lmao. That was great.
     
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  39. pevsfreedom

    pevsfreedom Well-Known Member

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    Perhaps you wouldn't like her when she's angry... and she's a she?
     
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  40. sotto1031

    sotto1031 Member

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    My cat Anthony is polydactyl too! He's got these awesome thumbs on his front paws. He totally chose me at the shelter -- after visiting with him, I was holding another cat, and I felt these eyes on me. It was Anthony, staring me down as if to say, "WHAT are you doing?? I thought we had something there..." So that was it! That was 7 years ago, we've been together ever since. :D

    I'm a little nervous about how he's going to react when he smells another cat on the premises... but who could resist She-Hulk's charms, right? :kiss:
     
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  41. sotto1031

    sotto1031 Member

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    Lol... Good question! That's the name the shelter gave her, I am guessing someone in intake is a comic book fan! My boyfriend is a huge comic book fan as well, so I think the name is actually helping to sell him on this whole crazy idea. :p
     
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  42. pevsfreedom

    pevsfreedom Well-Known Member

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    We found a kitten in a dumpster years ago named Charlie and I think he was a semi-polydactyl. He had a very interesting set of paws, along with 50 other problems (he's all good now).
     
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  43. pevsfreedom

    pevsfreedom Well-Known Member

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    "We can't keep it".. "but.. she's she-hulk". "oh... well in that case".
     
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  44. Cat Ma

    Cat Ma Well-Known Member

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    Polydactyls are fun to play catch with. Bonnie tries to grab my face and head in her quest to groom me. I had to kitty proof all of our cabinets and closet doors because she gets into everything she can get her fingers....er, I mean paws, on. So far, she hasn't figured how to open the fridge, thankfully.

    Sugar cats are extra special. And extra sweet. More to love about them :)
     
  45. pevsfreedom

    pevsfreedom Well-Known Member

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    Yes she was definitely worth it! :) She follows me all day and yells at me when it's time for a test/insulin.
     
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  46. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

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    That got me giggling! :D
     
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  47. Cat Ma

    Cat Ma Well-Known Member

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    Critter Mom's video is hiliarous!

    I'd like to see Bonnie do some needlepoint or knitting. She needs other hobbies besides sleeping.
     
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  48. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

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    The fact that they're different genders could be a real plus in getting them to accept sharing the space.

    I hope you get to give her a heart name as well as her official name. She's far too fair of face to spend the rest of her nine lives with only She-Hulk as a monicker. :)
    .
     
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  49. Cat Ma

    Cat Ma Well-Known Member

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    I agree. She's too sweet looking to be a She-Hulk.
     
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  50. pevsfreedom

    pevsfreedom Well-Known Member

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    Luna was Krystal, and I've never known a nice Crytstal (no offense to anyone) so we renamed her Luna as she was the size of the moon when we got her (16lb?).
     
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  51. sotto1031

    sotto1031 Member

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    The vet wrote me back and is very happy to hear I'm interested in fostering She-Hulk. She said She-Hulk is a really special cat and a real trooper. :) The vet thinks there is about a 50% chance that She-Hulk is truly diabetic -- she has been waiting for the steroids to leave her system to see if that was the cause of the glucose elevation. So she said it would be great if I could foster She-Hulk during the waiting period, and go from there. So, things are moving along! I'd better clean out my spare room!!
     
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  52. sotto1031

    sotto1031 Member

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    Well, She-Hulk's alter ego is named Jennifer Walters, so I could always call her Jenny. ;)

    http://marvel.com/characters/51/she-hulk
     
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  53. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

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    Ooh! Jenny would really suit her (and keep her kitty superpowers a secret! ;) )

    Sounds like things are progressing apace over there. :)

    ,
     
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  54. sotto1031

    sotto1031 Member

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    Yes they are! Also I LOVE the name Saoirse. :D
     
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  55. Shiloh & Rhonda (GA)

    Shiloh & Rhonda (GA) Well-Known Member

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    @Critter Mom , I have put off asking this, but is Saoirse pronounced Sear-sha? Didn't want to sound stupid. I've just never heard it.
     
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  56. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

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    @Shiloh & Rhonda - Yes, Rhonda; that's right. It's Irish for 'freedom'. There are some very strange spellings in the Celtic tongues. :)
     
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  57. Shiloh & Rhonda (GA)

    Shiloh & Rhonda (GA) Well-Known Member

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    That is a beautiful name. I must admit, I had to google it.
     
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  58. Cat Ma

    Cat Ma Well-Known Member

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    She-Hulk aka Jenny Waters clearly lives up to her name in the Powers category! Are you home testing yet? Doing so will give you a more accurate picture of your cat's BG (blood glucose) levels and whether she is truly diabetic (still) or not. BG #'s at the vet tend to be higher, especially with a stressed cat.
     
