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Popster

Member Since 2017
Im a newbie with a 17yr old just diagnosed diabetic, need advice on home testing (what kit to buy) and the fact she has stopped eating so im not sure wether to reduce dose for the next few days to see if apetite picks up??xx
 
Welcome.

If you want a pet meter go with the Alphatrak. Pro: same numbers as the vet. Con : expensive at about a dollar each.

If you want a human meter, many here use relion micro or confirm meter from Walmart.

Pro: affordable strips con: numbers different from the vet but will still be able to tell you if your cat is high or low. Most here use a human meter.
 
Welcome! Is she eating at all? I would advise you to pick up some ketone test strips, you can get them at the pharmacy. Have you tried adding some tuna juice to her food? Let us know what insulin and dose she’s on.
 
Welcome to you both.

Apologies in advance for bombarding you a bit with info/suggestions but it's the holiday season and I want to get the info to you fast enough for you to act on it.

Not eating is a problem for an otherwise healthy cat and an even bigger problem for a diabetic cat who needs insulin.

Re the eating difficulties, is your kitty showing any signs of nausea? Could your kitty be constipated? Here's a helpful article to help you identify clinical signs and also appropriate treatments:

Nausea, Vomiting & Appetite Problems - Symptoms and Treatments (from Tanya's Site)

Because of how their metabolisms work it is vital that a cat eats regularly. For a diabetic cat receiving insulin regular food intake is even more important, firstly to ensure that you can give insulin safely but also to ensure that the cat doesn't start producing ketones.

I'd strongly recommend:

1. Calling your vet today (Saturday). If possible try to get in today for a check-up (esp if an exam for possible constipation issues is needed). At minimum ask for input on dosing/token dosing and, if nausea and/or inappetence are still present ask for suitable prescriptions - BOTH anti-nausea AND appetite stimulant medications - you can administer at home over the next few days (Christmas, and all that). (Note: if constipation's the cause of the nausea a short course of Reglan (metoclopramide) can help improve normal gut motility - need vet check to make sure there're no blockages.)

2. Pick up a glucometer (e.g. Walmart Relion Micro or Confirm), a good supply of test strips for your meter type, and 28 gauge lancets for home testing (we can teach you how).

3. Check out the Hypo Tool Box for a list of other supplies to pick up on your shopping trip.

4. VERY IMPORTANT - pick up some ketone test strips (Walmart have some in their Relion range. Ketostix or Keto-diastix are other commonly-used strips.) Test your kitty's urine daily for ketones for the time being so that you'll be in a position to act straight away if ketones start forming. (See below.)

If a diabetic cat doesn't get enough food and insulin the body will start breaking down fat stores to use for energy. As a result ketones may start building up in the blood and this can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis, a condition that requires emergency veterinary treatment in a hospital setting. Ketones can build up quite quickly. Monitoring your kitty's urine for ketones will put you in a position to act to prevent DKA. For information: if a trace positive ketone result is obtained call vet straight away for advice; if any higher than trace kitty needs to be taken to a vet immediately for emergency treatment to reduce ketone levels and avoid DKA. Some helpful links:

Are you testing for ketones?

Urine testing tips

(NB!!! I'm not trying to scare you here, just making sure you are aware of DKA risks because your kitty requires insulin and she isn't eating enough at the moment. I'm just trying to put you in the position where you can monitor your kitty for ketones so that you'll be able to act straight away to help her should the need arise. (Unfortunately many vets don't seem to give any form of briefing on ketosis and DKA in their introductory training for caregivers of FD cats.)

Here are some other helpful links:

Persuading your cat to eat

How to Treat Hypos - (Read this through. Print out a copy and keep it where you can lay hands on it quickly should you need it.)

Again, sorry for the 'baptism of fire':oops: but I'm erring on the side of caution: kitties seem to have this uncanny knack for throwing wobblers when the vet is closed. :rolleyes:

Hope she eats for you this evening.


Mogs
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Hi Popster. I wanted to wait until things got quiet in here. You are our 17,000th member! No prize though.
If that was a lot of info we're just trying to help you through retail and closed for 3 days vet clinics. :bighug:
 
Welcome to the forum Popster. And kudos to you for taking good care of your kitteh, so she could reach the nice old age of 17. Some others provided good advice already. We'll be glad to help you more.
 
