:( My cat has diabetes [Archive] - Tombs of Kobol Forums

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Wild Boar

01-29-2008, 05:35 PM

When my wife and I met, she owned two cats who were around 4 years old. One is a big, very striking male cat named Smudge and the other is a smaller, very fluffy black female named Cinder. Smudge has always been a little stand-offish while Cinder is the friendliest cat I've ever met.

Cinder was born deaf and has also suffered from irritable bowel syndrom and had a few other problems in her 9 years of life. Her most recent problem was an ear infection which permanently damaged her sense of balance.

A few weeks ago I noticed that our automatic litter box was getting clogged up with a lot of litter. I figured that I just needed to start making extra effort to help keep the box clean. It used to require no more than two manual scoopings per week but we started to realized that we were having to scoop almost daily. This week while cleaning the box, I witnessed Cinder pee and it was excessive and I was immediately concerned. My wife made an appointment with the vet and tests revealed that Cinder is diabetic.

Our nerves are a little raw. We love this kitty and now we're going to have to change her diet and start giving her nightly shots of insulin. However, we've been told that if we can manage her diabetes that she has many good years left in her. We're hoping we can get through the worst of this transition without too much undue stress.

Commander Taggart

01-29-2008, 07:53 PM

I'm sorry to hear about your cat, Boar; but glad that the disease is manageable. I know all-too-well how much a part of our lives our pets become. You have my best wishes.

Martok2112

01-29-2008, 09:41 PM

I love cats, and I am sorry to hear about your cat's plight. Like Commander Taggart, I am glad to hear this is manageable, and hope the best for your little tabby. :)

Wild Boar

01-30-2008, 01:08 AM

Actually, calling Cinder a cat is almost a misnomer. We believe that she's actually an interesting mix:

Part cat: Mostly looks like one.
Part rat: Has an uncanny ability to squeeze her body into spaces where she really shouldn't fit.
Part skunk: She kinda waddles like one.
Part tribble: Purrs on contact and *loves* human contact.

I appreciate the kind wishes. As many have said on this board in the past: pets are family.

Dawg

01-30-2008, 02:42 AM

Well, I'm glad to hear you got her diagnosed and treatment going.

We've got 2 ourselves. Both from a shelter. Our little girl, Emma (who stars in my avatar over at CF) was apparently feral most of her life and took the longest time to warm up to us. But, Mrs. Dawg insisted and now whenever she sits down Emma is there to drape herself over her shoulder and get loved up.

Pets are family. And anybody who says different either never had a pet or has a lump of coal for a heart.

I am
Dawg

StarshipTrooper

01-30-2008, 03:24 AM

Hi,

That is sad news, but as others have said, it's good that Cinder can be treated. I hope she feels better soon.

Regards,

Nathan

Martok2112

01-30-2008, 07:39 AM

Impreszive

01-30-2008, 03:59 PM

Call Wilford Brimley!

thought I would bring some humor.

Callipygian

01-30-2008, 05:18 PM

Ditto what everyone before me has said. I have outlived two beloved dogs, both of whose births I witnessed. Pets bring a lot of love in their short, shiny lives.

Love 'em while you got 'em.

Calli

Wild Boar

01-31-2008, 01:34 AM

A quick update. The vet showed us how to give the insulin injection and it really is practically painless for the cat. Heck Cinder has more problems with being pilled than with getting a subcutaneous injection. While it will be tough having to regiment our daily routines, at least now I don't feel like I'm hurting Cinder when I give her the shot.

jewels

01-31-2008, 03:48 PM

I can relate to how hard it is to give an animal pill meds. Glad the insulin is easier to give for you. I've never been able to give a shot to an animal—one of 2 things that kept me away from the medical fields. Glad you are able to give Cinder the care she needs.

Jewels

Wild Boar

01-31-2008, 05:23 PM

When my wife and I were going through fertility treatment I had to give her subcutaneous shots every night. The problem is that my wife has an intense phobia regarding needles. After giving her over 100 shots, I consider myself well practiced. Heck, I could give myself a subcu with no problem if I had to. Intramuscular shots are a whole other matter.

In addition to Cinder being deaf, she also lacks a real sense of smell (she'll pretend to sniff, but she can only actually pick up really intense odors like cajun seasonings). We suspect that she also lacks a sense of taste and we believe that her tactile senses are somewhat dulled. It could very well be that she doesn't feel the injection in any manner.

Commander Taggart

01-31-2008, 07:30 PM

It could very well be that she doesn't feel the injection in any manner.

That would be very lucky. Getting Mr. Spock to take a pill back before he died... anything wrapped up in cheese... well, I was lucky to come back with my fingers. But dogs are like that. Cats are more... clever.

I can't imagine having had to give my dog a shot, though. That would have been a nightmare... for both of us.

Wild Boar

01-31-2008, 07:36 PM

That would be very lucky. Getting Mr. Spock to take a pill back before he died... anything wrapped up in cheese... well, I was lucky to come back with my fingers. But dogs are like that. Cats are more... clever.

I can't imagine having had to give my dog a shot, though. That would have been a nightmare... for both of us.

Wow, I'd hate to have to pill a dog. That'd be tough.

Clever isn't a word I'd use to describe Cinder. Rain Cat would be a better description of her. Her behavior can be very bizarre most of the time then suddenly she'll figure something out that there is no way that a cat -- heck, even a college sophomore -- should be intelligent enough to learn.