My cat has diabetes :(

[Fix The Stupid]

Just got the diagnosis. My 8 yr. old orange tabby.

We are crushed. Wife won't stop crying.

I have to give him 2 insulin shots a day for the rest of his life.

Anyone ever go thru this?

[Sanity Claws]

1. Yes

Oliver, my orange tabby, was diagnosed with it in 2012. He had insulin 2x until he died three weeks ago at the age of 15. His death was caused by colon cancer.

You can do the insulin thing. Make sure you change the cat's diet to high-protein canned food. There are some foods specifically formulated for diabetic cats but there are lots of other canned foods that have high-protein. If you are on a tight budget, check out Fancy Feast. Many of its varieties are 11% protein. Core by Wellness is 12%, the highest protein I found. The only problem was that the cat didn't like it as much as some others.

Good luck to you and your tiny tiger.

[Fix The Stupid]

2. Thank you.

Seriously, can't thank you enough.

We'll try that food. We're still kind of in a daze.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

3. Yes. It's not nearly as bad as you fear.

I gave my Teddy insulin shots twice a day for something like 8 years, until he finally passed away from something unrelated at the age of 17. It really wasn't a big deal; he barely seemed to notice the shots at all. You and your cat will get along just fine. The vet will check for the correct insulin dosage periodically but many cats live long, healthy lives with diabetes.

[TygrBright]

4. Yes! Don't worry.

Seriously... kitties get used to the shots (especially if you associate them with treats!) fast and they don't seem to mind them much.

I've know several kitties who've lived long and happy lives even with regular insulin shots and more frequent trips to the vet for checkups.

Besides, Ornjbois are Superior Beings.

He'll cope if you cope.

helpfully,
Bright

[Curmudgeoness]

5. My neighbor's cat was on insulin for years.

He died at age 22+ and did well on insulin. I would only caution you that there may be a few issues arise until you and the vet get the dosage right. There were a few scares, like a couple of seizures, until the dosage was correct. It really is important to have all the testing done to make sure you have it under control, and things will work out fine.

[meow2u3]

6. Does your cat have to be on a special diet? nt

[Fix The Stupid]

7. Update: Bear is doing well

Well, it' been a week. He has gained 1.5 lbs since his diagnosis.

This is a great thing. Means he is responding to the insulin.

I have a vet appt. on Friday aft. to check his levels. We will go from there.

The needles are a pain. My wife just can't get the hang of it - I think I will be doing the shots from now on.

The needle will go in just fine - he doesn't even flinch - it's when you draw back a little fluid that makes him squirrly...he has good days and bad days with the needles - I guess he'll get used to it.

We have switched him to a 100% wet diet. He thinks he's in heaven

I'll keep everyone updated.

Thanks for caring

[irisblue]

8. Kira got her shots during her 2/3/4 bite

after about a month, she didn't seem to notice.

[Fix The Stupid]

9. Update - Bear is HEALED!

Yes, you read that right.

3 months later and his last insulin shot will be tomorrow morning.

What a ride. Almost lost him, he was down to 13 lbs, with a blood sugar level in the 30's...

We started him on human grade cat food, strictly wet, and that seems to have made all the difference...

His readings consistently went down...we started at 8 units of insulin per day, 4 in the AM, 4 in the PM.

Right now he is down to 1 unit in the AM and that's it. He is consistently getting readings in the 4.0 - 6.0 range!

Vet was ecstatic...

Such a relief.

If anyone is going thru this, just let me know - I learned so much that could help you and your kitty...

Thanks everyone.

[shenmue]

10. Yay!

[Judi Lynn]

11. So nice! Congratulations! n/t

[CountAllVotes]

12. Wow, now this is some great news!

& I'm really happy to read your story and that the cat is doing so much better as well!

Kudos to YOU for being a responsible/caring owner!

Great news IS good news!!