Diabetic Cat and Traveling Cat Advice?

Question

I've lived in Florida for the last five years, and recently came up for a few months to take care of my mom. During that time, she never took my cat to the vet (she is 13, black cat, domestic shorthair). When I took her to the vet, I was informed she was diabetic... Which struck me as odd because she is only 7lbs and has never been overweight. She seems relatively healthy... She's never been the most affectionate or playful or social able cat... But I am one of the very few people she is affectionate with... I do not want her to associate me with insulin needles and I can't really afford them, nor can I a prescription food plan... I mean for goodness sakes she's 13! But I have been giving her a high protein/ low carb diet and she seems like she's perked up a little and has filled out a little bit more.

In three weeks I am moving back to Florida, and I am taking her with me because when my mom moves to her place, they will take her dog, but not the cat, whereas my place does. I was wondering if anyone had any tips for traveling from upstate NY to Southwest FL with a kitty that is not the biggest fan of the car and has never travelled that far? I don't own a big car... Just a 2012 VW Jetta. I was also wondering how to make her a bit more comfortable with the climate change and not being outside anymore... I do have a lenai, so she might like that. The bigger issue is that my boyfriend and I got two kitties from the humane society who are quite affectionate and playful (both 2 years old, one another striped domestic shorthair and a Turkish van)... Is there a way to slowly introduce themselves or not make my senior kitty feel left out? Like I said, she isn't the most sociable, but I don't want her to feel neglected. Also, obviously the younger ones are on a different diet and are fed twice a day, wheras my senior is used to having food out and eating as she pleases but I am worried my Turkish Van will gobble everything of hers up. I know these questions are really stupid, but I don't want to be overwhelmed (or her to be) when I get back down there. Thankies :3

Benji · Accepted Answer

Go to walmart and get the relion meter and test her-Have vet show you how to get blood-on the alpha track if the vet insists you just need to be able to test at home.  Be sure to be prepared for the sugar to spike during the trip and to even out on the new diet when you are settled.  Stress makes it rise.

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Anna · Answer

Hi. I've done this post 9/11. It can be done in the cabin (which is the only way I'd do it) but make absolutely sure you've covered everything with an airline rep - they have different rules. Be sure you know what health records will be required, what size carrier you need, etc. Double and triple check this and get names of anyone you talk to. Then I'd ask the vet about the sedative. I do think it's a good thing to have on hand, although I wouldn't use it unless necessary. The vet can give you enough for a 20 hour trip with instructions on how to give it. If you've never given your cat a pill before, be sure to get one of those pill launchers and have the vet tech show you how to use it. No food at all, but see if you can get a paper cup for water and then, during a layover, let her sip it. Not much, though - you don't want to have to clean up a mess if she pees (altho one of my cats had a diarrhea explosion once after a prolonged stay on the ground in the heat!) Finally, when you say 20 hours, I assume that if this is an int'l trip, you've checked on any additional items you'd need to cross a border. It's really quite doable - you just have to cover your bases before you go. good luck!

Laurie · Answer

A thirteen year old cat with diabetes can live until it's late teens and even early twenties with the proper treatment. Ask the vet how to transport her safely and your other cats as well. It is against the law to leave any animal unattended in car car. Using cat carriers, food bowls and water bowel with a kitty litter pan on the rear floor is what you will need to get. Let the cats out of the cages at rest stops to eat and use the litter but don't open the doors or windows until the cats are safely locked in their carriers. Keep the temperature at what they are used to in the house.

Diabetic Cat and Traveling Cat Advice?

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