A multi-faceted approach to care
Simba is a large cat. As understatements go, that one is significant. When visitors ask in amazement how big he is, his human, Carissa, replies that when stretched out, Simba measures “half the width of a queen-size bed.” Large and in charge, Simba acts as the master of his universe and, as a benevolent ruler, allows Carissa entry into his home.
In his neighbourhood, Simba is mildly famous and is known to spend time relaxing on his cat stand, clearly visible to pedestrians. Carissa frequently observes people of all ages, sometimes family groups, coming to view “the tiger in the window.”
Simba is a one-human cat
And that human is Carissa. He prefers to be left alone unless he initiates physical contact. He does not enjoy cuddles. To a degree, this can be true of cats in general; however, Simba has nearly 20 pounds of body weight to back up his preferences. Simba’s communication is extremely clear, leaving no room for misunderstanding and, when respected, he is a pleasure to spend time with. Human and cat have developed a close bond based on Carissa’s understanding of Simba, and he frequently comes to hang out with her in a way that suits him.
Simba’s diagnosis
Simba’s veterinarian recently diagnosed him with diabetes, during a sedated exam and diagnostics at the clinic, then prescribed him twice-daily insulin injections. To help Carissa absorb the combined reality of diabetes (Simba and medication injections), the vet recommended at-home support.
Carissa reached out to me with specific goals—namely, how to bypass Simba’s personality to successfully give regular injections; how to calm worries that she may, inadvertently, harm him; and how to recognize complications and understand the diabetes-management information provided by the clinic.
A diagnosis of diabetes and being responsible for your pet’s insulin injections may feel overwhelming or confusing—both normal responses. Diabetes is complex. Understanding and managing it may require additional resources and time to become comfortable with it.
Understanding diabetes in cats
Diabetes is a disorder in which the body’s endocrine system produces insufficient amounts of the hormone insulin or the body is unable to access insulin. Insulin allows the body to take in glucose for use by cells. Without this, hyperglycemia (high blood glucose) can develop.
One way to manage diabetes in cats is with insulin injections. If a vet has diagnosed diabetes and has prescribed insulin, a treatment plan will be started to ensure that enough (but not too much) insulin is given.
A journey that requires monitoring
If circulating blood glucose is already low and insulin is given, a pet may experience hypoglycemia (low blood glucose), which can be life threatening and require veterinary attention. Diabetes and its treatments are serious, so learning to navigate this can feel intimidating. When diagnosed, the veterinary team will explain the disease, its treatments, and how to respond in the event of complications.
Simba’s at-home care
When I arrived at Carissa’s, Simba came to investigate me before moving across the room to supervise the proceedings from afar. Carissa and I talked about what twice-daily injections could look like, before discussing the generalities of diabetes and insulin. Our conversation finished with a breakdown of the information sent home with her and, especially, with an understanding of complications.
Based on the unlikeliness of his tolerance, I demonstrated injections under the skin by using a prop, rather than Simba himself. Under my guidance, Carissa practised using an insulin syringe until it felt more natural. Then we discussed the reality of Simba, an intelligent cat with clear boundaries.
Interestingly, one of the quirks of Simba’s personality is that he seeks out Carissa so she can pet him while he eats. This seems counterintuitive, but Carissa expressed that it is one of their best bonding times and that she felt more confident with planning to give Simba injections during moments when he seeks contact.
This quirk is an advantage in the case of diabetes management, as insulin is typically given on a similar timeline as eating. (It is important that a diabetic cat eats before receiving insulin.)
Finding solutions
Carissa says she’s committed to finding the solution for herself and Simba by first understanding diabetes and then becoming comfortable with injections and the vet’s instructions, in a way that makes sense to her.
Next steps will be to monitor Simba’s blood-glucose levels to ensure they are within a healthy range. The vet recommended that Simba have a monitoring device applied to his skin while under sedation. The device will read glucose levels for approximately two weeks at a time.
Carissa was seeking the space and time to ask further questions and to build knowledge and confidence. Simba’s personality makes managing diabetes more difficult than with other cats; even so, he deserves a healthy quality of life.
With Carissa’s dedication in finding the resources and support that suit them both, Simba is on track to receive what he needs and to do what he does best–wowing the neighbourhood with “the tiger in the window.”
Author’s Note: The names of animals and people have been changed to protect privacy.
