Adopting A Diabetic Cat

Not surprisingly, adopting a diabetic cat can be a daunting prospect and many people shy away from it. But just as diabetic humans can live a more or less normal life so can cats. A prospective owner will need to maybe give two insulin injections a day and pay particular attention to diet. We also recommend home blood sugar testing to ensure that the correct insulin dose is being delivered.

Initially the routine can be a bit overwhelming but after a while it really does become second nature. All organisations that try to re-home diabetic cats will fully train the prospective owner and really there is nothing to worry about. However trying to re-home diabetic cats is a problem for many charities and cat organisations as illustrated by the following post in an English regional paper :-

“Two diabetic cats who need regular insulin injections are in urgent need of loving homes with new owners who can cope with their medical condition.

Felix, 14, and Poppy, 10, have both been cared for by staff at Cats Protection’s National Cat Adoption Centre, in Chelwood Gate, since being handed in separately by their previous owners.

They have both been waiting to find new homes for around six months and Deputy Manager Tania Marsh said many would-be owners were worried about taking on a diabetic cat. But she said that while they will both need extra care and attention, taking on a cat with medical issues need not be a major undertaking.

Felix and Poppy were handed in by separate owners, both in March, and have been waiting to find new owners ever since.

Poppy – Adopting A Diabetic Cat

They both need twice daily insulin injections and a strict diet but other than that they lead normal, happy lives and have so much to offer a new owner.
Felix is a very gentle and calm cat who loves being stroked and Poppy is a really lively, friendly girl who loves children so would be ideal in a family home.

Felix -Adopting A Diabetic Cat

Both cats cope with the injections very well, they do not find it stressful and it’s just part of their lives.

We would also give plenty of training to the new owners about how to do the injections, and will be on the end of the phone to give advice.

Just like people with diabetes, there is no reason why Felix and Poppy can’t enjoy life to the full, but sadly for them their condition has put many people off.”

Yes, adopting a diabetic cat can be off putting to many potential owners but if you talk to people that look after diabetic cats you will see that they virtually all agree that after a while the care becomes very routine. I guess it boils down to whether the new owner is willing to sacrifice a little more time for the welfare of the cat. The unfortunate thing is that some cat homes can only allow a cat to be unadopted for a certain length of time as new cats are constantly being admitted and resources are scarce.