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  59. sotto1031

    sotto1031 Member

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    So did I, Rhonda! I suspected it was an Irish name, because I have some good friends in Ireland. :)
     
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  60. sotto1031

    sotto1031 Member

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    No, I don't have her at home yet. The latest from the vet (about an hour ago) was that she is due to have a blood and urine recheck on Friday, at which point I think we will know what the next step will be. That is a very helpful point about stress, though! In the meantime I am going to meet with the foster care coordinator this week to get all the paperwork sorted. :)
     
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  61. Cat Ma

    Cat Ma Well-Known Member

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    Yes, vet BG levels are generally much higher. Vets often prescribe higher than necessary insulin dosing based on Vet BG #'s (which can be elevated as much as 100 points or much more). That's why we home test to determine the correct amount of insulin a cat needs or whether he/she needs it at all. The day I learned to home test, I learned CJ was hypo (BG #'s too low) and insulin was stopped. Had I continued giving her insulin blindly without home testing and just depending on vet, she would have ended up in the vet ER. She's been in remission since. If I took her to the vet for another BG check, I will likely get a very high reading because she is never a happy camper at the vet.

    Home testing takes practice but gets easier. There are many handy tips and videos here to guide you.
     
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  62. Shiloh & Rhonda (GA)

    Shiloh & Rhonda (GA) Well-Known Member

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    Are you spending some time with Jenny at the shelter? To help her get used to you?
     
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  63. sotto1031

    sotto1031 Member

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    Oh, this is very good to know! Thank you!
     
  64. sotto1031

    sotto1031 Member

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    Yes, I have spent quite a bit of time with her over the course of my regular volunteer shifts, because she was an early favorite of mine. I haven't seen her since Saturday but will visit with her when I go to meet with the foster care coordinator. She has a very sweet, friendly demeanor -- not all all fearful or shy. And that's at the shelter! :)
     
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  65. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

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    Saoirse's a beautiful girl. It's only fitting for her to have a beautiful name. I love her so ... (((Saoirse)))

    .
     
  66. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

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    That really comes across in Jenny's photo. :)
     
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  67. Cat Ma

    Cat Ma Well-Known Member

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    I am sure if I met Jenny, I'd never want to leave her. Clearly this is a cat after one's heart.
     
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  68. sotto1031

    sotto1031 Member

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    I love how we've officially renamed her Jenny. :D
     
  69. Shiloh & Rhonda (GA)

    Shiloh & Rhonda (GA) Well-Known Member

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    I guess we could just call her She.
     
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  70. sotto1031

    sotto1031 Member

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    I will probably call her both She-Hulk and Jenny, depending on her mood. :p
     
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  71. Tucker&Me

    Tucker&Me Member

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    Jun 24, 2015
    You can always call her "She-J"
    Kinda like ya got a little speech impediment.. :rolleyes:
     
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  72. sotto1031

    sotto1031 Member

    Joined:
    Aug 7, 2015
    Another update for you all! The vet told me that She-Hulk's blood sugar is still high, and she started her on insulin today. The vet would like to keep her at least over the weekend to see how she tolerates it. Tomorrow I go in for my regular volunteer shift, and I will be taking care of the foster paperwork so I can be ready for whatever happens. And of course, I'll be sure to stop by and visit with my sweet girl! :)

    Thank you again, everyone, for your continued support and advice! Hope you all have a great weekend!
     
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  73. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 16, 2014
    Please give Jenny some scritches from me when you visit with her, Sarah, and tell her I think she is a very beautiful girl. :cat:
     
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  74. sotto1031

    sotto1031 Member

    Joined:
    Aug 7, 2015
    Awww I will! And I will probably try to take a few photos to share as well. :D
     
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  75. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

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    Jun 16, 2014
    Piccies? As Wayne would say - ex-cell-ent! :cat:
     
  76. Cat Ma

    Cat Ma Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    May 21, 2015
    What was Jenny's BG # this time? Which insulin was she put on and what is the dose?

    Did we give you links for home testing? This is crucial to do while Jenny is on insulin.
     
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  77. sotto1031

    sotto1031 Member

    Joined:
    Aug 7, 2015
    The vet hasn't given me any specifics yet, I expect I will find out more tomorrow. I will be sure to do home testing once Jenny/She-Hulk comes home with me. :) Thank you!
     
  78. Cat Ma

    Cat Ma Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    May 21, 2015
    @sotto1031, how was your visit with our favorite She-Hulk, Jenny, today?
     
  79. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 16, 2014
    @Cat Ma - beat me to it. ;)

    Looking forward to piccies ...
     
  80. sotto1031

    sotto1031 Member

    Joined:
    Aug 7, 2015
    @Cat Ma and @Critter Mom I had a wonderful visit with my girl yesterday! I sat down on the floor by her cage, and she walked right onto my lap. :cat: We took a few selfies. :D
     

    Attached Files:

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  81. Shiloh & Rhonda (GA)

    Shiloh & Rhonda (GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    May 9, 2015
    Love it!!
     
