just adopted an 11 y.o. diabetic beauty from shelter

I wanted a senior special needs kitty and came home with a fluffy handful, but I'm beginning to feel that I can keep her comfy and content (though now I'm satisfied with *alive* until I figure out home testing and diet changes). I'm so glad the internet is a thing these days and groups like this exist. I nearly gave this kitty back, because I'd misinterpreted some of the cost and the health issues and thought I wouldn't be able to give her proper care, but I changed my mind after speaking to our amazing new vet. It's incredible the lengths people go to to keep their fuzzy family members alive. I remember the '80s... kittens at the side of the road, crappy dry food, no shots, and certainly no joint supplements, prozac, or heart specialists! How times have changed. Maybe some day the humans in this country will have the standard of health care our felines enjoy Hello to all from Kristin and Button in Seattle.

 

Hello Kristen and Button and welcome to the forum. Thank you for taking in a diabetic kitty. She will repay you tenfold with love and loyalty.
First of all you don't need a special prescription diet......low carb canned food 10% or less carbs such as fancy feast pâtés or friskies is suitable.
We recommend you learn to test the blood sugars and then always test before every shot and then at least once during the cycle to see how low the insulin is taking Button..
Do you know what insulin Button will be on?
Buying a human glucose meter is suitable. The test strips are much cheaper than the Alphatrak 2 meter.
Here is a link to tips for home testing
http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/hometesting-links-and-tips.287/
And here is a link to FAQ
http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/forums/health-links-faqs-about-feline-diabetes.14/
This is just the welcome page so come on over to the main health page where you can meet everyone and ask lots of questions. The first few weeks is the hardest getting to know everything and the routine, then it is much easier.
Here is the link to the main health page
http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/forums/feline-health-the-main-forum.28/

See you ove there
Bron

 

Thanks so much for the advice! Those are the two things I just popped online to buy.

 

Can't wait to see pictures of Buttons.

 

Welcome Kristen and extra sweet Buttons! There's all kinds of ways to 'cut corners' to make diabetes affordable. We look forward to seeing you over in Health!

 

Welcome to the club! Whispy was diabetic and between 10-14 years old when we adopted him too. Adopting a special needs senior is so amazing - I think because you are forced to focus on their care so much right away, the bond develops so quickly and so strong. After about a week I felt like he'd been here forever

Can't wait to see your baby. Hugs to you both

 

Welcome!! You are awesome for taking this on. With proper care diabetic cats can live long healthy lives.

 

Here she is, in all her fluffy Glory.

 

Beautiful.

 

She's a stunner, no wonder you fell for her!

 

She is positively elegant! You could use that picture as your avatar so everybody can see her in her glory! Just go to you user name at the top right of the page, click on Personal Details and use whatever picture of Button you like.