CAT DIARY FORUM

[FELINE FURUM] Re: Indiana Jones

Redcwolf — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 22:16:26 -0400

Can't wait to hear more adventures! What an adorable pair of furbabies you have.

Conda >^..^<

[FELINE FURUM] Re: Indiana Jones

kittylover — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 19:10:33 -0400

He's about the cutest thing out there (next to my Samson, of course). You're one lucky guy. Look forward to hearing about the hijinks of Indy & Mars.

[FELINE FURUM] Re: Cat Diabetes?

jinzy — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 19:29:26 -0400

Right now she is not getting better. She is down to four pounds and her blood sugar this morning was 526 (2 1/2 hours after taking her morning shot) . He has upped her insulin to 3 cc bid. I take her in tomorrow for more blood work.

[FELINE FURUM] Re: Cat Diabetes?

SheCat852 — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 20:58:21 -0400

Jinzy, make sure she gets lots of water. Diabetics get dehydrated because the increased sugar in the blood causes frequent urination, taking the water out of their system. It's one of the signs of diabetes, along with the weight loss - increased thirst & urination.

Try the Friskies canned food. Mine love it - in fact, it's the only kind they like. No flaked or sliced food - that's too high in carbs. They also like the EVO, but don't eat as much of it. It's very high in protein & low in carbs, so they don't seem to need as much of it.

You might want to invest in a baby scales, so you can keep track of Nikkita's weight. At least that way, you'll know if she's improving.

Good Luck!
Sandy

[FELINE FURUM] Re: Thoughts on Teeth Cleaning

las and five FD kitties — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 19:40:45 -0400

The treats only help some in preventing plaque buildup. They reallyy do not remove existing plaque/tartar.

I had three of my cats done last year and three this year, with latest being last week. They all did fine.

[FELINE FURUM] Re: Cat Diabetes?

jinzy — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 18:35:18 -0400

Thanks so much every one. My new vet is fantastic. Even though I have a follow up appt this Wed., he called me and talked to me for over an hour answering a lot of my questions. A girl could get used to this kind of treatment. :) I give Nikkita her food and when she is finished I give her the insulin. She doesn't seem to mind the shots, but that maybe because she still trying to get her strength back. The vet put her on W/D scientific diet but she hates it so we are working on getting something with high protein (gaining weight is a high priority right now because she is so thin) that she will like. Wet food makes more sense anyway due to her severe dehydration. Thanks again for giving me so much help!

[FELINE FURUM] Re: So ridiculous I could only laugh

dorbow — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 18:15:50 -0400

Miss Kitty has limited access to people food. When I give her a taste, its about the size of 1/2 of my little fingernail. But she loves yogurt...any flavor..she'll sit there and wait for me to finish so I can give her a little taste...same with ice cream, whipped cream, I've even given her a taste of chocolate pudding.

Doris

[FELINE FURUM] Re: Cat Diabetes?

SheCat852 — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 16:47:16 -0400

Jinzy, it doesn't matter if she was ever overweight or not. Diabetes is a matter of the pancreas not producing either enough insulin to handle sugar, or no insulin at all. It can be complicated by weight, but it's not caused by it.

First of all, you have to make sure that your cat doesn't get too many carbs. Depending on whether you feed canned, dry, or both - it has to be under 14 carbs. At the end of this, I'll give you several websites to check out.

Friskies canned food is good - but only the ground kind. All are 7 or less in carbs. No regular commercial dry food is good. The dry food I was told to get is Innova EVO. It's very high protein, low carb. If none of your other cats have trouble with kidney problems, it's OK to feed them the same as your diabetic cat. It's up to you if you want to remove the dishes after feeding them. I don't. I split up 1 5.5 oz can of Friskies between 5 cats, twice a day & leave EVO down for them. Make sure you've got plenty of water down too.

The best thing to do with the shots is try to either give them while she's eating (she'll be distracted) or with some treats (same reason). This way, you know that she's eaten. It's much more dangerous for her blood sugar to be too low than too high. I do give commercial treats - Temptations Natural, Chicken Flavored - but only just a couple. Keep in mind, the others are going to get the idea that treat time comes when the diabetic gets her shots & don't be surprised if you are suddenly surrounded by begging cats. Give them some too so they don't feel left out.

Try to do food & shots about 12 hrs apart - but don't be freaked out if you can't. I don't always make it on the schedule.

