Expert: Dr. Louis N. Gotthelf - 8/28/2009

Question
I'm going away for a week. My cat has been pre-diabetic for years but 3 weeks ago was diagnosed with diabetes.  He started getting 2 units of Insulin 2 x a day, but earlier this week was changed to 1 unit of insulin 2 x a day.  The veterinarian took blood tonight and based on the levels thinks he still needs the 1 unit of 2 x daily, but may go into remission soon.  (level was 239)  2 days ago I did a urine test, I got negative glucose and negative ketones.  So, my question ... where should I board my cat?  The vet has small cages next to loud dogs, they won't let me pick him up on Sunday or Labor day so he'd be there till Tues - 2 extra days - with staff there only 2 x daily on these days- resulting in filthy cat cages for long period of time. The catspa will let my cat come home on Sunday.  Spacious cat cages with walkway or veranda.  They advertise that they give Insulin on website - and they do. Can my cat get insulin shock on this dosage or does he constantly need to be monitored?

Answer
I would definitely board this cat with a vet clinic!!!  Even during holidays, someone checks the animals and if you find a vet clinic where the vet actually comes in during the holidays, they can closely monitor your cat. We do this all the time in our practice. Many clinics also have a separate cat boarding area.