How do you handle vacations with a diabetic cat?

Unfortunately Camille's numbers haven't improved so I will have to board her next month when I go on vacation for a week. I did a test run last weekend by letting her stay overnight at the kennel to see how she eats. Unfortunately she ate that evening, but didn't touch her food the next morning. Since they couldn't give her insulin they are concerned with keeping her an entire week. I'm going to try again next weekend to see how she does. I have a pet sitter that comes to my home to take care of my other two cats, but unfortunately this won't work with Camille. She runs from strangers, and it would be too stressful to have her chased down every time she needs to get insulin. Any advice would be appreciated. :smile:

 

Is there anyway you could take her with you? I know it won't work for everyone, but we traveled with Oliver, staying in pet friendly motels and a VRBO that accepted cats.

Have you looked into having a vet tech come to your house? They are usually looking for some extra cash and they should know how to test and shoot.

 

You could try putting her in a room with the furniture removed and a couple of cardboard boxes to provide hidy spaces. You may also need a second pet sitter to help with the shots.

 

Camille is very skittish so I'm looking for the least stressful option, because when she's stressed she won't eat. She runs when people come over so I know anyone coming to my house will have a hard time catching her. By the time she's caught she'll be stressed and won't eat, so no insulin. I thought about taking her along on vacation, but we're going to be in a beach house with a lot of people. That's why I thought the best option would be to board her.

 

Are you boarding her at a kennel or at a vet office? I think a vet office would be best, because even if she doesn't eat, there are doctors on hand to help in a bad situation. I left my Toddy at the vet a few times when I had to go out of town. I also taught close friends that he liked how to give him his shot and what to watch for. So if there are any friends/family she likes, that might be a thought.

 

If boarding at a vet clinic -- check hours that they are open and policy on giving shots.

My vet has a small clinic that closes overnight. After a bad experience years ago where a diabetic kitty hypoed overnight, they no longer give evening shots -- only morning shots. Also - they don't test before every shot. If the cat is acting ok, they just shoot.

 

Think about this, even though you might initially think it sounds too confining. A large wire crate, even the "two-story" kind you often see at adoption events.

Having her stay in the crate in your home during your vacation would make her accessible to the pet sitter.

 

Cedric was dx'd on Good Friday last year. 2 weeks later I was scheduled to go to Colorado for 3 days (sister's college graduation) and then return for a 4 day "stay-cation" at one of the hotels at Walt Disney World with some friends (I work there p/t). he was scheduled to stay at Best Friends Pet Resort on property the entire time, but because of his diabetes they would not give him his Lantus, etc. So I was "forced" to board him at the vet's office. Boarding cost was the same, but I elected to have his dental done while he was there, so I believe they did not give him insulin twice because of that (save me the $27 a pop in testing costs). The negative was that I took him in Wednesday pm and couldn't pikc him up until Monday am (I came home Saturday, but they wouldn't let me pick him up when they were closed on Sunday - he still got care though). I moved him to Best Friends on Monday where I would go twice a day to test and inject Lantus.

Bottom line is that I was under a crunch and had to board him there. I ceratinly trusted them to take care of him, but I couldn't send him anywhere else - the other kennel I used also refused to give insulin (or test). I was "stuck." As much of a pain it might be to you to perhaps try this way, it might be your best option. Your pocketbook might not think so, since you have more than one cat....Since I rescued Dallas, I have hired a vet tech to pet sit for me (we are trying it out next month for another "stay-cation" at WDW). It will cost me more to have her come to the house twice a day than if I boarded them somewhere but they will have the run of their home and Dallas is similar to your cat - runs from everyone. Although he never stopped eating! Good luck!