What can I expect?? Updated 8/30

[Mom2Em]

I knew I could come here because we have a few cat lovers here!

My cat, who is 12, was just diagnosed with diabetes... He was very lethargic and losing weight FAST... His ketones are high and the vet says we have about a 75% chance of saving him... He will require insulin 2x daily... Has anyone else had any experience with this?
DH wanted to put him down but he wasn't there when the decision was made ... I feel horrible because we didn't notice much change in him other than he was drinking more water... also he was losing weight but he was portly before and my DH had changed his food so we thought we were doing something good

 

[DocRafiki]

There is new research out that is changing the way we treat feline diabetes. Your cat will definitely need the insulin at first. But, since the new research, a lot of cats are able to come off of their insulin altogether if they are exclusively on a diabetic diet. If your cat stabilizes, make sure to ask your vet about diabetic diets. Good luck! Plenty of cats survive for many years with diabetes.

 

[Mom2Em]

Thanks DocRafiki!!

That makes me feel better... I am awfully worried about him...

 

[Rajah]

I've heard of several cats (friends' cats) who are happy and healty and living long lives even after being diagnosed with diabetes. Yes, they need insulin every day, but as long as they get that, they're good.

 

[Planogirl]

I haven't had any experience with this but I wanted to wish you well Jan. I've had many kitties over the years and I can well imagine how you feel. {{{Hugs}}}

 

[ZPT1022]

My friend used to catsit for a diabetic cat, once you get used to the insulin shots, it all seems to go pretty smoothly after that. Good luck, let us know how the kitty does

 

[Mom2Em]

We have been treating Wolfgang on an outpatient basis... The vet says that his recovery is "miraculous" compared to 3 days ago... ... His high ketones are all but gone and we are adjusting his insulin to 2 units instead of 3 twice daily because he has now started to eat... which is the part that excites me the most because since last Friday, he has not ate or drank anything... the only water he's had (until today) was Tues nite at 1 am I was feeding him sugar water with a straw... Thanks for all your kind responses... It has really helped!!

 

[Tina]

My aunt recently started giving insulin shots to her 10 year old cat. Its much simpler than she first feared. She gives him a treat after each shot. After just a few days of this, he started coming to her at shot time because he wanted his treat. She never forgets because he always reminds her. How is it that cats always know what time it is anyway??

 

[Mom2Em]

I have no idea but they have one heck of an inner clock!!

 

[Diane]

I’m so happy to ‘hear’ that Wolfgang is doing better. I have 2 kitties of my own; and since I don’t have children, they’re my babies.

I really believe that cats do have an inner clock. Mine seem to ‘know’ when I’m returning from work each day, and wait for me. Also, they may put up a fuss when I comb out their mats or trim their nails, but later they seem to understand that I’m trying to help them; and they are more affectionate towards me.

 

[catsrule]

That is wonderful news! yay for Wolfgang! Hope the little guy continues to improve every day. Sending some supersonic catnip to Wolfgang.