My Cat has diabetes - Calgarypuck Forums - The Unofficial Calgary Flames Fan Community

LChoy · 11-25-2009, 11:32 AM

Just discovered my cat has diabetes. He's young to already get it (turning 7 in Feb) and although he's a big cat (15lbs), he's not overweight according to the vet.
His formal owner really spoiled the little guy, and when I took over his care, I had to put him on a strict diet to get his weight under control. Thought we were making good progress

Anyways, he started losing too much weight, and because there were other signs like constant urination and thirst, the vet took a look at him and diagnosed diabetes.

It's been interesting week so far. I've gotten the hang of testing his blood sugars (you prick the ear, and amazingly, cats will let you do that) and giving insulin injections

Anyways, just wanted to put it out there on CP

Inferno · 11-25-2009, 11:38 AM

My cat was just diagnosed with it recently. He started his insulin shots this week. He's lived a pretty tough life. Was abandon twice before we adopted him and ended up getting glaucoma and lost an eye, had to have all but five of his teeth taken out and now has diabetes. He was a pretty big cat but now my other cat is fatter than him and he's not overweight at all.

Phaneuf3 · 11-25-2009, 11:38 AM

SteveToms · 11-25-2009, 11:59 AM

Sorry man, my late cat Splash had diabetes, the vet my mom took her too the first time said she had a year at most, but the vet I took her to said she would live longer, especially if we gave her the shots etc. Splash lived another 6 years or so after after we learned about her diabetes. Cats have a long lasting impression on our lives, my eyes teared up a bit typing this and its been 8 months since Splash passed away.

Love your cat for the rest of his life, and take great care of him. The love you will get back will be all kinds of awesome.

J pold · 11-25-2009, 12:24 PM

Cats can get diabetes? No way!

Reaper · 11-25-2009, 12:28 PM

So, has your cat learned it's lesson about sitting around all day playing Warcraft while eating nothing but Twinkies and Chocolate Milk?

Bobblehead · 11-25-2009, 12:30 PM

My cat has diebetes. I've never had to test his blood sugar but have given him insulin injections twice a day for the past few years.

I give him a couple of those Whiskas teeth cleaning treats after his shot, so when it is time for the injection (30 minutes after a meal) usually all I need to do is call him and he wanders in, sits down and patiently waits.

dre · 11-25-2009, 12:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by J pold

Cats can get diabetes? No way!

Cats can get FIV (HIV in humans).

LChoy · 11-25-2009, 12:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SteveToms

Sorry man, my late cat Splash had diabetes, the vet my mom took her too the first time said she had a year at most, but the vet I took her to said she would live longer, especially if we gave her the shots etc. Splash lived another 6 years or so after after we learned about her diabetes. Cats have a long lasting impression on our lives, my eyes teared up a bit typing this and its been 8 months since Splash passed away.

Love your cat for the rest of his life, and take great care of him. The love you will get back will be all kinds of awesome.

Thanks for the story. We are lucky since we caught it early the early stages. The blood sugar is high, but not chronic diabetic high
With a healthy diet and insulin shots, it can live a normal life. Also, cats have the ability to recover from diabetes and no longer need insulin shots (something humans can't do yet), so we're hoping over time that diet alone will be enough for him
He's a happy social cat that loves attention and doesn't hide from strangers. I don't even think he knows he's a cat since he begs for food, does tricks, plays with the sink, splashes the toilet bowl...

worth · 11-25-2009, 01:10 PM

Bertuzzied · 11-25-2009, 01:37 PM

I don't understand why some cat/dog owners just leave food out for pets. They should be fed once or at the max twice daily.

Sliver · 11-25-2009, 01:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bertuzzied

I don't understand why some cat/dog owners just leave food out for pets. They should be fed once or at the max twice daily.

Well pets are a PIA so some people can't be bothered. I've had a cat three different times and each and every time I get tired of it after a few years and give it away.

Meh, maybe I'll try again at some point.

Tyler · 11-25-2009, 01:58 PM

Time to cut your losses and get a newer model of pet

Methanolic · 11-25-2009, 02:15 PM

I get the feeling that some people don't think cats are worth while.

To you OP's that have cats with diabetes, That really sucks. But, by the sounds of it these cats are lucky they have owners like you.

Good for you!

Sliver · 11-25-2009, 02:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Methanolic

I get the feeling that some people don't think cats are worth while.

To you OP's that have cats with diabetes, That really sucks. But, by the sounds of it these cats are lucky they have owners like you.

Good for you!

OP means original poster so that would only refer to the guy who started this thread.

But I agree, there are a lot of posters that are very compassionate WRT their cats and that's nice to see.

Methanolic · 11-25-2009, 02:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sliver

OP means original poster so that would only refer to the guy who started this thread.

.

Thanks. I thought it meant "Other Poster" .......

dre · 11-25-2009, 02:46 PM

My cat died a few years ago. Friends of ours recently had their dog put down, and said I was sorry to hear that and mentioned that I too went through the same thing with my cat. Anyway, they said it is not the same when you loose a dog and that dogs are more of a family member then a cat, I almost punched him.

kermitology · 11-25-2009, 02:54 PM

My old kitty Jade was diagnosed with diabetes. She was about 13-15 (we're not sure exactly how old she was) and it was so far along that the vet recommended that we put her down.

She was put down the day that I left for Europe for three weeks. I didn't really get to say goodbye the way I wanted to. She loved me so much, didn't care for my parents.. so when my folks knew I was going to be gone for such a long time, and it always impacted the cat poorly, they decided it was best to put her down.

I would have cried my eyes out had I been there.

Speaking of cats, has anyone had to deal with a cat that has acne? My little one Sadie has the signs of acne and I'm not sure how bad it is or how to really help her.

Methanolic · 11-25-2009, 03:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dre

My cat died a few years ago. Friends of ours recently had their dog put down, and said I was sorry to hear that and mentioned that I too went through the same thing with my cat. Anyway, they said it is not the same when you loose a dog and that dogs are more of a family member then a cat, I almost punched him.

10 Years ago, My Cat got out of the house and after hours of searching we just couldn't locate him. In the morning on my way out the front door, on my way to go golfing, I saw him laying dead on the road.

3 Years ago I had to take my Dog in to get put down.

Both of these times in my life were incredibly painfull and I wouldn't wish the hurt I felt upon anyone.

Currently, I have 3 cats, 2 dogs. I've told my wife, after .....you know. There's no more pets because I can't take the hurt.

REDVAN · 11-25-2009, 03:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bertuzzied

I don't understand why some cat/dog owners just leave food out for pets. They should be fed once or at the max twice daily.

Are you a vet?

I'm not trying to be rude, I am curious. I have a puppy, and I've read it's better to feed more small meels (just like in people), rather than one larger meal per day.

I guess it depends on the type of animal, and everyone should find out what heir vet recommends.