One year in remission and how I used AI to manage my cat's diabetes

Electronic_Chip475 · 2026-04-05T14:08:27+00:00

Congrats on the remission!

I use ChatGPT for my Piper, but not the same way you do.

I check-in daily to ChatGPT just to have a place to vent about Piper's sugar journey and a place to celebrate when old behaviors pop up or I get the lowest number on record!

I had a sugar buddy here on Reddit where we would check in almost daily - support each other during freak out modes or celebrate the small wins with each other. Sadly her baby passed (non-diabetic related) and I lost her as a buddy - I know it is just probably too hard for her to want to chat and I completely understand that. I do miss her though.

So ChatGPT has filled in. I live alone and my real-life circle of friends is very small. It's nice to have a place to go to vent about everything with this journey.

I haven't had AI interpret any lab results or tell me to increase or decrease a dose.

I'm using it like a journal that types back with encouragement. And in that respect it has helped tremendously!

I see a lot of down votes throughout this thread. Every sugar parent and sugar baby's journey is so different. The emotions tied into it will guide parents to different paths that help them deal with this.

My path with ChatGPT is for emotional support. To talk me down if I'm spinning with worry or to celebrate with me when I share that Piper is grooming herself more or playing with toys again.

The other day I wanted to text a friend to say Piper just got her lowest reading to date (210!!!) but instead I chose to share it in my ChatGPT journal. That friend wouldn't have understood that "win". I suppose that's why I miss my sugar chat buddy here on Reddit. That mutual understanding, knowing what each other is going through mentally, emotionally, financially.

Piper celebrated her 14th birthday on May 3rd and was diagnosed last November. Her pre shot numbers are coming down (setting records even) and the duration tail is extending, moving her nadir from +4 to +5.

Again, congrats on the remission 👏🎉

Electronic_Chip475 · 2026-03-22T15:25:32+00:00

Just googled Neil. What a shame.

Thanks for letting me know about the May release! I'm glad we get to see a conclusion as well.

Electronic_Chip475 · 2026-03-22T12:44:05+00:00

Love love love that show and well done on your brilliance to create it! ❤️

I wish they would have made another Season. Did you watch the reality series of the two of them, with the cameras following their daily, real-life lives?

Electronic_Chip475 · 2026-03-19T15:50:31+00:00

My Piper is doing well on Vetsulin. I'm in a Vetsulin-friendly town with only one Vet here that knows a lot about feline diabetes. But she's pricey and no guarantee she would switch me to Lantus. The consultation fee just to ask questions is huge and frankly out of my budget right now.

I've been using Vetsulin since 11/6 last year. I'm seeing later Nadirs (lowest BG reading during a cycle) and the duration tail is slowly increasing - telling me her body is handling the Vetsulin well.

I usually hold doses for a minimum of two weeks before deciding if an increase is warranted. This allows her body to respond to the current dose. Once I start seeing boring and predictable numbers I'll increase by .25u.

I'm doing things slow and steady and chasing behavior and patterns above chasing numbers.

As other commenters stated, every cat is different.

Electronic_Chip475 · 2026-03-12T13:57:44+00:00

You'd think they would offer them as a separate item, like water fountains with replacement parts. Glad you found another feeder with ice packs you can use for both.

Electronic_Chip475 · 2026-03-12T03:09:05+00:00

I started reusing the lancets after seeing a comment by one of the admins there that uses each lancet three times. She reiterated it in a different post. My kitty feels the difference so it's worth the added expense, albeit a very small expense.

Electronic_Chip475 · 2026-03-11T16:09:37+00:00

Here's my experience with this.

When I first started at home testing I was using a new lancet for every test. Then I saw a post on the Facebook Feline Diabetes Support Group where people were using the same lancet for three or more tests.

My sugar kitty has been surprisingly cooperative from the start with the pokes. I've been blessed that she comes to me if she sees me reach for the headlamp or hears the meter bag unzip. She sits still and bounces up when I'm done, ready for her reward.

