If your cat has just been diagnosed with diabetes, you might
be afraid of what the future holds for your beloved pet. The
good news is that cats can live long, healthy lives after being
diagnosed with diabetes. The trick is that you, as a pet owner,
must be dedicated to care for your cat during his or her
illness. Diabetes is not a death sentence for pets. Here is some
information to help you understand what you need to do to help
your diabetic cat.
Regular Medical Care: After your cat has been diagnosed with
diabetes, it is imperative that you visit your veterinarian on a
regular basis. Your cat will need regular checkups to check the
blood sugar levels and to make sure that he or she is receiving
the right amount of insulin. When your cat goes in for a check
up, the vet will ask that you do not feed your cat twelve hours
part to the checkup. While your cat is at the check up, your
veterinarian will draw blood and check blood sugar levels.
People that have diabetes are able to check their blood sugar at
home. However, this is not possible with cats unless you buy a
glucose monitoring system. Your will probably ask that you bring
your cat in every three months for this type of checkup.
Getting your Cat Insulin: When your cat has diabetes, it is your
responsibility to make sure that your cat receives the proper
dose of insulin twice a day. The amount of insulin that your cat
will need will vary according to your cat's individual
condition. Most cats will receive between three and five units
of insulin to times per day. It is important that you establish
a routine for your cat. Your cat needs to receive insulin 12
hours apart. Most people that have diabetic cats will give their
cat and insulin shot at the same time every morning and at the
same time every evening.
It is not difficult to learn to give your cat insulin
injections. Your veterinarian will walk you through the process,
and then you can repeat this at home. Usually your veterinarian
will recommend that you give your cat injections between the
shoulder blades in the scruff of the neck. With patience and
practice, your cat will barely feel the injections. In fact,
most diabetic cats know when it is time to get their injection
and they may actually remind you by meowing.
Stocking the Right Supplies: It is important that you have the
right supplies on hand to help treat your diabetic cat. You will
need a vial of insulin as prescribed by your veterinarian,
syringes and alcohol swabs. It is always a good idea to order
your insulin when you are about halfway empty. It may take a
couple days for your veterinarian to order your insulin. Your
veterinarian might also recommend getting your diabetic cat
vitamin supplements and seating him or a special prescription
diet such as Science Diet W/D. You must be able to see your cat
immediately after he or she receives their injection. It is also
a good idea to have some numbers to your veterinarian into at
least two 24-hour emergency vet clinics available with you at
all times just in case your cat needs help.
Many people who owned diabetic cats worried about the costs that
this condition incurs. It certainly does cost money to take care
of a diabetic cat. A vial of insulin will cost you approximately
$85 and will last you about two months. A box of 100 Syringes
will cost about $30 and will last you 50 days, as you should use
a new syringe for each injection. Prescription food will cost
you about $40 for a 20-pound bag. However, it is important to
remember that your cat is a part of your family. Most pet owners
do not hesitate spending this kind of money on their pets.
Patience and Love: Above of all when you have a diabetic cat,
you need a lot of patience and a lot of love. It is not always
easy to care for sick and ailing cat. However, with the right
care, you can expect your diabetic cat to have many more years
of happy life.