Fostering a diabetic cat

Hello all,
I am a volunteer at my local animal shelter and I am fostering a diabetic cat. I don't know how old he is or how long he has had diabetes. He is the sweetest thing, he doesn't even stop purring when I give him his injections.
I have a few questions. He is losing a TON of hair. His coat feels greasy and I haven't noticed him grooming himself. He has been with me for only 2 days. Can I hope for the shedding to decrease once we are under better control of his diabetes? He is so thin and bony around his hips but he seems to have a belly. Is this normal? He moves very slowly. And lastly, is there any hope of someone adopting him in your opinion? I am afraid he will not get adopted once they ask me to return him to the shelter. I already have 2 dogs and I foster failed on my last foster so now I also have a 3 legged cat who doesn't like the new guy at all.
Thanks in advance for the advice!

 

Welcome! It is so kind of you to foster a diabetic cat. The main health forum is the best place to ask your questions since this is just a welcome area. Poor coat condition is one of the symptoms of uncontrolled diabetes, so it should improve once his glucose is regulated. He should also gain back to a healthy weight. When you post on the main health forum, please include what he is eating and what kind of insulin he is taking as well as whether or not you are home testing and if so what type of meter you use. You may want to go ahead and set up a signature with basic info like that so that you will not have to repeat it every time you post. http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/editing-your-signature-profile-and-preferences.130340/

Low carb wet food is the best option, and many cats experience a significant drop in glucose when changed from higher carb food (usually dry food since that is what so many people feed their cats). Sometimes it is significant enough that the diabetes is controlled by diet alone. Catinfo.org is a site created by a vet and will give you all the info about feline nutrition you could need. There is a food list to help you find appropriate foods to try (I have a link to it in my signature). Home glucose testing is also very important. It helps you keep the cat safe by knowing his glucose level when you give him insulin, and it allows you to see the impact the insulin is having so that you can see when dose changes are needed. If you do start a transition from higher carb food to lower, it is very important that you are testing first so you will be aware if there is a significant drop.

I would say that if you can get his glucose well regulated (or even better, if you are fortunate enough that he goes into remission), it would greatly increase his chances of adoption. That is, if you don't fall in love and decide to keep him. That would even things up between the number of dogs and cats!

 

Thank you so much! I will post on that board. It is looking more and more likely that he will not be leaving our house lol. It's only been 2 days but I am pretty much in love with him. Noah's Ark for us

 

Hi and welcome to you and your foster kitty. Thank you for fostering an FD kitty. He sounds a real sweetheart.
I look forward to seeing you over on the main forum
Bron

 

Gotta love a failed foster!

 

You volunteer at a shelter, you have a 3 legged cat and now this little guy is in your life? We tried this 8 years ago, one of them is at my feet right now. Four more were born 20 feet from where I'm sitting, it's a long story.
You're in the right place, foster is just a nice way of saying forever. Welcome to the club.