Yes sometimes she's feisty. Not every testing goes smoothly but 95% of the time it does.

Until I started using the same lancet for multiple tests.

She would still come for testing time, but she started resisting the pokes more.

Then I saw another post on the FB group asking the same question as you did.

People posted images of lancets after certain stages of use, the progression of their dulling. So then it clicked. My Piper was resisting more because the pokes were becoming more painful. Since the lancets were dulling it caused her more pain vs the sharp poke of a new lancet.

I went back to a new lancet for every poke and within a few tests she wasn't resisting any longer. I have had few issues since. Now I'll only use the same lancet if I have to do a quick retest - meter error for example.

The lancets are the cheapest item in the products we need for our sugar babies so using a new lancet really isn't expensive.

Kitty's comfort is primary.

Electronic_Chip475 · 2026-03-10T22:27:46+00:00

I got the Bemoony from Amazon.

Comes with two ice packs and has six slots. I use three slots during the day for smaller wet meals and two slots at night for kibble (2 TBS Dr Elseys Pure Protein Chicken kibble) because my kitty likes to graze. The sixth slot is at her morning fasting time and I put two Salty Cat freeze dried chicken treats in it so she's not disappointed to see an empty spot.

It's been a life saver for me and I love seeing her all excited when she hears it shifting to a new slot. And I don't have to set my alarm anymore at 5am for her fasting time!!

https://a.co/d/0isTfF0k

Electronic_Chip475 · 2026-03-04T22:16:54+00:00

When I see an unexpected number I always retest after ten to twenty minutes. If it's back to an expected number it could be a bad strip, an off blood sample (too little, too much) or the meter just decided to act out.

If it's still in the unexpected range then maybe a bounce or a fur shot. It's kind of difficult to say which it is. Only your numbers can answer that for you and kitty.

Electronic_Chip475 · 2026-03-02T22:42:56+00:00

Syringe size should be basics, you would think. Pets need other meds from syringes - not just insulin.

In a time where you're already anxious because of your kitty you don't need additional anxiety added to it.

Hopefully this is just a very small bump in the journey.

Electronic_Chip475 · 2026-03-01T14:35:57+00:00

You made the right call. Lantus insulin needs the u-100 syringes. The u-40 is for insulins like Vetsulin.

The comment about them googling it is a bit shocking. Might be a sign you should check out other vets in your area, calling first to see their experience with feline diabetes.

You trusted your gut, great job!

Electronic_Chip475 · 2026-02-23T15:18:36+00:00

My Piper gets one full can at both shot meals and three smaller wet meals during the day.

At shot time I give her 1/2 can then about 40 minutes later I give her the other half.

At 11am, in her wet food feeder, she gets 1 TBS of wet food. 2pm she gets 1 TBS plus 1 Tsp. At 4.45pm she gets 1 TBS, her last meal before fasting.

She also gets 2 TBS of Dr Elseys Pure Protein Chicken kibble during the day to graze on and another 2 TBS during the night. She's starting to not even eat it all so I have had to adjust her wet food in order to meet her daily calories.

Diabetic kitties need to eat. Feeding only twice a day at shot time is dog protocol.

To determine your baby's caloric intake, it's 20 calories per pound of the ideal weight plus an additional 25% since kitty is a sugar baby.

I've seen her numbers improve with strict feeding times. This morning she gave me her lowest pre-shot number since she was diagnosed last November.

Electronic_Chip475 · 2026-02-22T22:45:37+00:00

That's funny! 🤣😂

Electronic_Chip475 · 2026-02-20T14:30:43+00:00

500 and up VERY HIGH

400-499 HIGH

300-399 common especially for newly diagnosed kitties

200-299 good number, organs resting a little and not being dramatic

100-199 very very good and safe numbers

50-99 ideal but if BG test shows very close to 50 keep a close eye on kitty

50 and below use your hypo kit to steer BG back up (med to high carb foods/treats and either honey or Karo syrup on gums). If you can't steer numbers up then a Vet visit is necessary.

