Upon our return, we noticed Bonnie, who was then twelve years-old was looking a bit thin, but we put it down to her pining for us, and not having her usual eating opportunites. However, over the next few days, Bonnie's weight plummeted, and she was looking very sorry for herself. When she started wetting herself, a thing no self-respecting cat would ever knowingly do, we immediately took her to the vet.
After a day of tests, the results came back, and we found out she was diabetic. The prognosis was not good. The vet was talking to us as if there really wasn't much hope, and that her future life would revolve around food at a particular time and insulin a certain number of hours after.
Now, anyone with more than one cat will tell you that it is impossible to feed one cat, and not another, particularly as our brood have always been used to free access to food. The vet's description of how meticulous one has to be when home administering insulin was also quite frightening ? too small a dose and the cat would suffer with low blood sugar, and too much, the complete opposite. Added to this Bonnie is a small cat anyway, so the error either way could easily be fatal.
Doom and gloom ? Bonnie's future was not looking good, although she had sterted to eat again, and was putting on a little weight. The vet decided to try Glibinese tablets, initally only half a tablet a day.
After a few weeks, Bonnie went to the vet for some more blood tests ? blood sugar still high ? suggested we try half a tablet twice a day. Bonnie was very stressed from having blood taken. So, we tried her on two half tablets for a couple of days, but she didn't seem herself at all, so we went back to one half, and all is well.
She drinks water like it's going out of fashion, and eats more food than the dog does, but there has been no smell of ketones (a tell-tale sign of high blood sugar ? smells a bit like nail polish remover), and she seems to be thriving.
We go down to the vet every three months for a check-up, and she gets her supply of Glibinese, and all is well.
To summarise from our experiences:
feline diabetes need not be a death sentence;
some cats can have their blood sugar controlled well with Glibinese rather than insulin;
try to stick to the same time of day, every day, for giving medication;
ensure that a large bowl of water is available at all times, and a litter tray;
food should be freely available for the cat;
give your cat even more love and affection than you used to;
check for ketones on the cat's breath ? if you do smell them, it's time to call the vet!
I hope you've found my experience of feline diabetes useful ? Bonnie is as well now as she was previously, and is happily enjoying the golden years of her life aged fourteen!
Good luck with your cats!
If your cat has just been diagnosed with diabetes, you might be afraid of what the future holds for your beloved pet. The good news is that cats can live long, healthy lives after being diagnosed with diabetes. The trick is that you, as a pet owner, must be dedicated to care for your cat during his or her illness. Diabetes is not a death sentence for pets. Here is some information to help you understand what you need to do to help your diabetic cat.
Regular Medical Care: After your cat has been diagnosed with diabetes, it is imperative that you visit your veterinarian on a regular basis. Your cat will need regular checkups to check the blood sugar levels and to make sure that he or she is receiving the right amount of insulin. When your cat goes in for a check up, the vet will ask that you do not feed your cat twelve hours part to the checkup. While your cat is at the check up, your veterinarian will draw blood and check blood sugar levels. People that have diabetes are able to check their blood sugar at home. However, this is not possible with cats unless you buy a glucose monitoring system. Your will probably ask that you bring your cat in every three months for this type of checkup.
Getting your Cat Insulin: When your cat has diabetes, it is your responsibility to make sure that your cat receives the proper dose of insulin twice a day. The amount of insulin that your cat will need will vary according to your cat's individual condition. Most cats will receive between three and five units of insulin to times per day. It is important that you establish a routine for your cat. Your cat needs to receive insulin 12 hours apart. Most people that have diabetic cats will give their cat and insulin shot at the same time every morning and at the same time every evening.
It is not difficult to learn to give your cat insulin injections. Your veterinarian will walk you through the process, and then you can repeat this at home. Usually your veterinarian will recommend that you give your cat injections between the shoulder blades in the scruff of the neck. With patience and practice, your cat will barely feel the injections. In fact, most diabetic cats know when it is time to get their injection and they may actually remind you by meowing.
Stocking the Right Supplies: It is important that you have the right supplies on hand to help treat your diabetic cat. You will need a vial of insulin as prescribed by your veterinarian, syringes and alcohol swabs. It is always a good idea to order your insulin when you are about halfway empty. It may take a couple days for your veterinarian to order your insulin. Your veterinarian might also recommend getting your diabetic cat vitamin supplements and seating him or a special prescription diet such as Science Diet W/D. You must be able to see your cat immediately after he or she receives their injection. It is also a good idea to have some numbers to your veterinarian into at least two 24-hour emergency vet clinics available with you at all times just in case your cat needs help.
Many people who owned diabetic cats worried about the costs that this condition incurs. It certainly does cost money to take care of a diabetic cat. A vial of insulin will cost you approximately $85 and will last you about two months. A box of 100 Syringes will cost about $30 and will last you 50 days, as you should use a new syringe for each injection. Prescription food will cost you about $40 for a 20-pound bag. However, it is important to remember that your cat is a part of your family. Most pet owners do not hesitate spending this kind of money on their pets.
Patience and Love: Above of all when you have a diabetic cat, you need a lot of patience and a lot of love. It is not always easy to care for sick and ailing cat. However, with the right care, you can expect your diabetic cat to have many more years of happy life.
Both Lorna Findlay & June Sabe are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Lorna Findlay has sinced written about articles on various topics from Acne Treatment, Aromatherapy Bath Body Works and Baby Shower. Lorna is an avid reader of internet articles and has started writing her own articles. Please visit the new article directory at. Lorna Findlay's top article generates over 14800 views. to your Favourites.
June Sabe has sinced written about articles on various topics from Cats, Pet Guinea Pigs and Cats. Learn about and. June Sabe's top article generates over 4400 views. to your Favourites.