Cat Photos

[CraftyLdy]

Thank you Deb for posting that after I sent that to you the vet called and says and asked how he was doing I said that maybe it might have been a kidney or bladder problem but he said no it was diabetics he seems a little better BUT he will call me on Sat to find out and then take another blood work and then decision time. I pray and hope that his level is down and we can work on the weight problem I know that my DH doens't need anymore stress over his buddy. He is the arms you see next to him.

[KatieFlowers]

Hi there, hey I have some input here. I have a diabetic cat who is going to be 12 in March. He has had diabetes for 2 years now. I have to give him insulin twice a day, I would say he is doing fine. I have learned to read him when he doesn't feel good I take his blood from the small vein around his ear and use a meter. I have had days when his sugar is high and last I took it went down to 90-100. I use to use Purina D/M which is awful expensive and comes in small bags. I have two other cats that would eat it and it went fast. They say the D/M will level out the sugar as it is very high in protein and nearly nil in carbs which is what raises the sugar. I couldn't afford to keep 3 cats in it so I found one that is called "Chicken Soup for the soul" natural food, found in pet stores, or even online. It doesn't seem to give him any problems and his coat and bright eyes indicate to me he is feeling good. He plays and does what a cat does. I monitor the cat boxes as I can tell if he has urinated more that indicates to me his sugar may be up so I will raise his insulin from 7 units to 8 after testing him and its high. It levels out. If you can keep a cats sugar 160 and under your doing good. The shots are easy to do. just grasp his ruff on his neck make a little tent and slip the short needle under the skin, You don't have to do it intermuscular. That would hurt. They don't even feel it. I have dealt with this for 2 years and I am determined to give him as long a life as I can. We love him too much to lose him. He is so good, he actually comes to me to remind me its time for his shot. I'm not kidding. It amazes me how he knows. Its something he needs and he knows it. Science Diet C/D I insisted to my vet was too high in carbs for diabetic cats, as we couldn't control his sugar with that, so she contacted a Michigan State Vet professor and he agreed with me, too many carbs. I just worked with the vet and together we keep him as healthy as possible.
It can be done. Just depends on your situation there at home. Yes its a scary thought, but you do get use to it., and so does your cat.
Sorry this is so long, but I wanted to explain how things can be managed. If you want any answers I may be able to help you. Its sad to give up such a wonderful pet.
Good Luck and God Bless.

Carolyn
Shaq's mom

[CraftyLdy]

Carolyn thank for the advice may I ask is the insluin expensive???Your cat is just beautiful . how old is it?
Thanks again for all your help.
Hugs

[KatieFlowers]

Insulin in our area is running $26 and lasts me about 6 weeks at 14 units a day. 7 morning and 7 night. Syringes here are 2.75 for a package of 10. I started out with about 5 packages and recycled them by sterlized them in hot soapy water then rinse and then into pure alchoho for a few minutes then drained to dry, and put them back together. Been doing this for 2 years and seems to work OK. After awhile I toss them when they get dull or bent. You can tell.
Shaq is going to be 12 yrs old March 5th. He was born in my hands. I only worry about his heart and the best thing you can do for a diabetic cat is give him the least amount of stress you can as it drives up his sugar. He has two house mates and one he has lived with for 10 years and they really take care of each other. He is black and white too. Shaq has always taken care of any kittens that came into the house. Since he is an indoor cat he is less stressed. He is overweight and that is part of the problem. I have never tried to manage his weight as diabetic cats as well as people have to know when to eat and he does. He also knows that he has to eat when he gets his shots so I leave food for all of them to free feed, seems to work ok. I have been told that the light foods contain too many carbs. I wish I could just feed them canned but my youngest has never liked canned cat food.
So with a multi-cat family its a give here give there situation to satisfy all their needs. I try my best. Lots of Love for every one of them and they are so wonderful.
Please consider trying, once you get the hang its easy. I was also always told that a little insulin even if its not enough is better than none. The vet wasn't having me give him enough so I took matters into my own hand and upped his dose to a level that levels out his Blood sugar. He hate the vets so I don't take him there. It definately stresses him out and the vet himself admitted they couldn't get a good count there as it would be well over 300 due to stress.
I know you will do what you have to do, so much luck with your little guy.
I will pray he will be fine.

Picture Shaq on left and Pen on right, I would like to post one of my Puddy she is so pretty.

Carolyn

[KatieFlowers]

I am sorry but I would do Princess Ebby aka "PUD" an injustice if I didn't give her some exposure. So forgive me for being a cat MOM. Lovem!!! Find her picture below.
She is a domestic long hair, with a real fluffy tail.

I think cats are awesome animals and your little guy is just beautiful too.
Hugs

Carolyn

[katsgram]

I hope this posts. I just could not resist............




Katsgram

[katsgram]

ooooops forgot the title

BELLY DANCING. LOL

[boggsZ]

Katsgram LOVE IT

[theirmom]

That is so cute.

[ckay0802]

Here is my daughter's cat, Hunny. She's not your typical lap kitty, but likes to hang out in my husband's open briefcase. The only time she sits on my lap is when I'm at the computer.

Charlene