How to Take Blood From Diabetic Cats

To increase its life quality and prolong its life, a diabetic cat requires constant monitoring to regulate its insulin levels. The vet can't be there all the time, so you as the cat owner should monitor the blood sugar level using a blood glucose meter. Although you can also use urine testing, it is less effective than blood testing. Although the cat might struggle at first, with time, most cats tolerate the procedure, according to FelineDiabetes.com.

Things You'll Need

  • Glucometer
  • Test strips
  • Lancet
  • Tissue
  • Warm cloth
  • Flashlight
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Instructions

    • 1

      Shine the flashlight behind the cat's ear; look at the ear from the front and locate a vein near the side edge of the ear.

    • 2

      Place the warm cloth against the ear to increase blood flow and enlarge the blood vessels.

    • 3

      Hold the ear between your thumb and index finger to prevent the cat from moving it.

    • 4

      Use the lancet to prick the ear at the vein you located and wait until a small drop of blood forms.

    • 5

      Transfer the drop of blood onto the test strip.

    • 6

      Hold the tissue against the prick wound and apply a little pressure to help stop the bleeding.

    • 7

      Wait for the glucometer to produce the reading.