Hi All, Its been a manic day, I picked up some naughty sheba food (im in UK by the way) as she just seems to be licking the sauce, she has a bit of a kibble and some of the sauce from the meat dish, has done a wee and drunk water. At this age it is difficult to tell as she sleeps loads anyway but she has always just grazed throughout the day, diagnosed with meat intolerance a few years ago hence why she is on the kibble, first week or so of being on the caninsulin was fine I was giving her some wet food then the insulin etc etc tested a week later and all good, then she has gradually gone off the wet food and now gone off the kibble im taking her to the food. She doesnt look nauseous, just doesnt seem interested. Ive now got my mums diabetic test kit but not a clue how to use it. Also what do u do with the ketone strips test her wee or blood?
I am working through your email above critter mom....thank you, its so hard I thought I had it all under control grrrrr!
Caninsulin 3units of 0.5ml syringe U40

Update waved food under nose and she threw up!
 
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The ketone test strips are for her urine. Catch some of the stream, or put the strip in the stream. Lots easier said than done.

Cats are "obligate carnivores" so they need meat (or meat products) to survive. I hope you find a good food. With diabetics, we stress low carb, high protein wet foods. How many cats in the wild do we see eating corn or wheat? None.
 
As she has a food intolerance she throws meat up so I have to be careful what she has, ive been giving her sensitive stuff but as I say shes gone off that now. :-(
 
I am wondering if the wet food, if it does include meat protein if it has upset the tummy and digestive track. Maybe some pepcid would help calm things down?
 
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Syringe feeding is possible like Janet said. It is messy. But it is important for your cat to eat. Especially since she is diabetic.
 
Ive managed to test her blood and it came up low (this makes sense as shes not eating and still had her shot this morning) ive given her some honey on the gums, tried the smorgasbord, cheese, tuna etc on that list still turning her nose up, someone is getting the ketone strips as ive found a friend of a friend with a diabetic cat so she will pop round in a bit. So question do I force feed her even though she has low blood?
 
Sharon14 said:
Is it all meat, or just certain ones? Some cats have intolerances to chicken,or beef, or fish or whatever, but do fine on a limited ingredient novel protein such as duck or venison.
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Over the years I have tried every type of food possible, the purina one salmon and rice is the only thing she isnt sick on, ive since bought the wet version and all was going fine.......
 
Yes meter said too low but its a human one so im trying to find a conversion, ive just got her to eat some tuna not a lot but its a start!
 
Sharon14 said:
She needs honey on her gums. There is no conversion, low is low no matter what meter. Is she acting ok?
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Yes I have done that and then syringed some tuna which sort of kick started her and she ate the rest from my palm, her nose is now cold and wet which it hasnt been all day and she snoring away, her shot is due at 8pm but do I do it or not I dont feel that she has eaten enough to warrant it and could therefore give her another hypo?
 
You really need to get a test before you shoot, especially since she’s not eating well.
You can also get some baby food to syringe. Just make sure there’s no onions or other seasonings in it.
 
I agree with Sharon's advice. You'll need to syringe feed her as much as you can of whatever she'll eat. Plain meat in broth baby food (no extras in it) is a good choice. Tuna, salmon, sardines, etc. from your human food cupboard is fine too.

If you successfully get a decent quantity of food into her and she keeps it down you might be able to give insulin BUT it's essential to get a BG test beforehand. Post here for advice. I see that you're in the UK so your 8 PM is soon, correct? I'm in Canada, eastern standard time.
 
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I'm going to move your thread over to the main health forum because more people will see it and we can continue the in depth discussion more easily.
 
Kris & Teasel said:
I'm going to move your thread over to the main health forum because more people will see it and we can continue the in depth discussion more easily.
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Thank you, two very excited kids and a poorly cat doesnt go down well on Xmas eve! Just got her to eat more tuna though so im feeling more positive, will see if she keeps it down first and try to get a test done, thanks for everyone help and support today x
 
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