Any one else have a cat with diabetes? My vet says that my cat had diabetes and will need insulin shots.?

Question

He tells me that I am going to need to administer insulin shots twice a day every day. If your cat has diabetes, is this hard to do? How expensive is it?

Answer 1

treating diabetes isn't bad, just consistency on your part. the cost of insulin varies by type and location, so check around. the syringes are pretty cheap though. be sure he is on a diet for diabetic cats too. my oriental shorthair developed diabetes at age 7, but we lost him 5 weeks later to ketoacidosis. be very diligent in his care and communicate with your vet frequently.

Answer 2

I have a cat with diabetes. I give her 7 units of insulin twice a day.

It's not hard to do, but I will be honest and say it is expensive. I get my insulin from 1800Pets and it runs about $100/vial. It's $120 at my vets office. Plus the insulin that I use (PZI) uses special syringes, they're about $26 a box of 100.

You'll probably have to go to the vet with your cat every couple of weeks or so (as your vet decides) to make sure that the amount of insulin that your getting is doing the right job. You'll probably start off with about 2 units or so, then it'll be adjusted from there. It can take a while to get the amount right. A simple blood test at the doctors office will let him know. You'll give your morning shot, then 4-7 hours later, go to the vet and have blood drawn. He'll read the levels and then adjust the amount if necessary.

It's really not hard to do at all, once you get over the initial first shot. My cat is so used to it by now, I just call her and tell her it's shot time, she comes over and lies down and I give her the shot. You give it in the back of the neck, that's the easiest place to pull up some skin. It's very easy and since the needles are so sharp, they hardly feel anything at all.

Good Luck...hope you and your cat do ok. Mine's been diabetic for 2 years now and is healthy and happy as ever.

Answer 3

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Answer 4

It is easy to cope with and you can keep your cat for years if you stay on top of his routine. The cats don't mind the shots at all, and you can extend his life with good quality. For great information and support, you should checkout the feline diabetes board, which also gives you info on discounted and diabetes-specific supplies.

http://felinediabetes.com/

Answer 5

There is a Yahoo group for feline diabetes. I would suggest you join it. The people there are dealing with the things you are dealing with and you will find them helpful and supportive.

I am on Yahoo groups for feline cancer, feline crf, Holisticat and Senior cats and learn a lot from them.

Good luck with your kitty.

Answer 6

It is not difficult and can be expensive-depends on the insulin he presribes. Diet is super important and you cat can live a long life with this prob.