I've actually become fortunate, in that the latest tests showed that Baby Kitty is in remission. I don't have to give her shots right now, just keep her on the diet. I do have to get her re-tested in a week. Oh - & she's 18 yrs old.

I'm guessing that your new vet showed you how to give her shots. Did he tell you to alternate sites? Don't constantly give it to her in the same place - & don't always give it in the knapp of her neck. She can build up scar tissue if you do either, making it harder to get the needle in. By alternating sites, going from 1 side from shoulder to hip & back up the other side, no 1 place gets stuck any more than about once a week, even at 2 shots a day.

Now the websites to check:

Binky�s Page: http://www.sugarcats.net/sites/jmpeerson/
Feline Diabetes: http://www.felinediabetes.com/injections.htm
BD Diabetes Website: http://www.bddiabetes.com/us/main.aspx?cat=1&id=359
Innova Website: http://www.innovapet.com/ (you can do a store search to find one in your area that sells EVO)

Also, check out the Muffin List, a diabetic pet support group that is wonderful. You can join by going to http://www.petdiabetes.net/ & scrolling down the page a little. Click on the graphic to subscribe to the group. It will come up as an e-mail to explain your situation & request to be subscribed. I highly recommend joining. The members can give you ideas & support you when you're down.

One last thing - DON'T GO BACK to the 1st vet. The MOST important thing for your diabetic pet is to find a vet you can work with, one that's available for emergencies or has an emergency office you can go to. Because crises don't wait for 9-5 & they certainly don't wait until a tech is available.

Good Luck!

Sandy - meowmie to Baby Kitty (dc) & Desiree, Clarisse, Dusk & Isis (ndc's)

[FELINE FURUM] I have two diabetic cats, easily treatable and inexpensive

fdcatmom — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 09:33:43 -0400

Feline diabetes is easily treatable.

Do visit www.felinediabetes.com and register for the message board. There are hundreds of folks on there that can help you learn about FD and help you find the best way to treat your cat.

It is not expensive. We hometest our cats using a human glucometer, test before each shot and also get occasional spot checks.

It sounds daunting, but I promise it's easy. My cats love testing time, it's the time of day they get their special treats and lots of kisses. We use a lancet device and get a small amount of blood from the ear.

Cat's don't have the type of nerve endings in their ear like humans, it doesn't hurt. I know that because every cat I've ever tested, non FDs alike, have never flinched when I use the device. I had three FDs (Feline Diabetics) at one time, sadly one passed from heart disease. I adopt only diabetic or geriactric cats.

By testing at home you can do "blood glucose curves" and see how your cat is reacting to insulin. You can, with your vet, determine the right dose.

Switching to low carb, canned food only is the best way to help your cat. Humans have to watch sugar when they are diabetic. For cats, it's carbs. Meaning dry food.

Also, do not go to the pharmacy and buy Humulin N without your vet's knowledge. First, never give meds without your vet's knowledge. Second, "N" is a harsh insulin, it can peak within four hours and then lose it's duration. Other long lasting insulins like Lantus or PZI. PZI Idexx is being discontinued, PZI by BCP Pharmacy is an excellent insulin that is not being discontinued.

Please visit felinediabetes.com and learn more to help your cats.

Sincerely,
Jennifer

[FELINE FURUM] Re: Cat Diabetes?

mollyoscar — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 13:03:44 -0400

Jinzy,

I am so sorry to hear about the run-around you got from your vet. Good for you for taking her somewhere else!

I wish I could give you advice...but I am still learning myself. I have chosen to not give my cat, Molly, any insulin because of her age and the expense involved. She has lost alot of weight, but was a little heavy (according to the vet) to begin with. I worry about her constantly, but for now she seems to be doing really well. She has days that I can tell she doesn't feel well, but overall things are looking okay.

I hope someone else will reply to this thread to give you that advice you are looking for...I at least wanted to reply and let you know that I will be praying for you and your cat.

