Diabetic cat

[peachy]

My 17 year old cat has just been diagnosed with diabetes. I was just wondering if anyone has any experience of looking after their cat and injecting them with insulin?

[bonniebird]

You could try asking Lisa from Bow Wow Meow, she is very cat savvy and i'm sure she has looked after cats for people that need injecting :) good luck

[kristymac1]

One of mine is insulin dependent and has to be injected twice a day. He's much better now that they've got his level right although it can change and he has regular blood tests to ensure his levels are in check. he sits and waits for his injections each day so it's no hassle really...

[morty]

Hi,

I have had 2x diabetic cats, one of which is still going and aside from the hassle of having to give the injection at regular 12hr intervals there's no difference. I'm sure your vet will advise accordingly, but if your cat does have a fit then honey on a teaspoon does the trick. Get as much down her as possible and then stand back and watch her spring back to life.

We inject when we've put some wet food down and she doesn't even feel it. We have a couple of friends who are also trained, so in the event of holidays etc someone can step in.

Bow Wow Lisa is brilliant.

Good luck.

Matt

[Saffron]

Hubbie and I regularly pet sit for our friend's diabetic cat and give him his injections. He had a few ups and downs when he was first diagnised. He's stable now, and my friend and his vet are both happy that his quality of life is very good. He's a happy cat, and the jabs are not painful. xx

[the-e-dealer]

Lisa from Bow Wow meoew's first cat was mine Pushkin and he was Diabetic. He lived for about 10 years after diagnosis. Insulin twice a day. If you need advice email me. Number 1 the insulin will last longer than a month !

[peachy]

Thank you all very much for your messages, they have helped me feel a little more positive. I think he will need an epi pen type injection rather than a needle as he bit the vet yesterday as he was so frightened. I am seeing the vet later so will know more but I may well take you up on you offer of e mailing for advice.

[the-e-dealer]

One important thing - if you can learn to do a blood test you will save a huge amount of money and make it easier to re balance your cat if things go awry. My vet told me it was a criminal offence to make a small nick in cats ear to draw blood.

1. Was it the vet protecting his business

2. Can you see a court punishing you for doing a glucose test?

The meters are very cheap - Actually I have a spare if you want it! PM ME!

[Saffron]

For experimental work, the law is very clear about licensing of in vivo workers. For veterinary work, correct certification is also needed. Causing harm or suffering to animals outside this context is clearly illegal, and is classed as animals cruelty.

However, taking blood samples at home does not fall under either experimental work or intentional animal cruelty. I'd say it's something more like 'home health monitoring'. Therefore if a vet trains you to do this and offers periodic supervision, then I can't see what the problem is. The vet should be able to designate you as an individual able to perform this procedure under supervision.

It may be that your vet isn't personally comfortable with remote supervision, or that his/her insurance doesn't cover it? Vets can make different interpretations of the law, in order to make the best decisions for animal welfare on a case-by-case basis. However, your vet would ultimately be legally responsible if there were a problem. That could make some vets feel uneasy. It might be more than their practice is worth to lose a legal challenge.

[peachy]

Does anyone know of any cat sitters who would be happy to administer insulin shots I'm just thinking ahead as to if ever we can't make it home on time or holidays? I've e-mailed Lisa (thanks to your e-mail e-dealer) but unfortunately she's looking after three cats at the moment.

thanks

[the-e-dealer]

If its the odd day I could do it! Sorry I was away want to meet up?

[the-e-dealer]

Oh and the vet - it was pure greedy protectionism.

[peachy]

That would be great. I am around Monday and Tuesday of next week after 7pm if that is any good for you or Sunday afternoon. It would be good to get some tips from you too as he doesn't like his jabs!