Diabeitis (sp?) in cats - help!

[Harambe]

Vet just called to say my old girl, Gina, has diabeites (don't know the spelling!). She also has thyroid problems, which my other cat had so I am familiar with that. She was having a hard time walking, so I thought she may have arthritis, but turns out the diabeitis could cause the limping, too!

So now she will need two shots a day! I'm freaking out! I don't want her to hate me and run away every time I have to give her the shot (don't even know how I'm going to be able to do it!).

Has anyone here done this? Did you find a calming way to give the shot? Gina is a typical Garfield-type cat and will probably punch me, bite me, hiss at me . . . boy, I can't wait . . .

 

[DVC Kathy]

We had a cat with diabetes. Other than the fact that it has to be done twice a day, no matter what, it's really not so bad - once you get used to it.

The shot goes right under the skin. I used to pick LC up and pet her, holding the needle in one hand. Then I'd pinch her skin with the other hand, stick the needle in a little bit, and push down the plunger. You don't have to stick the needle into muscle, and you know if it didn't get in far enough because the insulin will be in Gina's fur. The few times we didn't get the needle far enough in we skipped the shot, not wanting to risk giving her too much insulin.

If you have someone to help, that will probably make you more comfortable in the beginning. One person to hold and pet Gina, the other to pinch the skin and inject the insulin.

If she doesn't like being held, then I would try luring her with a treat, or giving the shot when she's taking a cat nap.

LC would let my husband and I give her shots, but when my MIL and FIL were catsitting, they ended up driving her to the vet twice a day for shots.

I'm sure you'll be fine.

 

[FreshTressa]

I have heard, but you'll need to research it yourself, that it is made worse by the fillers in cat food...the grains and stuff.

And that it is much better for your pet to eat 100% meat with diabetes since it doesn't require as much insulin to digest. I think they mean homemade, what a pain.

Oh well, at least check it out.

 

[MerryPoppins]

Our cat used to come to me every morning and hop up on a chair to get her shot. It was almost like she knew it made her feel better. Giving the shots is not a big deal once you get used to it. The only problem we found, was that she had to go to the vets if we went out of town. Our friends and family were nervous about giving the shots.

 

[Harambe]

Thanks all!

Yes - the vet did say that we would probably have to change her diet.

And you are right - I guess we will have to have her boarded at the vet when we go away! One of the reasons that I love owning a cat is that you can go away for an overnight without worrying about the kitty!

Okay - forgive me as this will sound like a horrible question but - did you feel that it really prolonged your cat's life?

 

[DVC Kathy]

LC only lived for about seventeen months after her diagnosis, so that question is hard to answer. Her last month was tough, she kept having "spells". We took her to the vet and she was totally nonresponsive - and this is a cat they used welding gloves with. Despite tests - and specialists - we never did find out what was wrong, but we did rule out any problems with blood sugar.

I can tell you that her quality of life was better once she started the insulin. She was much more active and playful than she had been. She just seemed happier and more catlike, if that makes any sense.

The cost and time involved aren't insignificant. We had to go to the vet for blood tests, every week or two in the beginning, until she was regulated. Then it was every few months. Add that to the cost of the insulin and needles, and it adds up. Luckily we were at a point in our lives where we didn't have to make a hard decision about whether we could afford to take this route.

I'm sure the vet can tell you what to expect if you choose not to treat Gina. I'm sure there must be damage over time, I just don't know how much time you would have.

Good luck. I came out of lurker mode to answer your messages, as I know how tough this is to face.

 

[Harambe]

Thanks DVC Kathy! I hadn't notice you were a newcomer! I appreciate all your comments and experiences. I was just sitting with Gina, and realized that I will do whatever it takes to keep her "afloat".

She's a crank - but that's why I love her!

Welcome to the boards - thanks for giving up your lurker status to help me!

 

[KiminChicago]

Our vet put our cat on a Diabetes Management cat food which helped some, and now we lure Max with a special treat (the vet said a couple of the hairball treatment Pounce treats wouldn't hurt, or a teaspoon full of the soft food). Max gets 6 units twice a day, and the only difficulty now is that he associates our calling him with going to the vet, so he's a little shy about coming for the shot. I'm hopeful that once he's not going to the vet as often it will get easier.

 

[DMickey28]

Our cat is about 15 years old now and has had diabietes for over three years now. At first it was hard to give the shots but now he is used to it. He actually still purrs when he is getting it! It has defiently prolonged his life, I don't think he'd be here at all because we didn't catch it until late....

 

[DocRafiki]

There are new diabetes diets available that have allowed many diabetic cats to be weaned completely off of the insulin. So, there is always hope that you may not have to give the shots indefinitely.

Of course, don't try doing that without a doctor's supervision.

 

[MerryPoppins]

Annie was diabetic for several years and needed insulin. Then she stopped needing her shots. Our vet said that happens sometimes with diabetic cats.

She lived probably 11 years after her diagnosis. Her quality of life was great until the last few months. I think that was more due to old age than the fact that she had once been diabetic.