The Cost Of Treating A Diabetic Cat

The Cost Of Treating A Diabetic Cat

Here we publish a note from an interesting letter from a reader about the cost of treating a diabetic cat especially when you are on a low income.

———–

I am a 60 yr old female with a small fixed income. My cat was recently diagnosed with diabetes and I am overwhelmed by the cost to care for her.

DO NOT DESPAIR! First of all, I found a vet who would work with me on a monthly payment plan. Even if I cannot keep to the agreed amount, I still send in something to keep in good standing and they are fine with that.

I’ve also found really CHEAP ways around the insulin purchase. There are websites who sell insulin for cats costing $90 a vile and if you ALWAYS keep it refrigerated, it will keep for 6 months, thereby costing approx $180 yearly. If you sterilize the needles, you can also reuse the syringes several times before disposing.

I also called around and found a vet who only charges $60 for the glucose curve test that also must be done on a regular basis. Cats have an amazing ability to right themselves and most people I know have cats who are now diabetes FREE.

It will take some work on your part to provide your cat with the proper diet, but the internet is a wealth of information making it possible to care for our beloved pets. I don’t have a problem with anyone who may wish to email me regarding your animal care. I think it’s such an injustice to put an animal down for manageable illnesses over “lack of funds”.

Where there is a will there is a way. I know. I make a $700 income work for me. If your cat has diabetes, there is a good chance you are to blame because of the foods you’ve fed your pet. I let my cat get 5 pounds overweight. Why should they pay the ultimate price for the choices we made for them in the first place.

Oh, if you have access to levemir (long acting insulin for humans) you may be able to use it instead of the expensive Lantus. My vet approved it for my cats use and one insulin pen will last my cat for an entire year. I cannot see why your vet wouldn’t approve it for your cat or dog’s use.

Most levemir insulin pens have a 2 year expiration date so 1 pen may last you longer than just 1 year making it safe to do so. Above all,take preventative measures to avoid such illnesses. Feeding a cat a low carb, canned food diet can not only help prevent diabetes, but can also prevent renal failure, another expensive illness, and one they don’t usually recover from.

I’ve NEVER fed my cat cheap, crappy cat food. Again, educate yourself via the internet. Everything is at your fingertips, so there is no longer an excuse of “but I didn’t know”. Your pets life depends upon you to KNOW!

———

As always prevention is better than cure but even if you are on a low income this lady has shown that there are strategies to help save on the cost of treating a diabetic cat.