[SlumberKitty]

My kitty Esther is 13. We took her to the vet on Wednesday because I noticed she had been losing weight and had been drinking lots and lots of water. I had already suspected diabetes. The Vet freaked me out because he said it could be kidney failure!!! We had her at the vets for two and a half hours. It turns out it is diabetes. She also has a bladder infection. That explains why she has been urinating outside of her box when she's never ever done that before. So she had to start a special wet food diet of a special prescription only food (previously she free fed dry food and had a spoonful of wet food in the afternoon) twice a day, and then after she eats, wait 30 minutes and then give her an insulin shot. We also have to give her antibiotics for the infection. That's fun. I have to open her mouth and chuck the pill down her throat. It usually takes me two or three times but I get it down her. The insulin shots aren't too bad except she takes forever to eat. And she still isn't eating much. The insulin shot has a very small needle and so far I haven't had a problem giving her the shots, I'm not sure she really notices it. Only one time she mewed when I was giving it to her. I'm struggling to get her to eat (she's never been a great eater, more of a snacker). She's supposed to eat 2/3rds of a can in a day, and it's been two days and she is still on the first can. The vet had to order in some urine strips so we could test her blood sugar. I'm not sure how long it is going to take to get those in. I'm a little overwhelmed by everything. My kitty is used to having dry food and she keeps sitting on the counter where we feed her dry food and meowing. I might have to ask the doctor if there is a dry food option. Anyone else have a diabetic cat? Any tips from all you pet lovers out there? HUGS Kit

[Mopey]

So sorry to hear this, Slumberkitty. We do love our pets. I don't have a cat myself, but there are bound to be a lot of forum members who do. I hope you get many responses.

[SlumberKitty]

Thanks Mopey.

[happysobercrafter]

I am sorry your vet said that and frightened you. Sweet Esther Kitty is beautiful and doesn't look 13! What is that behind her? It looks like a display.

How's she doing with her new food and her shots?

[SlumberKitty]

Thanks Happy Crafter! Esther is sitting in front of my parent's fireplace (which they don't use as a fireplace) so my Mom decorates it and puts a mirror in back of it so that the lights reflect. Esther really likes to sit there on her cat scratch box and sometimes she turns around and looks at the lights. She doesn't seem too keen on her new food but she's doing great with the shots. Just one little mew one day when I gave it to her, otherwise, I don't think she really notices. Thanks! HUGS Kit

[Taylor27]

So sorry to hear this about your cat they are a big part of our family. I hope everything works out for the best for your cat. Hugs

[SlumberKitty]

Thanks Cheryl27

[Travelinglady]

My understanding is that the insulin should get her back on track, given a little time.

[SlumberKitty]

Originally Posted by Travelinglady

My understanding is that the insulin should get her back on track, given a little time.

Yes, I've definitely seen a difference with her being on the insulin, just with a few days. She's drinking less water and I haven't seen her have any accidents, though that was the bladder infection and the antibiotics should be clearing that up. Just she isn't eating very much and if she doesn't eat she can't get the insulin. I'm going to work with her through the weekend, and if it isn't much better I'm going to talk to the vet about how to transition her food. Thank you Travelinglady. Kit

Aww sorry to hear about Esther. I think asking your vet about the dry food is a good idea.
Keep us updated.

[SlumberKitty]

Thanks Lavender.

Poor little baby. I hope she’s feeling better soon.

[CepheidVariable]

I'm sorry to hear this, but at least she is responding to treatment. I hope she continues to improve. Hugs.

[MickeyCheeky]

I'm so sorry you and Esther are hurting so much, SlumberKitty She sounds like a sweet, caring cat! I'm so sorry she's going through all of this. I hope things will get better soon for you and for her! I'm sure she's a strong, wonderful cat, just like you are! Keep taking care of her like you're already doing and I'm sure she'll feel better soon! Keep us updated! Sending many hugs to you and to Esther, SlumberKitty. I'm so sorry you and her have to deal with all of this. You both don't deserve to suffer at all

[SlumberKitty]

Thank you everyone. Kit

[lizardlady]

Slumberkitty, my mom's cat had diabetes. It took some trial and error to find the right dose of insulin, but he did fine once they did.

How about mixing some dry food and canned to help her make the transition? Start with mostly dry and a little canned. Each feeding add a little more canned and a little less dry.

[happysobercrafter]

How are you two doing?

[SlumberKitty]

I had to go back to the vet and explain that she's not eating the wet food even when I was mixing it in. So they sold me a bag of diabetic dry food but told me to keep mixing in the wet food but this way she gets enough calories. Her insulin levels aren't under control yet, basing that information on the urine strips. They keep coming out green and it's supposed to be yellow. I'm not sure why it doesn't seem to be working. Probably will have to take her back to the vet. And me...well I'm sick with a cold so it's been a long week. HUGS all, Kit

[happysobercrafter]

Oh, bless your hearts! I hope you get to feeling better quick! How many times a day are you feeding her?

[SlumberKitty]

Feeding her twice a day, 12 hours apart. Then she gets the insulin 30 minutes after she eats. But last night she barely ate so I didn't give her the insulin. I didn't want to bottom her out. It's tricky.

[happysobercrafter]

(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((Bless your hearts!!!))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))
Yawl are both in my prayers!! xoxoxoxox