Diabetic Cat Blogger’s Shocking Week Plus Buddhism For Pet Lovers
A Cat Blogger’s Shocking Week by Clyde, a cat and a blogger.
Let me begin on a positive note because I can.
It all began with the full moon madness last week. One minute, I’m lobbying for sexiest man cat alive and the next thing I know I’m flopping on the floor like a freshly caught trout.
Yes, I am a diabetic cat and we can go into seizure from hypoglycemia. I had a mild episode in the spring. It’s a shock and scary for the cat and the humans. Being prepared is a must if you have a diabetic cat. There can be a variety of symptoms to be aware of. A cat may have one or more symptoms in varying degrees while some hypoglycemic cats may appear symptom free.
That’s why it’s so important to test the blood glucose levels regularly. I strongly suggest keeping a source of glucose on hand for emergencies. Corn syrup or maple syrup are good choices.
Hypoglycemia Symptoms in Feline Diabetes
- Loss of appetite
- Increased hunger
- Blurred vision
- Disorientation and confusion
- Yowling
- Low energy
- Unsteady gait
- Anxiety, restlessness.
- Tremor/shivering
- Loss of consciousness
Layla had just fallen asleep and woke up to me yowling loudly, limp and unable to walk. She knew the symptoms and knew the drill. There is no time to lose. Adrenalin works better coffee but she was still groggy. Cats need to up their glucose levels fast and the best way is with a sugar syrup, rubbed on the gums. I was able to lick it straight off her finger and it revived me almost instantly. Layla added a tsp. of syrup into some soft food. Then the next thing is to test the blood and if the blood sugar (glucose) is still low, keep feeding syrup and a high carb food like kibble.
As soon as I stabilized, Layla tested my blood glucose again which was low but not critical. I ate some more and gradually bounced back. It’s best to test the blood every hour so until the blood sugar is normal and then closely monitor for symptoms over the following few days.
I’m feeling pretty good but have lost some weight and a vet visit is in my near future.
There is never a dull moment at our house but last week Layla got some bad news about her mom who lives in Canada. She hadn’t been able to get a hold of her and found out she had been moved unbeknownst to Layla into an assisted living facility. Can we say epic family drama? Layla finally tracked down her mom in a hospital. So she was mentally dealing with two near deaths. A mountain of mini-dramas capped the week from hell which makes me eternally grateful to be a cat. Cats are very Zen about life and death.
A lovely oasis of calm was reading Buddhism For Cat Lovers: Supporting our Closest Companions through Life and Death
by David Michie, the author of David sent Layla an early PDF before the book was published. Buddhism For Pet Lovers (available now Amazon) is a wise and insightful blending of pets and Buddhism from life to death and beyond. The Buddhist view is that pets who come into our lives, aren’t here by chance. There is a reason and I couldn’t agree more. If you’ve ever had a special relationship with a cat, you’ll understand what I mean.
David is Buddhist meditation teacher in Australia and has a delightful and insightful blog You’ll love his recent post about how he came to write it. Merlin whispered in my ear about the pic of David as a child with his Siamese cat is too adorable.
I’ll leave you with some purrfect advice. Get offline and into nature. May your week unfold smoothly with pockets of joy and oodles of treats. You can see Domino doing meowga on Instagram. Odin and Nou Nou are at summer camp Click to scroll through all our pics and posts.
Love and black cat purrrrrrrs,
Clyde
FTC disclaimer. This is not a sponsored post nor are there any affiliate links.
18 Comments
meowmeowmans
Clyde! We’re sorry to hear about that episode you had, but glad Layla knows what she’s doing, and is so well-prepared. We’re also glad that you are okay, pal.
Tamago
Clyde, I’m sorry to hear about your episode. It’s really scary. Glad Layla knows what to do and acted so quickly. Also I’m sorry about her mom. It’s very upsetting. Though glad she could find her mom. Sending hugs. xo
Kathryn
Scary, Clyde. You’re in great hands with Layla, though.
I wonder if this is why Mao yowls a lot. He does have CKD, so maybe he has feline diabetes, too?
Lola
How scary! We’re glad Layla knew what to do immediately and leaped into action! Thanks for sharing those signs and symptoms.
Jude Fera, Buddy, and Lucky
We three send to you and Layla maximum purrs. We had a diabetic cat in our family too and it was critical to keep those levels steady. Best of wishes and tons of purrs to you and your mom.
Ellen Pilch
I am sorry that you had such a tough time Clyde and I am also sorry about the ordeal with Layla’s Mom. I will be praying for both. XO
Beverly
Yikes! What a miserable set of happenings!
May this week be friction-free and soothing.
ellen
You have a good kind and wise human Clyde, she knew what to do and how to do it. Comfort her when you can, what she is going through isnt easy, we arent as zen as you cats no matter how hard we try.
Eastside Cats
Clyde, glad you are feeling better! Hope Layla’s mom’s move into the facility is the best thing for her, but what drama! I love David Michie; his books about the Dalai Lama’s cat are wonderful!
The Swiss Cats
We’re so sorry you have to go through this, Clyde ! And we’re sorry for Layla too. Hugs and purrs to you all.
Maggie
Clyde is a lucky boy to have such a capable and caring person. What a good thing you were right there and knew what to do, Layla.
That book looks like one we could all use.
I hope everyone in your family is doing better now.
xxoo
Skeeter And Izzy
Peace and Purrs and Prayers to you guys.
Clyde we are so glad that your Mom knows what to do! One of the only two dogs that have ever shared my life was a diabetic too.
We send you our Love and support Layla in all the ongoing dramas ……we pray for your Mom.
Luvs
Skeeter and Izzy and the Feral Gang + Twig & Peanut & Romeo & the Angels >^..^^..^<~
The Island Cats
Oh no, Clyde! That must have been scary. We hope you are okay now.
easyweimaraner
that was a hard night for your Layla… what a horror to wake up and see you this way… hugs to you dear 6iest mancat and lots of POTP… and a hug for Layla that’s sad that the bad news knocked on your door…
Caren Gittleman
omc what a horrific week you had! Thank COD Clyde is ok (but yes, I know you will be hauling him off to the Vet or the Vet will come to you) and I pray your Mom is ok. The family drama sounds like my family!
jansfunnyfarm
Such upsetting happenings. Hope both cat and your mom are okay! Can’t understand why family would move someone without telling the rest of the family. That is seriously important news!
Mr Puddy
Clyde, that’s tough ! I’m lucky I just had blood test. The results is all good. I send my purrs & prayers to you & your human.
Summer
Oh Clyde, what a terrible thing to have to go through! I’m sending you lots of purrs.