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I heard from a friend recently that they are putting their cat to sleep following a diagnosis of diabetes. He is a purebreed Maine Coon about 12 years old.
Is this medically necessary? They say they can't afford his insulin shots. Is it possible to re-home this cat somehow before they end his life???
I am not sure of the chances he has of being placed at his age and health condition but hate to see any animal who has life left in him being put down just because the owner doesn't want to spend the money to help him. (They DO find the money for trips to Europe though!)
It's not medically necessary if he is doing okay on treatment. I think a diabetic cat can live for years, but it's not something I know a lot about, not having had a diabetic cat. Diabetic cats have gone through the no-kill shelter here before, they do get placed eventually, but most shelters would probably declare that a medical issue that would make them "unadoptable" so unless you are ready to take in this cat yourself or know someone than you may have a rough time finding someone.
Also realize that you may invite some strife into your friendship if you pursue this. Maybe you can shame them into keeping the cat, or at least attempting to rehome it as opposed to killing it for convenience, but you certainly invite some indignation for butting into their affairs, however wrong they may be. Not sure I would want to consider people like that friends anyway, so I think I would go forward with trying to save the cat over saving the friendship, but what you think may be another matter. Good luck to you.
I had a diabetic cat and while it was not cheap it was not that expensive. I gave her the shots and she didn't mind it. Some vets want you to feed them a prescription diet which cost more than the insulin and needles. I fed mine 'fancy feast' with no wheat glutten (gravy). According to the info in the website link it is possible to 'cure' it if you can get the insulin they recommend.
There are several websites where you can get a ton of info.
holy cow!!! My 12yr old Wegie was diagnosed with diabetes early this fall. first of all, the vet strongly suggested getting the insulin at Walmart because it was whole lots cheaper - however, the one bottle was about $100 -but will last a very very long time! the second thing was to immediately change the diet to no grains. We used a mix of dry and canned hills d/m though others use Purina m/d. Still others say that both of those are terribly and just get any of the Fancy Feast classic cans (or a number of other cans that don't have any grain in them) and it's cheaper and just as good.
it took maybe a month or so from having magnus on the insulin shots and the d/m to not needing the insulin at all! they use Lantus insulin now which has actually been known to cure/remiss diabetes if started early.
there is absolutely no need to euthanize a cat simply because of diabetes!!! And they barely notice getting their shots and the prick for monitoring is more of an annoyance to them than anything they really care about. I've spoken with people who have had their diabetic cats for 10 years or so! it's not a death sentence. here is a great forum for dealing with diabetic cats
I am passing on your very valuable information and praying it will change their minds about their beautiful Maine Coon. He deserves to be treated for this and not thrown out in the trash. The expense is not insurmountable. We all have to be aware of our expenses, but I have heard often about their new cars and trips to Europe, so I know they find the money for what they want. I suppose a pet's needs don't rate very high in their world.
I am sad and angry and feel that putting him down just when he needs them the most is the epitome of cruel, and callous.
It hits home that they are those uncaring people don't deserve to have pets because they will only want them as long as they are:
*young
*playful
*healthy
*cheap to keep
*trouble free etc
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That is just heart-breaking. Gracie (also a pure Maine Coon) was diagnosed with diabetes when she was 14 and even though it was a little costly, I would never have even considered having her put to sleep. She was my friend. I got the medication at Costco and learned how to give her shots (very easy to do, I was surprised).
Sadly, she developed e-coli and died. She was so brave and loving to the very end. I cannot even imagine not having tried to do my very best for my lovely Gracie.
__________________ ******************
People may not recall what you said to them, but they will always remember how you made them feel .
So sad to hear that. Somewhere that cat will thank you for sticking up for him when the ones who should care about him did not. Do not blame yourself; you did what you could. You can't change the mind of every selfish person.
People are so lame sometimes. I think this is part of why I like cats.
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I want to thank you for caring so much for a cat that didn't even belong to you. We need more people like you!
