How to Cope Emotionally With Caring for a Diabetic Cat

Most cat owners do not consciously choose to adopt a diabetic cat. Oftentimes, diabetes simply creeps up on cat owners. If your cat has recently been diagnosed with diabetes, what can you do to cope emotionally with caring for your cat?

How I Have Coped

When I found out that my cat Samson was diabetic in December 2013, my worst fears were confirmed. I was devastated. However, I knew that I would not be alone and that I could count on my husband for emotional and practical support in order to manage our cat's disease. A diabetes diagnosis can come as a big shock. That is why you will need the support of your family to help you to cope with coming to terms with the diagnosis, along with the practical aspects of managing the disease on a day-to-day basis.

If your cat is on insulin twice a day, try to share the commitment so that the same person is not always tied down each time. Start off with feeding and insulin injections in the morning, followed by your spouse taking over in the evening, or vice versa. That is what my husband and I do. If he is going to be going to work before me in the mornings, he will take care of the feeding and insulin injections first thing and I will usually take over in the evening. The key is to find a routine that will best fit into your daily routine and make it part of your cat's diabetic care plan.

Lean on Your Vet

The vet has a duty of care to carefully manage your cat's diabetes. As such, they will be on hand to instruct you on how to correctly inject Fluffy, how to feed your cat the right portion and other aspects that will help keep your cat fit and healthy.

Do not be afraid to call your vet (after all, you will not be charged an office visit) with a query that has been bothering you. A good vet will take the time to answer your call and put you at ease.

Take a Break

However much you love Fluffy, the truth of the matter is that having a diabetic cat is an emotional drain on an owner's life. There is no denying that a diabetic cat is a tie on your time, energy and resources. Over time, this can lead to burn out from exhausted cat owners. 

Take the time to get away from it all, even if it is just a day or an overnight visit in a hotel. Accept offers from friends to take your cat in and care for her while you are away so that you can recharge your batteries and get some rest.

It can be hard to cope emotionally once your cat has been diagnosed with diabetes. But with the right support network, in addition to balancing out your duties with an occasional break, you can successfully manage your cat's diabetes.