Care Tips For Your Diabetic Cat
It is easy to be apprehensive of the future for cat lovers whose cat has been recently diagnosed with diabetes. Lucky this diagnosis is not a death sentence for your cat and they often will have no problem remaining healthy for a long happy life.
You the cat owner will have to take on the responsibility of watching and caring for your cat more diligently. It is nothing earth shattering and usually will not upset your normal activities. We’ve listed here the top three things you will have to look after:
#1 - The top responsibility you will have is to make sure you get your cat on a regular veterinarian visit schedule. It is vitally important to have a regular three month appointment for your veterinarian to check your cat’s insulin levels. This is easily done by drawing some blood.
It is not as hard as it sounds, the veterinarian will use a small device just like what humans use to get a drop of blood on a small strip. This strip is then inserted into a glucose monitoring device that your veterinarian has in the office. The most difficult part of the procedure is keeping your cat from eating twelve hours before the test.
#2 - The second responsibility may sound horrible and impossible for you to complete; the administration of the diabetes injection. If you shuddered you are not alone. But, don’t worry as it is much easier than you think and it makes your cat feel better so they will remind you when they need the shot.
Many people are surprised at first that their cat would actually meow at them to remind them when it is time for their injection. Most cats will require two separate injections a day twelve hours apart. Establishing a routine will make it easier for you and your cat to manage the administration of the proper dose of insulin.
Many cat owners found that giving the insulin injection in the morning before going to work or having breakfast and then again when they get home in the evening or right before dinner is an easy way to remember. As for the actual method to give the injection, your veterinarian will give you instructions. The easiest place to give your cat the shot is right between the shoulder blades. Actually the best place is in the loose skin area where a mother cat will pick up and carry their kittens.
#3 - The third responsibility is the most overlooked yet the easiest. Since the diabetic supplies you will need such as syringes and the insulin vials for your cat are not covered by insurance many people don’t keep an adequate supply on hand. You will need to get the insulin from your veterinarian and they may not always have enough on hand to cover your emergency. Many veterinarians recommend that you reorder the insulin when you have used 1/2 of your supply. This allows the supplier to restock the veterinarian which can take a couple of days to a week.
It is important to follow your veterinarian’s instructions including the administration of any additional vitamin supplements or special diet orders for your cat. Additionally, ask your veterinarian for the name and number of another vet that you can call in the event he or she is not available for an emergency.
A diabetic cat has days where it may not be easy to care for her. With the right amount of care and keeping a schedule plus a little bit of patience and a lot of live your cat will live a long and happy life.
You the cat owner will have to take on the responsibility of watching and caring for your cat more diligently. It is nothing earth shattering and usually will not upset your normal activities. We’ve listed here the top three things you will have to look after:
#1 - The top responsibility you will have is to make sure you get your cat on a regular veterinarian visit schedule. It is vitally important to have a regular three month appointment for your veterinarian to check your cat’s insulin levels. This is easily done by drawing some blood.
It is not as hard as it sounds, the veterinarian will use a small device just like what humans use to get a drop of blood on a small strip. This strip is then inserted into a glucose monitoring device that your veterinarian has in the office. The most difficult part of the procedure is keeping your cat from eating twelve hours before the test.
#2 - The second responsibility may sound horrible and impossible for you to complete; the administration of the diabetes injection. If you shuddered you are not alone. But, don’t worry as it is much easier than you think and it makes your cat feel better so they will remind you when they need the shot.
Many people are surprised at first that their cat would actually meow at them to remind them when it is time for their injection. Most cats will require two separate injections a day twelve hours apart. Establishing a routine will make it easier for you and your cat to manage the administration of the proper dose of insulin.
Many cat owners found that giving the insulin injection in the morning before going to work or having breakfast and then again when they get home in the evening or right before dinner is an easy way to remember. As for the actual method to give the injection, your veterinarian will give you instructions. The easiest place to give your cat the shot is right between the shoulder blades. Actually the best place is in the loose skin area where a mother cat will pick up and carry their kittens.
#3 - The third responsibility is the most overlooked yet the easiest. Since the diabetic supplies you will need such as syringes and the insulin vials for your cat are not covered by insurance many people don’t keep an adequate supply on hand. You will need to get the insulin from your veterinarian and they may not always have enough on hand to cover your emergency. Many veterinarians recommend that you reorder the insulin when you have used 1/2 of your supply. This allows the supplier to restock the veterinarian which can take a couple of days to a week.
It is important to follow your veterinarian’s instructions including the administration of any additional vitamin supplements or special diet orders for your cat. Additionally, ask your veterinarian for the name and number of another vet that you can call in the event he or she is not available for an emergency.
A diabetic cat has days where it may not be easy to care for her. With the right amount of care and keeping a schedule plus a little bit of patience and a lot of live your cat will live a long and happy life.
posted by Cristia Medical Supply @ 7:38 PM
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