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  82. BJM

    BJM Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Oct 6, 2010
    She doesn't look that big to me!
     
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  83. sotto1031

    sotto1031 Member

    Joined:
    Aug 7, 2015
    Yeah, she's a tiny Hulk :p
     
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  84. BJM

    BJM Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Oct 6, 2010
    Its all Catitude!
     
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  85. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 16, 2014
    Fabberoony! :D

    She's such a pretty girl!. I just love the third pic of the two of you, Sarah. Looks like a match made in Heaven. :cat:


    Mogs
    .
     
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  86. sotto1031

    sotto1031 Member

    Joined:
    Aug 7, 2015
    Yes I think so too. :)

    I have to confess, though, now that it's all becoming real, I am getting more and more nervous about how my resident cat is going to cope. I really couldn't forgive myself if I caused him major distress. He's been my only child for 7 years. Still, I know I am doing the right thing by saving She-Hulk's life.

    Help, my new forum friends! I need a little reassurance...
     
  87. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 16, 2014
    Hi Sarah,

    First up here are some :bighug::bighug::bighug:. I can appreciate your nervousness.

    Here is a web search - there are some useful links on the page that might help you work out an introduction programme:

    https://duckduckgo.com/?q=how to introduce a new cat to an incumbent cat&t=ffab

    I have a large resting cage for when any of my cats might have been poorly. I found it helpful to keep newcomers in the resting cage for several days when making introductions. I'm sure other members will be able to give you hints and tips. Perhaps it might be a good idea to start a new topic on the Feline Health board asking for tips on how to successfully introduce a new cat to the household? It would probably be seen by more people than on the 'Welcome' board.


    Mogs
    .
     
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  88. sotto1031

    sotto1031 Member

    Joined:
    Aug 7, 2015
    Thank you, @Critter Mom :) Good suggestion about starting a new thread, I'll do that!
     
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  89. Cat Ma

    Cat Ma Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    May 21, 2015
    @sotto1031, this has to be the friendliest cat ever! It is clear She-Hulk Jen has adopted you and you are hers to keep. The pictures are proof! Keep 'em coming!

    Were you able to find out what insulin She-Hulk Jen is on?
     
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  90. sotto1031

    sotto1031 Member

    Joined:
    Aug 7, 2015
    Awwww... yeah, she is a special little girl. :D

    I don't know the specifics about her insulin yet -- I didn't get to talk with the vet on Saturday, only the foster care coordinator. In the meantime, I picked up this book called Your Cat: Simple New Secrets to a Longer, Stronger Life by Elizabeth Hodgkins -- I'm sure you guys know this book already. I read the chapter on diabetes last night, and it was really fascinating. She definitely reiterated a lot of what everyone here has said, about the importance of switching to a low-carb wet food, and how the right diet can even help a lot of diabetic cats stay off insulin all together. I will be switching my other cat to low-carb wet food as well, pronto!
     
  91. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 16, 2014
    If you've not already encountered it, Dr Lisa Pierson's site catinfo.org is another great resource; for both nutritional education and also how to avoid common feline health problems through feeding a species-appropriate diet.
    .
     
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  92. Cat Ma

    Cat Ma Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    May 21, 2015
    @sotto1031 Glad you are switching Anthony to a low carb wet diet, too.
     
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  93. sotto1031

    sotto1031 Member

    Joined:
    Aug 7, 2015
    @Cat Ma This has really been an eye-opening experience! And I haven't even brought She-Hulk home yet. :)
     
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  94. Cat Ma

    Cat Ma Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    May 21, 2015
    Glad you're here. Pass on what you're learning to the other shelter workers and foster parents. It's amazing what treatment and a change in diet can do!
     
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  95. BJM

    BJM Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Oct 6, 2010
    Some cats do better with a gradual food change of about 20-25% different food every day or two until you've completely swapped out the old food. Going faster risks food refusals, diarrhea, or vomiting.
     
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  96. sotto1031

    sotto1031 Member

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    Aug 7, 2015
    She's coming home tomorrow!!!!! :D

    I am both nervous & excited. Will be sure to post more pictures once she is all settled!
     
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  97. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 16, 2014
    That's great news, Sarah! :D

    Fingers and paws crossed that introductions go well. Looking forward to new piccies. :D
     
  98. Cat Ma

    Cat Ma Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    May 21, 2015
    Fantastic news! Yes, be sure to post more pictures!
     
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  99. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

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    Jun 16, 2014
    Big day today, Sarah ... :nailbiting: :nailbiting: :nailbiting:
     
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  100. Shiloh & Rhonda (GA)

    Shiloh & Rhonda (GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    May 9, 2015
    Can't wait to see pics of She in her new home.
     
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