Diabetic cats

[WendyC]

Our cat has recently been diagnosed with diabetes and has this week started twice daily insulin injections, having first tried control though diet. I was wondering if anyone had any experience /advice to share in treating this condition. Nellie is an older cat at 14 so part of me wonders whether this is the right course of action and whether we should just let nature take its course. However she is a much loved part of the family and as she was until very recently well with no other health problems I think we should give her a fighting chance. She quite happy in herself at the moment. Any thoughts from cat lovers appreciated.

[TEB]

My dog was on injections every 12 hours and lasted 3 years and led a reasonable normal life, if I thought that the animal was suffering then we may have decided otherwise.

[Piggle]

If she isn't in any distress then I would say definately give her a chance. What did the vet say?

[Aberdeenplotter]

She quite happy in herself at the moment. Any thoughts from cat lovers appreciated.

The basic question is "are you keeping the cat going for you or for the cat" If it's for the cat, then keep on with the treatment provided the cat stays well. Then you will have to re-assess. We lost our pusscat just over a year ago now. She had developed an inoperable tumour in her chest cavity and although on medication, she went slowly downhill but fighting against her problems all the way. We had been told by the vet that we would know when the time came when enough was enough and the vet was right. It was distressing as we had had her for all of her 18 years and even now, when preparing food in the kitchen, I find myself looking for the cat in case I trip over her. Gone but not forgotten

[Jeanied]

I agree with ap - cats have a way of making it clear when the time is right for that final visit to the vet. I have found that to be a blessing in disguise as my decision has been made for me.
They do quite well on insulin injections, just like humans, but are more susceptible to other complications. Good luck with the treatment and I hope she enjoys a few more happy years with you.

[Florence Fennel]

I echo Jeanie in the hope that she copes with the treatment and can stay with you for many more years.

[Fruit&2veg]

I Agree- If Puss is happy and not in any distress, then you must be doing the right thing. I know only too well how hard it is to make the final desision, Its never easy but you will know when the time comes. In the meantime just keep on enjoying every day you have together and may there be many more of them.

[salome2001]

I am a feline-friendly vet and can only say that in 20 years, every one of the diabetic cats i have treated has had a better quality of life for being treated than not.
There are a lot of issues regarding committing to treatment (financial. emotional, logistical) that you should discuss with your own vet, but two things I would mention are:
Feline Advisory Bureau website: very good information and all right up to date: diabetes in cats index page
and the Cats Protection diabetic cat owners support network (the Diabetic Cat Register)
http://www.cats.org.uk/uploads/docum...4-Diabetes.pdf

Hope that helps you. salome

[WendyC]

Back to the vets last night at midnight as she had blood in her urine. Never called a vet out of bed before so didn't do it lightly. Glucose levels sky high again, still at vets this evening and is going to stay overnight to try and get her levels down. She's quite relaxed about it all when I went in this morning- me less so! My vet suggested the FAB cats website and yes I did find it useful. Thanks for kind words of support.

[salome2001]

it's not unusual for diabetics (cats and humans) to get urinary infections because the bacteria love the sugar in the urine. I wouldn't worry. it is just making your vet's job stabilising her a bit more fun as the infection upsets glucose/ insulin balance... But a course of antibiotics should clear it up in no time.

[WendyC]

She's much better now thanks to an all expenses weekend away at the vets. 5 days of insulin seems to have perked her up and is much like her old self.

[Fruit&2veg]

glad to hear that-You must be so relieved!

[WendyC]

I'm not under any illusions that she'll be with us for years to come but a while longer. She's so much part of the family. My eldest son (17) spent yesterday evening cuddling her like a baby. She is a very daft cat and puts up with any kind of attention.