Keep us updated!
Kelly

[FELINE FURUM] Re: Cat Diabetes?

jinzy — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 20:38:23 -0400

Hello,my name is jinzy and I have a 14 year old calico cat named Nikkita. I had been taking her to the same vet all her life. I began bugging him to do a geriatric blood work up for the past several years but always told to come back another day for him to take blood. No matter which day it seemed to be the wrong day or I just missed the lab people. In the spring when I took her in for her yearly shots I told the vet I was concerned because she was loosing weight even though she was eating like a pig. I also told him that she had been vomiting. She was weighed and she had gone from 9 lbs to 6 lbs. The vet said her muscle tone was good and not to worry. I again asked for geriatric screen and again was told to come back another day to have the blood work done. Well she continued to loose weight, stopped all grooming, began to "go" in inappropriate places. She literally was skin and bones. I called the vet and outlined my concerns.I was given an appt for 7-24-08 at 4pm. I arrived (early) and after a while the tech came out and told me that I would have to come back friday or monday because they couldn't do any testing on her til then. I was shocked at not being able to see the vet. It's not like I'm some kinda deadbeat. They always got their money before I left the office. I don't have to tell you I was hopping mad. I called another vet and got a appt for today. As soon as he laid eyes on her he said it was either hyperthyroidism or diabetes. An hour later I had the test results, it was diabetes. (The crazy thing is this cat has never been overweight a day in her life. she has always been a petite and slender cat). Anyway, I would appreciate any advice you can give me.She has an appt Wed. morning to see a specialist and right now has to take two shots a day and the vet gave me special food for her.Now I have three other cats and a dog, so any advice you could give me would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

[FELINE FURUM] Re: holistic kidney medicine

carrie — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 10:34:28 -0400

Thank you Janis for your response. Murr's kidney failure became so acute so fast that only now I am second guessing everything. I had a cat 5 years ago who's kidneys began to fail and we kept her going quite easily with sub-q fluids for one full year. So I thought we would have Murray for quite a while longer. And he was relatively young for kidney failure......probably about 10. We always told him how handsome he was even though he was battlescarred when we caught him and brought him inside.....one ear was permanently down from tissue damage from fighting outside although he was a sweetheart once he came inside to stay. Again, thank you from a fellow cat lover. Regards.

[FELINE FURUM] Re: holistic kidney medicine

Janis — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 17:30:21 -0400

Carrie,

I am so sorry to hear abt your loss of Murray. I don't know anything abt Tripsy, but wanted to offer my heartfelt sympathy. We also lost a kitty, our dear old Cindy (age 19), to kidney failure several years ago. I know how difficult it can be to watch that downward spiral and to make that final decision. I hope you can find out more abt Tripsy.

Hugs,
Janis

[FELINE FURUM] holistic kidney medicine

carrie — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 23:42:38 -0400

Has anyone had any success with a holistic medicine called Tripsy? After much agony we had to put our great Murray to sleep. His kidney values were so high they didn't register on the vet's machine, we couldn't regulate his thyroid, he became severely anemic. We gave him 100 ml's of sub-q fluids daily to no avail. He was fading before our eyes and we couldn't bare to see him like that. I read somewhere about Tripsy and wonder if I should keep some on hand for if any of our other beloved cats kidneys begin to fail and we could catch things before they skyrocket out of control? And I wonder if it could have somehow brought Murray's health back? Thank you.

[FELINE FURUM] Re: Thoughts on Teeth Cleaning

kittylover — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 15:30:49 -0400

Hi--Our boy, Samson, has atrocious breath. We've had his teeth cleaned twice in the (almost) 5 years he's owned us. He's ended up having a total of 4 pulled in this time. Yes, it is nerve-wracking to see them under the effects of the anaesthesia, but it's worth it in the long run. After getting the bad teeth out he can chew more comfortably, his breath is much better and it does add a couple years to their lives.

Hope this helps. Have a good 4th of July!

[FELINE FURUM] Thoughts on Teeth Cleaning

dorbow — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 22:03:27 -0400

I'd love to hear some of your thoughts about teeth cleaning. When Kitty went for her annual check up, it was suggested that I bring her back to have her teeth cleaned. Of course, they would have to put her under to do it. I really have mixed feelings about that. I just don't want to put her under unless its absolutely necessary..I guess I have a fear that something will happen to her.

I've been giving her some treats that are supposed to help prevent plaque build up.

Please let me know what you think.

Doris

[FELINE FURUM] Re: Techniques and tricks for giving medicine to cats

TailWagger — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 20:49:06 -0400

I would suggest trying transdermal gel. Many medications are available in this form. You put it on the inside of the cat's ear and the medication is absorbed through the membranes. I gave up trying to pill my cats! This gel works great. Talk to your vet about it.

[FELINE FURUM] Re: Indiana Jones

kibbles — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 14:44:19 -0400

Awwww!! He's adorable, and his name is perfect! It's so cool that he and Mars are best buds.

I love the picture of Indy using Mars' tummy for a pillow. What a little sweetie!

