Jake, the story of a diabetic cat | For Animal Lovers Only

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Throughout the course of my life there have been many cats. Some were special friends and some were casual acquaintances. It wasn’t until a cat named Magic came into my life that I understood how susceptible cats are to diabetes (along with kidney and thyroid problems). Magic lasted 5 years as a diabetic (treated with insulin) and died when she was 16 years old. Not a bad life span for a cat but not record-setting either. That was too bad. She was one of my all-time favorite friends.

Jake moved in while Magic was still alive. He was a youngish kitten who ended up in my girlfriend’s backyard yelling his head off. He appeared to have been dropped off. Unfortunately most people think kittens can instinctively kill and eat their prey to survive. That not’s true. They are taught to hunt by their mother and it requires that the kitten stay with the mother for several months. Dropping off a two month old kitten is a death sentence. So, my friend boxed him up and was on her way to the animal shelter making a slight detour at my house. The rest is history.

The Girls

Jake adored Magic but wasn’t fond of my other cat, Lacey. Eventually both of the old cats died and Jake was king. That is until Mollie and Hazel moved in so he would have company. I am not sure he appreciated the gesture but they all do get along famously.

He was about 12 years old when I noticed that he lost significant weight in about three months. Tests determined that he was a sugar cat. That’s what they call diabetic cats.

Having a diabetic cat is a commitment. Like humans, they require insulin shots which should be given at the same time every day. I test his blood sugar with a glucometer, just like my diabetic friend does, only not as often. Actually, once you get in a routine, it’s not all that bad. Veterinary medicine has come a long way since Magic was diagnosed. Jake is doing much better than she did. He has been diabetic for three years and so far he does not have any neuropathy (that’s when the back legs don’t work so well). His weight is perfect and you wouldn’t know anything was wrong with him.

His biggest problems are making sure that Hazel is not pestering him (or disciplining her with a swat on the head if she is); deciding where to take his many naps (bed pillow or sofa??); and choosing a good spot to pee (you may laugh but he takes peeing very seriously).

Jake, in the catnip

Some people wonder why I would bother to take care of him. After all, he is just a cat and there are so many more around. About eight years ago I had a serious illness. Jake stayed with me throughout the whole ordeal. He would purr on my stomach at 3 a.m. when the world is dark and scary. He would snuggle and distract me when I got discouraged. He was always there. The funny thing is that after everything was done and I was much better, he moved back to the lounge chair to sleep. I actually think he prefers it there. He was there for me. How can I not be there for him?

18 thoughts on “Jake, the story of a diabetic cat | For Animal Lovers Only”

  1. I understand your decision to stand by Jake. Our cats and dogs are part of our family. Jake must have known you needed that special attention. He reminds me of a black cat we had, Shadow. She, too, needed special treatment. It included coming home to feed her via a tube several times a day. Like you, many cannot understand why we’d do that. But, how could we not? Shadow was a very sweet cat.

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  4. We had a Westie that became diabetic – he lived to 18. There was no question we would take care of him – or the others who are needy / quirky. (OK those fit right in here). All the research shows having pets is good foryour health (even with the allergies). For food and shelter, pets return so much. Guardians, friends, companions during hard times – always watching you…doing what is needed – when no one else notices or has time. Angels in fur paws. Great post

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  5. Jake reminds me of my Casper, who would stroke my hair when i was sick. I stuck by him too when he got sick, and I am happy you are sticking with Jake. All creatures have souls, and some have a lot of soul.

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  8. Beautiful pictures of your catkids. My Dolly had chronic pancreatitis and lived to be 19. Henry lived to be 16 though he had kidney stones when he was 8. He died from renal failure. They were troopers but I was a mess.

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    • Yes, I know the mess part. I am not good when they are sick. Jake is a trooper. He gets the injections with no problems. To test the blood sugar you puncture the vein that runs along the edge of the ear for a drop of blood. He is so good about that too. Most of the time, he sleeps through it.

      I lost a cat to renal failure quite a while back. It was quick because there were no symptoms until she was very sick.

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      • I’m late in finding these posts but your care for elderly and sick cats really touched me. It really gives a truer meaning to loving something to death. I lost my Molly to kidney disease at 16; she was a fighter for 5 years. My first cat, BJ, died 6 weeks after diagnosis back in 1980! Medical treatment for feline renal disease has come a long way! I now have the pleasure of sharing life with Max – black as night with yellow eyes (you know the type). He just turned 10 and is a comedy act on 4 legs!

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        • I lost a cat to renal failure in l986. She lasted about 2 months after diagnosis. They have come a long way. My pets are forever. My husband always was a cat wins the lottery when he gets adopted into our family. Heres hoping your Max and my Jake last a long, long time!

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  9. Oh Kate, that brought tears to my eyes. And I am SO not a cat lover but you can see I do have a softer heart than I sometimes pretend.
    I could just picture that cat with you through your suffering. SO SO special.
    I have a brother who is Type ! Diabetic (since he was 17), a son who has type I diabetes and a precious grandson with Type I Diabetes since he was a baby so I know the world of glucometers, insulin etc. and for a dear little animal who doesn’t understand…..well you are a terrific person.
    Bless you Kate. Loved the photos too. Beautiful!

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    • I understand. Life with Magic was much harder because she got neuropathy in her hind legs and had a lot of trouble walking. That meant litter boxes everywhere so she wouldn’t have accidents. I still miss that cat. The protocol for cats is so much better these days.

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  11. This was a great post, Kate! I don’t understand how people can ask why you take care of an older pet with a treatable condition. As long as the cat’s quality of life is not compromised, I will do whatever needs to be done.

    My cats are my furry nursing staff, too. They don’t leave my side if I am sick. They snuggle up next to me and purr which I think is the most relaxing sound ever.

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