Diabetes in Cats: How do I inject?

Diabetes in cats and injecting insulin... Brrrr that usually sends chills down many people's spines!

If you are afraid of giving your cat an injection, don't be. We, cats, don't really feel much at all if you put a needle in a fold of skin in the neck. We may even think you are playing or petting us. When was I a younger cat, in fact, I used to purrrrr quite a bit when I was getting my injections. Now I just purrrr all the time as long as it's somewhere warm and cosy.

Marcia King, of netpets.com, and Mosette Eibert, a vet with diabetic cat, explain the procedure.

While cat owners may cringe at the idea of injecting their cats, most cats find injections far less horrid than pilling. "You don't really have to restrain the cat," says Eibert. "Just pick up the skin between the shoulder blades, stick the needle in, and you're done."Henson advises holding the syringe so that "you can insert the needle and push the plunger without having to adjust your grip. One finger should be poised over the plunger when you insert the needle into the skin. Some people put the needle in and then let go of the syringe for a second so they can get their finger over the plunger. This makes the needle bounce around and hurt."

Told you, it's easier than you thought. Here is a quick recap:

1. Put cat in lap and hold in place with one hand if necessary. Pet cat with hand if enjoyable.
2. Grab syringe in other free hand, hold between index and middle fingers, thumb in position on the plunger.
   
3. Pick up the skin behind the shoulder blades.
4. Insert needle in loose skin.
5. Push plunger without waiting.
   
6. Take needle out.
7. Pet cat or kiss cat or hug cat, whichever feels appropriate.
8. You're done.

Well, I got a fur ball to run after now, so I'll meowww to you again later. Hope this tip helped you if you were looking for treatment information against diabetes in cats. If you have a question about caring for cats that you would like answered, leave 'a paw print', well I mean, leave a comment.

Diabetes in Cats: What are Ketones and Ketone Tests?

Ketone levels in urine are an indicator of the progression of diabetes in cats. Ketones are just one of the many new words that you will have to add your vocabulary. Understanding how ketones work is essential because, in all likelihood, you are going to monitor your cat's diabetes by tracking his urine ketone levels. I put this post together to explain ketones, ketone strips ('ketostix') and ketone-related illnesses.

Ketones (pronounced 'kee tones') are by-products of fat metabolism. When the body can not use glucose for energy, the liver breaks down fat into fatty acids and produces ketones. These ketones accumulate in the blood and passed in the urine. Large amounts of ketones in the urine indicate a serious condition.

Ketosis is the name given to the build up of ketones and, in a general sense, ketosis indicate simply that the boody is using fat stores for energy. Ketosis is not dangerous but it may lead to stomach pains, vomiting and dehydration.

When the blood becomes acidic due to ketones building up, the condition is called ketoacidosis (or diabetic ketoacidosis). It is a severe condition which can lead to comma or be fatal.

Ketone strips, also known as Ketostix or ketone sticks, are used to measure the levels of ketone in urine. The strips are made of plastic and one end is coated in chemicals which react with the urine to change colors from pink to purple usually. By comparing the resulting color to a scale on the box (see picture below), you determine the amount of ketones in urine.



We buy Ketostix strips in bulk for Fluffy because we easily go through about 400 to 500 of them in the year (depending on Fluffy's well being at the time!)

If your cat has diabetes, it is likely that you will check his ketones to monitor his need for insulin and the progression of diabetes. Make sure to record the results in your cat's diary. You can find more tips about taking care of your cat at home in Dr. Andrew Jones's guide.

Main signs of diabetes in cats

Being able to identify the main signs of diabetes in cats can save your furry friend's life. When our cat got sick, at first we weren't sure whether it was something serious or not. I wish we'd had this kind of information at the time because it would have saved us much anguish. When the vet diagnosed Fluffy with diabetes, I asked many many questions because I did not understand the relation between diabetes in cats and the constant eating. This post gives a very brief overview of the signs of diabetes in cats and the insulin required to process glucose.

Please leave a comment or social bookmark this article if you find it informative.

- Excessive urination (polyuria) is caused by the body's need to flush out excess blood glucose. Your cat urinates more frequently or more abundantly as more water needs to filter through the kidneys. (Incidentally if cat urine odor is a problem, get a copy of Nancy Wigal's free tips!)

- Excessive thirst (polydipsia) is a direct consequence of this process. Because so much water is required to clear the blood glucose, your cat drinks a lot and remains thirsty.

- Excessive appetite or excessive eating (polyphagia) is the third most common sign to look out for. When insulin is lacking, the body is unable to use glucose for energy leaving it constantly hungry.

- Unexplained weight loss may also take place despite a higher food intake. Unable to process glucose, the body instead burns fat for energy.

- Blindness caused by diabetes in cats is much less common than in dogs but can appear along diabetes if there is hypertension. Look out for such signs.

Other signs to look out for include: lack of energy (lethargy), loss of appetite (anorexia), depression or vomiting.

If you notice any of the above signs in your cat, get your cat to your family vet for proper diagnosis. Diabetes in cats can be managed successfully if detected early. Based on urine ketone tests or blood glucose tests (they are completely painless to the animal) and physical examination, your vet will be able to diagnose diabetes and determine the best diet and treatment for your four-legged friend.