[FELINE FURUM] cat snoring

miss rainbow trout — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 21:19:00 -0400

my black and white male cat, jelly, snores so loudly that i have to put him out of my bedroom at night! of course he comes back in several times, and i eventually get too tired to keep picking him up putting him out. it does not help that the door won't close, but even if it did, i would want it open at night so i could hear my small child sleeping down the hall.
anyone have a snoring remedy for cats? he is adorable and a real lovey cat, but man, the snoring is louder than a big man snoring!

[FELINE FURUM] Re: A new pet after loss

dianemic — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 11:43:31 -0400

Usually the new one finds YOU. I don't think our beloved pets would want us to grieve for them forever, any more than a person would. Especially if you were a good "pet parent" your Rainbow Angel would want you to have a new someone to love and care for. Each one is an individual and brings a new personality and antics into our lives. You never "replace" one with another, but a new one that needs you helps to come to terms with the loss. They never leave us, as long as they are in our hearts and memories.

[FELINE FURUM] Re: Indiana Jones

dianemic — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 11:38:16 -0400

Mark,
Indy is soooooo cute!! I LOVE Siamese and have had them since I was a kid (long time ago!!). I will say, though, your life will never be the same again, Indy will definitely keep you and your family "on your toes"!!! Meezers are very smart and like to be part of the family. Wherever the action is, there he will be. Congrats!!!

[FELINE FURUM] Re: Indiana Jones

Nancy — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 23:16:07 -0400

Mark,
I knew they would be best friends given the chance. Yes, in agreement with Debbie the fur will darken even the face as my cat Coco was the same coloring as Indy at his age. I love his name. Sounds like it "fits" him. FYI my cat is noted for crawling into the washer or dryer when I'm doing laundry-must be a siamase trait.

[FELINE FURUM] Re: Indiana Jones

jujublu — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 00:16:55 -0400

Indy is AWESOME! What a pair of handsome boys you have.

[FELINE FURUM] Re: A new pet after loss

Mark Mason — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 23:28:02 -0400

Well, how long did it take ME to get over Chance and Sam? A long time. We waited until a cat adopted us -- while visiting a shelter we were smitten with Mars. Then Indy came along. The last thing I wanted was TWO cats again (they team up to conspire against me) but they are two of the most engaging cats I have every known. Time heals all wounds. When you are ready, you will know. And there is no such thing as "too soon" for that. I say let your heart be adopted by a new cat. The right one will find you. Mark

[FELINE FURUM] Re: Indiana Jones

MaryE — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 23:03:04 -0400

OMG, Indy is absolutely adorable! And Mars will have oh so much fun w/him! You will be in for hours & hours of enjoyment watching the wrestling. My boys, Jerry & Satchel are brothers, now 4 & 1/2 yrs old and they still play and wrestle like kittens at least 2 or more times a day. Such fun! lol

[FELINE FURUM] Re: Indiana Jones

debbie0817 — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 19:51:04 -0400

Mark, Indy is a darling little kitten! I too, didn't think of him as siamese originally. My Coco Puff, as a kitten, looked just like him! You do know that his white fur will darken, right?

[FELINE FURUM] A new pet after loss

Aussie girl — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 19:42:19 -0400

I'm wondering what people's thoughts are on adopting a new 'fur-baby' after loss? A few weeks ago I lost my little girl after 13 years of love, fun and companionship. Part of me wants to get another cat right now, another part wonders if anyone else will measure up. What are your experiences??

[FELINE FURUM] Indiana Jones

TommyReb — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 17:54:23 -0400

OMG, Mark didn't mention that Indy is a Siamese!!! As the EX-guardian of some Siamese over the years he is in for LOADS of fun... ;)

[FELINE FURUM] Re: So ridiculous I could only laugh

Nancy — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 22:41:59 -0400

My cat Coco will eat limited "people food" but his favorite item that I must share with him is chicken tekarrki sandwich-the meat only from subway. All I need to do is come in the door, he sees the bag and well, I can't hardly get the sandwich unwrapped- Like he's starving -I don't think so.

[FELINE FURUM] Re: My cat stinks!!!

Nancy — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 23:00:33 -0400

This isn't exactly how to keep the bottom clean but as to his diet especailly when he "poops" When "meow mix"-orginal came out, many, many years ago-we used the cat food on our house cat when I growing up. it's been a long standing tradition with my mom's present house cat, and my previous and presenthouse cat to use "meow mix". What I'm trying to get at is the poop doesn't stink. Must be a good brand of cat food because of their longivity of a long life.