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Hi my male cat is 12 years old, he's just been diagnosed with diabetes. He will need insulin twice a day at 12 hour intervals. My major dilemma I work 12 hour shifts and my daughter works different shift patterns we can't commit to 12 hour intervals. The vets advice is treat or put to sleep We are heartbroken we don't want to put him to sleep just because of this reason. Is there really no leway on the 12 hours has it got to be strict 12? We would be grateful of any advice please Many thanks

Hi my male cat is 12 years old, he's just been diagnosed with diabetes. He will need insulin twice a day at 12 hour intervals. My major dilemma I work 12 hour shifts and my daughter works different shift patterns we can't commit to 12 hour intervals. The vets advice is treat or put to sleep We are heartbroken we don't want to put him to sleep just because of this reason. Is there really no leway on the 12 hours has it got to be strict 12? We would be grateful of any advice please Many thanks

Updated On November 3rd, 2019

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Male | 12 years and 5 months old | 8 lbs

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Answered By Dr. Elizabeth

Veterinarian

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In general, try to make the injections as close to every 12 hours as you can. Most pets will still do well even if the injections are sometimes 13 hours apart.If it is going to be longer than 13 hours, talk with your vet about maybe adjusting the amount of insulin to give. You and your daughter should devise a treatment plan each week based upon your work patterns and write it down. Then keep the paper by the insulin and MARK down when the insulin was given (time). This will eliminate confusion. You must treat the diabetes. A special diet like RC Glycobalance will help. You may also look into asking a friend to help give injections or hire someone to do it. many technicians will make extra money helping out others like this. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.

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