Questions about cats & diabetes

[TinysMom]

Mom's cat is 12 years old and was recently diagnosed with diabetes. Mom is 80....she can't handle the cat to test for blood sugar levels and then give insulin shots, etc.

Mom's vet is like, "just let him have what he wants till he starts throwing up and then we'll know its time to help him pass..".

RIGHT.

Mom won't change vets.

I'm looking for information on helping cats that have diabetes by changing their food or adding to their diet, etc.

Mom's cat has been on dry food for at least 10 years. (Her last cat lived to be 18).

I did visit a forum for owners of cats w/ diabetes and they were helpful and they did have lists of foods and the % of carbs, etc.

But I'm looking for practical advice from y'all. I don't believe there is always one "best" food for any animal...so it isn't so much what is best...but what you've found has worked well for your cats even if it isn't the best nutritionally (or maybe it IS the best nutritionally).

Mom's cat turns up his nose at wet food...

and she feeds him WAY WAY WAY too many treats...

 

[seniorcats]

I'm probably not going to be much help. We've never had a diabetic cat at home, however, we've had several at the shelter. There was no way for us to control the disease with diet alone. We had to use injectible insulin, twice a day, 12 hours a part for each shot, if I remember correctly. Some of the new test devices make it easier to test blood sugar.

Are there any animal loving people in your mom's neighborhood who could be approached about helping her manage the cat? Any cat crazy teens or future vets or 4 H kids? Any one in her church or social organizations? A tech or assistant at the clinic who could helpfor a small fee or in exchange for something (bartering happens a lot in our neighborhood) Ya' never know until you ask. If the vet showed her how to do it, is there any posibility she could manage once a day and have some help for the 2nd shot?

Sorry I can't be more helpful.

 

[TinysMom]

Mom can barely manage to stand up sometimes (without the use of her cane) and she can't really catch her cat if he doesn't want to be caught.

She doesn't want him to have shots either (she hates shots herself) and she would rather put him down than have him take shots.

This is a really hard situation for me as I can handle my rabbits all the time to give them shots and if I lived there I would do it for her....but basically - she doesn't want him to have shots so she is choosing (by her actions) to lower his life expenctancy.

But I can't make her understand that...

 

[seniorcats]

I understand Peg. Sadly my mom died 4 years ago from Alzheimer's complications. She was in the Twilight Zone for a number of years... I'llask at the shelter and see if any of the gals have any diet recommendations.

 

[juliew19673]

You might check into "Meals on Wheels" which is a service through most States Senior Center orginizations; whenever my Mother (who is 79 and lives a state away from me) is having problems dealing with any matter (health or personal) - I call them up and put her on the service where they will come once or twice a day, monday - through Saturday (you pick how often for them, to come by once a day, twice a day, every other day, once a week etc.);

in my Mothers case, they will check to make sure she has taken her medication, drop off a meal, take a quick look around the house, spend 5 minutes chatting with her - and if she had a pet, they would look in on it, empty the cat box, etc.. This service costs me $2.50 a day.

Its great for peace of mind - as I can then call them and see if they noticed anything out of whack with my Mom. They were always really great with taking on a "secondary" check - like an animal, or make sure she got her mail and or paid her electric bill..

Just a thought - but I highly recommend their service.

 

[Bunnicula]

Like seniorcats, I wish I could be of more help. Have not had any experience with feline diabetes being controlled by diet. But it is worth investigating. Both Science Diet and Eukanuba have many"prescription" foods these days. I know there is something recommended that has benefitted cats in renal failure, so I would think there might be something for diabetics. Can you check with your vet's office?

I am off tomorrow. I'm willing to call my kitty vet's office and ask. They might at least be able to tell me if something like that exists. I'll let you know if I discover anything helpful.

~Mary Ellen

 

[Bunnicula]

I stopped in the vet's office this morning. They are currently recommenting Purina DM (Diabetes Management) Feline Formula for kitties with diabetes. I was given some info from the Purina "manual". I will scan it and email you an attachment, if you like.

Of course, this is not something that can be purchased other than through a veterinary office. And Purina does recommend regular monitoring of blood glucose levels while adjusting the diet, which would require vet guidance and follow-up.

Let me know if you would like copies of the info.

~Mary Ellen