Cat won't eat or drink

Hello, I have a diabetic cat, he is 13, he has been diabetic for 4 years, he was without insolin for 3 weeks because I couldn't get him to the vet for blood work they wouldn't sell it to me well any way he got really sick and I got him to the vet the one's who wouldn't sell me the insolin ,they wanted to put him to sleep, I took him to the hospital and he was there for 4 days, I just got him home today, but he still won't eat or drink on his own, I have been hand feeding him. And the insolin is different from what he was using before, he was on vetsolin now I am using navolin N , I don't know what I'm doing, the only good thing is that I am home all day because I have cancer and I can't work also I have my 2 grandsons living with me, but I need help with my cat, how much water should I be giving him and food? He can hardly walk, should I have a heating pad for him to lay on?should I keep him in a play pin for a baby? I don't know

 

@Sharon14
@JanetNJ @Kris & Teasel @Critter Mom

Hi. I'm so sorry all that is happening. I've tagged some people who might be able to help you with the novolin and other concerns for Sam. It's great you're hand feeding him and so very important He stay hydrated. Please hang in there and someone will help you and Sam.

 

I don’t have experience with novolin, but right now the important thing is that you get Sam to eat and get his insulin. Are you home testing him? If not, let us know and we’ll coach you through it. Any human meter will do. Also, please pick up some ketone test strips to test his urine. You can get them at any pharmacy. What are you feeding? Offer him anything he will eat. Wet food, dry food, tuna, deli meat, baby food, anything. Please let us know how Sam is doing.

 

I'm so sorry, what a difficult situation.

I agree with Sharon-- feed him whatever he will eat, make sure he gets his insulin doses, and please test ketones regularly.

What dose of Novalin did they recommend?

 

Maybe your vet can perscribe an appetite stimulant. Water down the food so it's soupy and syringe feed.

 

Here's the video on Assist Feeding You Cat. I'm keeping Sam in my prayers. Please test him for ketones regularly.

 

I agree with the advice given here. It's critical that he eats now - anything he'll eat is fine, whether human meat/fish, high carb kibble, plain meat baby food (no seasonings). He needs insulin and without food that'll be hard to do. He also needs fluids.

Did the vet say he had diabetic ketoacidosis? That's important to know because it means that fluids, food and insulin are even more critical.

Here's how to test urine for ketones using test strips from any human pharmacy:

• put the end of the test strip right in his urine stream as he's peeing
• slip a shallow, long handled spoon under his backside to catch a little pee - you don't need much
• put a double layer of plastic wrap over his favourite part of the litter box and poke some depressions in it too catch pee.

Most test strips have to be dipped and allowed to develop for 15 seconds before viewing the colour change in very good light.

 

Sam the cat, they did give me a food stimulate, and his ketones were really high, I don't have any strips but I will get some

 

This is a dangerous situation. He'll need very intense monitoring of blood glucose, urine ketones and frequent syringe feeding of food and water. If you have it anywhere in your budget he would benefit from longer treatment at the vet clinic.

 

Please let us know how it’s going.

 

I have been trying to get enough blood for a test, so far I have not been able to

 

Are you using a size 26 or 28 lancet? If it’s a 30 gauge or higher than it’s too thin.

 

Also be sure his ear is warm, and after you poke, massage the ear from the base towards the poke spot. Is he eating any better?