Diabetes in Cats

Monitoring
Blood Glucose

Tracking Blood Glucose at Home

A stable cat with diabetes should have blood glucose in the range of 6–16 mmol/l for most of a 24-hour period.

A handheld glucometer is one way to monitor these levels. Handheld glucometers are not crucial, but are easy to use and may be worth the investment. Ask your veterinary practice which model best suits you and your cat’s needs.

Collecting and Testing a Blood Sample

Blood can usually be collected more easily from the earflap (pinna) of your cat. If your cat is not tolerant of this collection site, consult with your vet on alternate sites. Some cats may prefer sampling from the paw pad. A glucometer and glucose test strips are needed to test the blood. Check instructions from your glucometer, or consult your veterinary practice.

Step 1

Make sure that your cat’s ear is warm. If not, hold it between your hands for about 1 minute. This makes collecting a drop of blood easier.

Step 2

Quickly prick a clean, hairless part of the ear with a sterile lancet or hypodermic needle.

Step 3

A small drop of blood will appear. Collect the drop onto the glucose test strip as per instructions provided.

Step 4

Gently but firmly press some clean cotton or gauze onto your pet’s ear until it stops bleeding.

Step 5

Insert the sample into the glucometer as instructed. Compare the reading to the normal level in cats.

Step 6

Keep a record of the readings to share with your veterinary practice.

Tracking Results

Recording your cat’s results is important to properly manage care. Keep track using the Pet Diabetes Tracker app or the online Blood Glucose Curve Tool.

Tracking Tools & Resources

1. Pet Diabetes Tracker app
Review and keep important information to manage diabetes.

2. Blood Glucose Curve Tool
Review and keep important information to manage diabetes.

3. Helpful Downloads
Additional resources to understand and manage cat diabetes.


Next Article: Nutrition for Cats with
Diabetes >


Further Reading

Talk to Your Vet Today

to learn more about pet diabetes, and how cats and dogs can lead a happy,
healthy life with proper management