Things You'll Need
- Blood glucose meter and test strips
- Lancets
- Uncooked rice
- Child's sock
- Vaseline
- Facial tissues or cotton balls
- Calendula cream or triple antibiotic cream with pain relief
- Cat treats
Instructions
Getting Ready
Tell your veterinarian you're planning to test your cat's blood glucose levels at home.
Research blood glucose meters. Although they all work the same way, some require a smaller blood sample than others, and some are easier to maneuver with a restless cat. The cost of the meter's test strips should enter into your decision, too. One place to ask for advice is the Feline Diabetes Message Board (see Resources section).
Pick a testing location somewhere other than your cat's favorite room. You'll need a space that's comfortable for both of you and has good lighting. Consider putting your cat in a box or basket with low sides and a fluffy towel. That will contain the cat and make him feel cozy and secure.
Think about a testing schedule that will work with your job and other commitments. Plan to test before each insulin injection. That will help you prevent hypoglycemia. One or more additional tests during the day, especially when the insulin peaks and your cat's blood glucose level is lowest, will help you see how the cat is using the insulin and whether the dosage needs to be changed. The package insert that comes with your insulin will tell you when the insulin can be expected to peak.
Read the manual that came with the blood glucose meter, and practice by testing yourself.
Fill a child's sock with uncooked rice. You'll use your "rice sock" to warm the cat's ear.
Testing Your Cat's Glucose
Arrange your testing supplies so they'll be within easy reach.
Warm your rice sock in the microwave.
Bring your cat to the testing site. Give her a few treats to put her in a good mood.
Warm the cat's ear with the rice sock or by massaging the ear with your fingertips. Warming the ear increases blood flow.
Put a dab of Vaseline on the cat's ear. Vaseline makes the blood pool so it won't soak into the fur.
Locate the vein near the edge of the cat's ear.
Put the test strip in the blood glucose meter.
Put a facial tissue or cotton ball under the cat's ear so you don't prick yourself.
Holding the lancet at a 45-degree angle, prick the edge of the ear near the vein or at the vein itself.
Collect a drop of blood by following the directions that came with your blood glucose meter and test strips.
Using the tissue or cotton ball, apply slight pressure to the area you pricked, to stop bleeding and prevent bruising.
Put a dab of calendula cream or triple antibiotic cream with pain relief on the cat's ear. Health-food stores sell calendula cream.
Give the cat more treats as a reward for cooperating.