@*Beth* I'm sorry to read how unwell you feel. It is a shame when one feels they can't get higher level mental health care because of obligations like work or on your case, pets. As for pets, I've heard of "pet sitters" that are part of a formal group and may even have references. Perhaps you may want to look into that. Not sure if any of their pet sitters would have experience with a diabetic cat, but maybe you could have your four healthier kitties stay at home for a pet sitter coming in, and your diabetic kitty boarded at a vet's office? The latter would likely be more expensive, but you are worth it. Pet sitters need only come in once per day to look in on them and change their food and litter. The beauty of healthy cats is that they are much lower maintenance than dogs or parrots.