Managing Feline Diabetes

We rescued Spooky in March of 2000 around my birthday. I wasn't sure if I wanted her as I had never assumed the responsibility of a pet before. Working from a home office led this skinny, black cat and me to develop a special relationship over time. Her gold eyes were curious about me, but she was skittish at first. Within a few months of proper nutrition and care she gained weight and grew back her beautiful coat of shiny black hair. She showed us appreciation through plopping on our laps, rolling on the floor, acting ridiculously cute, and giving us lots of love. She was playful and always hungry!

In May of 2003 I noticed changes in Spooky's behavior. She was drinking excessive amounts of water and her litter box proved it. When she wasn't drinking she would lay down with her neck in the water bowl. She had no interest in playing with her toys as usual and was lame and tired all of the time. At first I thought it may have been because we had recently moved, but her odd behavior persisted day after day. I took her to the veterinarian who told me that Spooky's symptoms were tell-tale signs of feline diabetes.

The doctor educated us about the disease. Spooky's body was not producing enough insulin and not utilizing her glucose properly. Treating diabetes requires a substantial commitment of both time and money. Insulin shots are necessary in the mornings and evenings after feedings. Tests are performed every few months to maintain her proper insulin level. The vet gave us the option not to manage the disease, but how could we not when we witnessed Spooky acting so sad and tired. We knew our sweet cat didn't feel like herself and needed us. They taught us how to administer shots with a needle and it was easier than I thought it would be. They reviewed must-knows with me such as insulin has to be refrigerated, she needs to be on a controlled diet, and concentrated syrup always needs to be available in case of a rare incidence of insulin shock. Any lingering questions were able to be answered by doing some research on the web as there are plenty of humans trying to manage their feline diabetes.

Living with Spooky's diabetes has changed our lives. I always enjoyed the independence cat ownership allows; being able to leave plenty of food and water and lock the doors for 48 hours. Now I have to control her food intake, feed her wet food two times a day, and ensure that she eats enough before her insulin shot. If we travel, she comes along and we have to find a pet-friendly hotel room with a refrigerator for her medicine. There is a lot more to consider and everything is an extra expense.

Ironically, all of this hard work and commitment has only made me love my cat more than ever. This routine is actually a bonding experience and I look forward to our time together each day. Our wet feedings and the way she waits and stands perfectly still for me as I poke her with a needle have become a special ritual. I am sure that she knows that I am making her feel healthy and normal again. She shows me love and gratefulness as she rubs against me and purrs on my lap. She thanks me by being herself; cute, playful, curious, loving, and always hungry.