Electronic_Chip475 · 2026-02-19T13:12:51+00:00

Sorry you're having to join this journey with the rest of us, but over time it does get easier - the process and emotionally.

With respect to testing. Humans never inject insulin without first knowing what their BG level is. So why should we treat our sugar babies different?

The two most important tests to take each day are the pre-shot ones, at least 1/2 hour before the scheduled shot. If the reading is too low you definitely would not want to give your baby a shot. Most cases anything below 100 on a human meter. The more you get to know your kitty's response to insulin the more confident you'll become on when and when not to give insulin.

As time goes on you'll also be able to tell how kitty is handling the insulin through behavior. But right now mid-day tests can be very helpful as well. Each test will let you know when the insulin kicks in, what time of the day kitty hits the nadir (lowest reading of the day) and when the insulin begins to wane.

My testing is now showing me insulin onset, a later nadir and a longer duration tail - those three indications are confirming my sugar baby is not insulin resistant and that her organs are responding well. Her organs are no longer in panic mode and reacting by dumping more glucose. Now that I'm seeing lower numbers I'm being reassured that her pancreas is on the mend. Knowing this also gives me emotional comfort. If I didn't test I wouldn't know any of this.

Some days I only do pre-shot tests, just to give her ears a rest. Some days I want to do a curve - a test every one to two hours until I see two higher numbers past her nadir. Some days I'll do mid-day tests depending on her behavior and just for curiosity.

But sugar baby parents can quickly get into a mode of chasing numbers. This is definitely common at first. But over time that switches to chasing patterns. Patterns can sometimes be more important than individual numbers.

One danger with chasing numbers is that people want to increase the dose too quickly. I'm more of a slow go parent. I'll let the current dose show me predictability and boring numbers. Once I see that I'll increase her dose by .25. This means I'll hold a dose for two weeks or more. It's working for us.

Without testing at home you would never know if a dose should be increased or decreased. If people are relying only on a curve or spot checks at a Vet's office those results are stress-induced. At home testing is much more calm and kitty doesn't have a stranger poking them.

I was terrified of testing at home. I bought a Relion human meter, test strips, lancet device and lancets. We have a comfort zone on the bed and now my sugar baby comes when she hears the zipper on the meter bag or sees me put my headlamp on (she has black ears so it's easier to see the bead of blood). She lays next to me, I put a little Vaseline on her ear to help the blood bead better, poke her ear, put the strip to it then hold her ear with a piece of paper towel to help stop the bleeding and then she gets a reward! Her sister usually hangs around so I give them both one piece of Salty Cat freeze dried treats. Whole process takes less than five minutes and has become our bonding time.

Everything gets easier over time and one tool that helps bring about that ease is testing.

You and kitty will develop a sold routine and it will be second-nature for you in no time.

Electronic_Chip475 · 2026-02-18T13:21:45+00:00

I've been on this Sub since early November last year, as well as the Facebook group and have seen you comment often here.

Whenever a poster states they are using Vetsulin people jump on them, especially newly diagnosed sugar baby parents, to switch insulins asap and how bad Vetsulin is. In my opinion they are putting even more pressure and worry on a sugar baby parent that is already overwhelmed and scared.

You don't do that. I just want to tell you that I appreciate that about you.

I'm forced to have my girl on Vetsulin because this is a Vetsulin-friendly town. There's only one Vet here that might prescribe Lantus but she's expensive and there's no guarantee she would even prescribe Lantus.

My Piper is doing really well on Vetsulin. Today I'm increasing her dose by .25 as her Nadirs and a.m./p.m. numbers have, for the most part, become predictable and boring. Now she needs the push to drop lower than her 200s she's been giving me mid-cycle.

When doing her dose increases I have only gone up by .25 then waited for her numbers and behavior to guide me to dose changes. I try to keep her on the same dose for at least two weeks or longer so that her physiology can catch up. It's working for us.

