LoveToKnow Cats:AllComments

From LoveToKnow Cats

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Hi Twazy,

A diabetic cat needs regular check ups to see what is going on with his blood sugars. He may even need to be on medication. With the current economy it's really hard on many pet owners. I would speak to family members and see if anyone would be willing to take him on who could afford the vet treatments or talk to your vet and see if he could set you up on a payment plan. Another option might be to contact local animal shelters and see if any offer what is called "scholarships". Occasionally, they will offer help to low income families for their pets.

I'm afraid without the proper care, his condition will likely continue to worsen. I wish I could give you better news. I know how heartbreaking this can be.

-- Contributed by: LoriSoard

Hi, I have a male cat whom is diabetic and extremely under weight. My mom saw the signs while he was with her. She got him started on a wet diet and things were getting much better, however, the weight loss has gotten to be too much!! He was extremely over weight before. I can't afford the vet, I've been out of work now for over a year and a half. Bender is 8 years old and very near and dear to my heart I can't bare watching him lose all this weight. Can anyone please help me????

-- Contributed by: Twazy Beeotch

Hi Sandy,

Hopefully Virginia will check in and can answer your question about how her cat is doing.

I have a cat that loves to lick the window blinds, which I obviously do not let her do because you never know how many toxins there are. My best guess is that they are petroleum based and they enjoy something about the taste.

Sandy, I hope your cat is okay. I know it's hard to know when to go ahead and have a pet euthanized, let them die naturally or spend more money on treatment. The best advice I can give you there is to decide ahead of time what your family can and can't afford. Then, discuss this issue with your vet. Some will work out payment options with you. You'll know when your cat is suffering and there is no treatment that will make your cat feel better.

-- Contributed by: LoriSoard

I would love to know if anyone has an answer as to WHY cats love to chew on plastic. Every cat I have ever owned loves to chew plastic ANYTHING. Anybody else have a cat like that?

-- Contributed by: Sandy Synstelien

My comment/question for Virginia is how did it turn out with your cat? My cat is 17 and has been displaying the same signs as you described. As much as I love my cat I have three young children, and mortgage and such and need to think about how much I spend. I was wondering what the outcome was with your cat. Thanks for your help.

-- Contributed by: Sandy Synstelien

Hi Virginia,

I understand what you are saying. Twenty is a good, long life for a cat. However, some cats do live past that. I think your best course of action is to take a trip to the vet and ask him to run a simple blood test, which will tell you if she has the disease. At the same time, you may want to have him go ahead and check her kidney and liver functions. If everything is functioning normally, but she has diabetes, she will need medicine and a special diet. The costs won't be much in treating her. Similarly, if the issue is kidney failure - she will likely be prescribed medication and a special diet.

One thing I always ask vets when I am uncertain about what to spend on treatment is what they would do if it were their cat. The vet will usually be honest and tell you that the cat only has a few months and the costs are high or that the costs are low and the cat could have quality of life for a while.

I hope you get good news. Please check back and let me know if she's okay. I'll be thinking about you both.

-- Contributed by: LoriSoard

My cat is 20 years old and I very much think she probably has diabetes - she is hungry ALL the time and drinks lots more water. I accidentlly did the right thing and changed her meals to 3 to 4 times a day from two. She seems to be thinner rather than heavier. What I need to know is whether it pays to fight this disease when she is already so old? I don't want to put her down if I don't have to, but hesitate to spend a possibly hugh amount of money when she already might be ready to go? Please respond and thank you so much.

-- Contributed by: Virginia Kugel
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