Yesterday I learned that my cat has diabetes. While there is a chance that the vet can get his insulin regulated, the most likely treatment would require twice daily insulin injections. As much as I would like to think that I could faithfully administer these shots everyday, I know that it's pretty unlikely. There is also the chance that the cat will resent me and always be afraid that I'm going to give him a shot. Left untreated, he will lose weight and grow increasingly unhealthy. This is tearing me apart.I know everyone thinks their pet is the best. I have had many pets in the past (a dog, cats, a rabbit, a parakeet, and many hamsters) and I've loved each of them. This one is different. He's special. I've often said he acts a lot like a dog. In fact, I think he has the best attributes of both cats and dogs. He is always waiting by the door for me when I get home from work. At my old place, he used to pop up in the big picture window when I'd pull into the driveway. He is vocal and will speak on command. He is also independant and does not need constant attention. He lived in the woods before I got him, so he's a bit of a hunter. He has been a loyal companion through some pretty lonely times. The thought of not having him around sucks. Sorry I can't give you anything funny right now, but I feel like total crap and I'm not sure what to do.
**Edited to add: Thanks for the comments, everyone. I feel like a royal asshole. How could I even consider not doing whatever is necessary to give my cat the quality of life he deserves? It wasn't the injecting that I was dreading, but the making sure he got the injections everyday in case I'm not around. I will just have to make adjustments. He is more than worth it. I'm not as freaked out as I was and know what I have to do.
**Update: Last night I started The Assman on his injections. Luckily, the cat does not seem to really notice (like some of you predicted). Thanks again for the encouragement, everybody. I think I'll be able to make this work!
18 comments:
God, Chris, I'm so sorry. Maybe they have better drugs out there and you won't have to give him shots. I know the people version, they've come up with pills, supposedly, instead of the injections.
Don't do anything rash.
I'm sorry, baby. Cats are the best. I've cared for several elderly ones throughout my life, so I know how it is with the shots and the fluids and things. You'd be amazed by what you can both adapt to.
Really sorry about that. I care about the pet in my life more than I do about many of the people. )I think that's supposed to be wrong, but I don't care.) Your cat sounds like a smartie, so I bet the two of you will work something out!
Chris-- I'm sorry to hear about your cat. My neighbor's cat has diabetes-- they give him insulin every day, and he's doing well. The two of you can do this.
It is amazing how these little critters can get next to you. I’m glad you have one that means so much to you, and, because of that, I know you will do what ever is needed to keep him healthy and happy. They instinctively know when you are trying to help them, so he won’t hate you for giving him shots. Besides, they don’t have nerves like people and the shot doesn’t hurt like it does with us. Check into the pill thing, too.
Chris- just give him
the injections..!!!
my boss gives his cat
injections everyday -
he said that cat gets use to it
You love him.
You know you have
to help him
Chris, I'm so sorry. I had the same thing happen with my beloved late cat Fathead Fred. I chose not to give her the injections, because she was quite old, and had other medical problems.
It sounds like other people have given the shots with minimal problem, so I would certainly try it if I were you. I really wish I had tried.
I'm so sorry to hear about this. Pets are so important. Hang in there and keep us posted.
Chris-
As a cat owner, I understand how important the Assman is to you. The "good" thing about insulin is, the needle is really small and thin, and the injection only needs to be directly under the skin, where there are few nerves. He'll barely feel it. It's gonna be harder on you than him, which is the way you'd want it, I'm sure.
Man - I'm so sorry you're going through this. I've had three cats die from kidney failure over the years and I know what it's like to have to treat a pet daily to keep him/her healthy. The thing is, they always had a way of telling me when it was time to let them go. And I'm immensely grateful for the extra time I was given to know them. Best of luck to both of you.
Chris,
Let me tell you about a wonderful place, it's called Kitty Heaven...
Chris,
I'm glad you're willing to give it a go. Diabetes is not the death sentence it used to be. The vet will teach you how to handle everything properly and after you get used to it, you'll both be fine.
I'm so sorry about Assman... I know how it feels. We're all here for you and you'll have all the support in the world!!
One of our friends has a cat with diabetes and they all are living well several years into it. When he travels, he just makes arrangements with friends and family for taking care of the kitty. This goes double for an evening out or whatever. It can be done. There is nothing better than the loyalty and companionship of a good pet. Ed waits for us by the door as well and although he can get a little wild at times, he is a love. Look, we're the family that had our cat "nuked" with radioactive chemo to the tune of about $1000 when our old cat had a thyroid tumor. It bought us four more years of love from our wonderful cat. I wouldn't have traded that for anything. We also had a lizard with an aneurism that required brain surgery. Don't ask about that one.
naah, the WORST is when you go across state lines because you get a call at 3 AM that your mother has died unexpectedly. You're her executor and in charge of putting order to (and later selling) your childhood home. THEN, before you leave to go back home across state lines, you take your childhood cat, who's suffering from renal failure, to the vet to be put down because there's no way you can keep up with her bills and if you LEAVE her for even a week while you go back to work, she'll die anyway.
I feel y'alls pain, dude.
Actually, Chris, my stepsister had a diabetic cat and it lived to be, like, 19 or so. It was diabetic most of it's life. Your cat will be fine. Trust me.
I'd think it would be fairly easy to deal with because of his diet, but if they're saying injections...because you love him you'll find a way.
;)
Diabetes sucks, though, be prepared for this to not be easy on either of you. ;(
Sorry to hear of Assman's troubles (and yours.) Some of your readers beat me to the punch in saying he probably won't mind or will get used to the shots. One of my cats had to go on a once a day pill, and after she got used to my finger getting shoved down her throat once a day, she seemed to like the extra attention. Plus, he knows you're doing it out of love. And while it may not be the best thing for him, I doubt it will be the end of the universe if you end up late with a shot here & there. It will be fine.
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