When I went to the shelter the other day I talked to my foster coordinator who mentioned that Abby was not doing well in her cage. She is so freaked out, that no one really wants to stress her out more and take her out of her cage to give her walking around time, so I said I would. I stopped in Saturday and because of her legs I thought I would bring my glucometer and see for the fun of it where her glucose levels were. I showed up after their breakfast time, but before the shelter opened to the public) and got her out of the cage. She freaked out not being in her cage too. Getting her walking around was very hard. I used a few temptations because the freeze dried chicken I brought wasn't enough to tempt her to walk.. I spent some time with her, and then I took her level which was in the 50s. This concerned me greatly.
I was told that they were giving her three units of insulin. This is a pretty high amount considering she was on a high protein low carb food. Some cats need that much so I wasn't horribly concerned when I found out, but to justify that amount of insulin her bg should be in the 300s or 400s that soon after breakfast.. so to be in the 50s.. well I was quite concerned about her going too low - which can be deadly.
I mentioned this to the staff and they directed me to the manager.. and I explained why I tested her and my concerns, to which she replied "So do you want to take her home"..
(and this was RIGHT AFTER I was just offered three kittens that were coming in that afternoon!!!)
*sigh*
but Abby has been in a cage for eight to nine months.. and there really isn't anyone else fostering for the shelter who is comfortable with diabetics (that I know of anyway) She needed me more than kittens..
When she got here, she IMMEDIATELY tried to hide under the afghan, so I let her. I went about putting food down for her, which interested her quite a bit. Because of her low blood glucose levels I wanted to make sure she had access to and was willing to eat food, so I sat with her for a while. She came out from the afghan, hopped down, chowed down and then came back and hopped up on the couch and snuggled down next to me and started purring.
She needs.. She needs exercise, she needs a tight watch on her glucose levels for a bit, she needs combing pretty badly as she is shedding quite a bit too. She needs love..
It is a shame she is so freaked out at the shelter, because she shows a lot better here.. it is hard to tell people "oh yes, she is a lovely cat' when the cat is hiding in the back of her cage begging you not to see her.. She has also gained quite a bit of weight, and the gait on her back legs is off.. not sure if it is cage stress or diabetic neuropathy.. Right now my plan is to see if we can get her out of rebound and back on a dose that works for her.. if that is 3 units, I accept that as Emmy used to be on 7 units, but I have a feeling it will be less than that.
She has also gained a dramatic amount of weight since the last time I had her..
before |
now |
Here is a time lapse of her first few hours here. That patchwork quilt came with her from the shelter, she had been laying on it for quite some time. Looks like she still likes looking at herself in the mirror.
now the housekeeping question becomes, do I count her as a whole new foster?? I mean do I give her a new label? na.. probably shouldn't add her to my foster count again either.. but darn it I really want to..
I'm so glad you brought Abby home! Clearly she needs you right now because the shelter was not working for her. I know you will get her on the right track and I hope that also means the path to a permanent home.
ReplyDeleteI'm looking forward to following her story.
ReplyDeleteI'm looking forward to following her story.
ReplyDeleteOh the poor girl. I'm glad you took her back.
ReplyDeletepoor Abby - but despite the kitten offer, we are glad you were able to offer her space and a safe place for a time out....hopefully we can share her story around some and find her a home
ReplyDeleteI had a diabetic cat once, and he required much care, but I did not mind. I could not be a foster parent to a cat, as I would want to keep them all, once I got to know them. What kind of home are they going to live in, I wonder? Hope you have plenty of extra cat supplies in case you get snowed in tomorrow. I lived in Maine for a couple years in the '70's, up at the old air base way up northeast. Never been so cold before or since! 60 today again in January--go figure!
ReplyDeleteGreetings from Greg and his cats
Oh Poor Baby,I'd be happy to share her story too when you think she is ready,poor girl needs a home,xx Rachel
ReplyDeleteThank you. You are another dear angel.
ReplyDeleteBless you. You are just the right one that Abby needs. Poor girl. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteEmma and Buster
Poor Abby ! It's the best for her that you took her back ! Purrs
ReplyDeleteOh, it's good to hear that Abby is home with you for a bit to help her feel better. That extra weight isn't helping matters, and neither is her insulin being out of whack. It must be really difficult for a shelter to keep up with a diabetic when there's turnover, etc. We're hoping that it's not neuropathy causing her issues, because we remember from our Louie how hard that is on a cat.
ReplyDeleteBless you, Connie, for taking Abby home with you. I know she will thrive again under your TLC. Thank you again for caring so much for kitties.
ReplyDeleteBless you! The poor thing, she really needs love and attention and she needs NOT to be at the shelter!
ReplyDeleteWe're glad you took Abby home and hope you can get her on the right track again. She's such a sweetie.
ReplyDeleteIt is so ironic that you took Abby home on National Change a Pet's Life Day. You are truly changing her life. I had a diabetic cat. It was hard to keep her regulated in a nice quiet home, I can't imagine trying to do it in a shelter environment. Good luck to both you and Abby! - Jenny
ReplyDeleteYou are just amazing and a life saver for dear, sweet Abby. We know you will get her doing well and we hope this time around she will make her way to a loving, forever family. Hugs
ReplyDelete