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Diabetic cat?

Posted: Oct 18, 2012

I am wondering what I should do for my cat. She is 17 and I think she might have diabetes. She is hungry all the time, overweight, has problems with her balance, not very active at all. Problem is, I don't know if I can afford to deal with the diabetes, tests, insulin shots or if it is even worth it to put her through that. I am dealing with the loss of my other 17yr cat about 6 weeks ago still and it breaks my heart to lose this one too, but I just don't know if I can do it. Cat lovers have any advice for me? I'm afraid to take her to the vet as he might find something even more expensive, but I may have to, I can't watch her suffer. Anybody else have a diabetic cat and is that hard to deal with? Thanks.;

I did once and it was really not that difficult as - the shots are subcu. SM

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However, it may not even be diabetes. It could be something to do with the thyroid. I know how you feel about the expense of vet care, I have the same problem. I would just take take her, see what the vet thinks, and make your decision about what to do after that. I am so sorry about your loss of the other kitty. I lost my dog about a year ago and am still not over it, I miss him so. I have a CareCredit card, which is just for health issues, and I have used it for my animals. Maybe you could look into that? I actually got it at an emergency animal hospital when my daughter's dog was very ill and they offered it. Let me know how it goes. I will be thinking of you and hoping things will work out for the best.

I would say vet as well, she may be depressed - Angie

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from losing the other kitty too if they were always around each other? Just a thought. Good luck to you.

Tell vet you want basic office call. They can tell you what they think, - what treatment/cost might entail and then SM

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you can decide. Tell them you need to know cost of any treatment and affect on your cat. Then you can go home think it over and decide. You dont have to make any decision in the vet's office. Also, you can say I have $XXX dollars to work with here, what can we do at that price range? Dont let them talk you into anything. Waiting a few days to make your decision shouldn't be a major problem in this situation.

And another thing, I think they can do a basic blood drop test - for diabetes. Shouldnt be costly. nm

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Thanks for the replies - MT

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Thanks for the kind words and advice. I did some research online about feline diabetes and what's involved. I just don't know if I can do that or the cost of the testing. I feel guilty that I am not doing everything I can for her, but to pay upwards of $300 for the testing and then all that is involved with the ear pricks and shots, I just can't do it. I had another cat years ago who had a cryptococcus infection, paid over $2000 that year for her meds, surgery, bone biopsy, tests to get her well for 1 year, then it came back and I had to have her put down. I don't want to go down that road again for either of us. I could take her to the shelter and they will put her to sleep for $30, but it is breaking my heart. Sometimes she seems okay, bright eyes, alert, but other times, like now, she is laying in the litter box. I guess I am grieving her even now. Sad times. Thanks for reading and responding.

Yes, laying in the litter box is a sign of a very sick kittie. - nm

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Careful with the blood drop test - anon

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According to my vet (and later my own research) the blood drop test that is used for humans is not accurate for animals, since the hemoglobin molicules are smaller (I think.

They have one for pets. At least in the clinic I worked at. - nm

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Diabetic cat - NTS MT

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i had the same problem with one a couple of weeks ago, but this went on for a few months before I had the guts to finally have her put down. Turns out her kidneys were failing. Hard to do, but amazing how much better you will feel once you know they are no longer suffering. When they reach a certain age, the vet is just taking advantage of your money and love for the animal by treating them....Peace for your cat.

Thanks - MT

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I had to put my other 17yo down 6 weeks ago and I still feel like a part of my heart was ripped out. She went so suddenly, one minute she was fine, then she started howling really loud and 30 minutes later she was gone. I am trying to make peace with myself in putting this one down. It's so hard, thanks for your kind words.

Diabetic Cat - So sorry - LinK

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I'm so sorry to hear about both of your cats. About 2 years ago we had to put out 9 year old cat to sleep. He had diabetes and was pretty sick. He would pee everywhere. Even though I didn't want to do it, I know it was the right thing. Sympathies to you. It's a hard thing to do but sometimes it's for the best. And we now have two cats 2-1/2 and 3 that we got shortly thereafter.

Sick kitty - me

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I'm sorry your cat is not feeling well. The symptoms you describe...at least several things come to mind, not just diabetes. I had a cat with diabetes and she did very well with subQ insulin injections that I did myself. Very easy to do in scruff of neck.

Kidney failure: I've had cats with that, as well. With subQ fluids, which I also did myself, both cats lived 5 years after diagnosis. Also, subQ fluids are injected in scruff of neck.

Hopefully, you can bring kitty in for a basic checkup and blood work. In the meantime, this group of folks were very helpful to me. Lots of info on pets. See link in blue

another comment about feline diabetes sm - me

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Feline diabetes does not always involve long-term insulin. My cat only required insulin for about a year and then her blood sugar normalized and she never needed insulin again over the next 6 years. I never had to do ear pricks. Brought her to vet on a regular basis for blood sugar checks until she was stable. From what I have read, this is often the case with felines....they quite often don't require insulin long term.

chronic kidney disease - Elssa

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My 18-year-old kitty was diagnosed with chronic kidney disease recently. Pepcid (famotidine) stopped the nausea and weight loss. Might be worth a try if this is the problem (diagnosed by blood test).

Good luck. :-)

Thanks - MT

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No weight loss for my kitty. She has a distended abdomen, thinner weaker legs, good appetite, more hungry actually. No vomiting. Peeing and pooping okay, no extra thirst, but would like to see more BMs, maybe she has an obstruction, but with an obstruction, I would expect loss of appetite. Well, she's not laying in the litter box anymore, so I think there has been some improvement. I am taking her to the vet this week, we'll see what he says.

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