How to Test Your Diabetic Cat's Blood Sugar - Without Fainting

When I heard the news from my veterinarian that my kitty, Niners, had feline diabetes and needed daily blood glucose monitoring, my first thought was, "NO WAY!" Blood makes me queasy. I've been known to faint at the mere sight of it. Once when I was a dog grooming student I accidentally cut myself with a mat splitter. When I saw the blood on my hands I keeled over. A couple of times when I've had to do a blood test at the hospital, I've passed out (fortunately I was already sitting down).

So when the veterinarian told me I needed to test Niners at home, I was filled with dread. However, since I love my kitty, I knew I had to buck up and quit being squeamish.

The very first thing I did was find the most wonderful and helpful website: felinediabetes.com. Reading all the posts on the message boards gave me the self-confidence to eventually move past my fears. A big key to my success was getting organized. I filled a tool box with the following items:

1. Blood Glucose Monitor (I prefer the TrueTrack Smart System -- but there are many other good ones available. The TrueTrack is nice because it requires only a small amount of blood).

2. Lancets (or Lancing Device -- aka the ear poker pen) and cotton balls (to hold on underside of ear so you don't poke yourself. Also use for dabbing area after poking).

3. Rice Sock for warming ear (which helps draw blood). Put a tablespoon or two of uncooked rice in a sock and tie into a knot. Microwave for about 30 seconds -- always check on wrist before putting on kitty's ear, though, so it's not too hot.

4. Monitoring Notebook: a place to keep track of blood glucose numbers, dates, and times, etc., This is also where I note any changes in Niners's eating/drinking and urine output.

My first few clumsy attempts at monitoring were nerve wracking. I felt like a vampire. I'd prick his ear with the lancet and look feverishly for a bead of blood to form. The following few tips helped me most:

* When I'd prick Niners's ear I'd mentally visualize the blood as a tiny dewdrop on a rose. (Not Texas Chainsaw Massacre).