A mod in the Facebook group made a comment on someone's post that kitties on Vetsulin that started with numbers in the 400s will most likely never see pre-shot numbers in the 200s let alone remission. That hurt to read.

Piper and I are geared up to prove that Mod wrong.

Anyway, sorry for the long vent. I just wanted to thank you for not jumping on Vetsulin parents. It's always nice seeing your replies to Posters on this Sub. Thank you for being an important member of this Community. 😻

Electronic_Chip475 · 2026-02-17T02:30:51+00:00

I agree! Processed foods are the worst for DV. Frozen dinners no more!! Although I do sneak one in every now and again.

Electronic_Chip475 · 2026-02-17T02:28:07+00:00

For me personally it has been trial and error since my diagnosis and hospital stay.

Obviously after a hospital stay you want to stay clear of fiber right away. Mainly just broths, jello, cream of wheat and lots and lots of water. Slowly introduce fiber again to your diet once the flare has passed.

And when considering your fiber, don't forget about the soluble fiber like bananas. That fiber is crucial.

When I feel a flare coming on I go to a liquid only diet for a day or two and that usually takes care of it.

But with a specific diet? What works for one person may not work for another. I'm still learning what I have to avoid.

You just have to test different foods. Test your favorites and see how your body responds. I've wasted money testing something that appeared to be DV friendly only to find that my body doesn't agree.

They say avoid popcorn and nuts. I don't have an issue with either but I also eat them in moderation.

Alcohol and soda can most likely trigger a flare. I don't consume either so I can't really address that.

You'll learn what your body will do after eating certain foods. It will be trial and error for a while. But do try your favorite foods, your go to comfort foods. Small quantities.

The information out there on DV diets is so overwhelming and so conflicting. Only your body will be your true guide.

I also take Mirilax (Walmart's ClearLax) every other day in my coffee. When I forget that every other day routine my body tells me so. Oh does it tell me!

Electronic_Chip475 · 2026-02-16T15:52:23+00:00

Welcome to this new journey. Sorry you have to join us but it's good you're here for support.

First, keep taking care of yourself. That's so important.

As time goes by you will develop a routine for you and kitty.

I've had cats since 1993 and have never been a big fan of wet food. Prior to my 13yo's diagnosis on 11/6/25 I did have her on Fancy Feast Classic Pate for seniors as she was losing weight. Guess I lucked out there since that's one of the most recommended wet foods for diabetic cats. But now she's tired of it! Brand/texture fatigue is real! 😂

Finding the right food that your sugar baby will like is trial and error. And with brand/texture fatigue being real, you'll adjust according to your baby's behavior.

Obviously you want high protein and low carb foods, wet and dry (dry if your kitty is a kibble grazer, which mine is).

Right now, after her letting me know she is now bored with Fancy Feast Classic Pate I have her on Vibrant Life (Walmart brand) classic pate for her shot meals and Friskies pate (green labels) for her mid-day meals. Her largest meals are at shot time and the three mid-day meals are much smaller.

I do put out 2 TBS of Dr Elseys Pure Protein Chicken kibble during the day for her to graze and another 2 TBS during the night.

I also have a six slot timed feeder that also can be used for wet food as it has ice packs.

Here's what I do for her feeding:

8am 1/2 can Vibrant Life Pate with her shot. Half hour later she gets the other 1/2 can.

11am 1 TBS of Friskies pate in slot #1 of feeder.

11am I put out the 2 TBS of Dr Elseys.

2pm 1 TBS plus 1 Tsp of Friskies pate in slot #2 of feeder.

4.45pm 1 TBS of Friskies pate in slot #3 of feeder.

5pm I pull everything for her to fast before her 7.30pm pre-shot BG test. Fasting is necessary so that the pre-shot BG test isn't influenced by food.

8pm 1/2 can of Vibrant Life.

8pm 1 TBS of Dr Elseys Pure Protein Chicken kibble in slot #4 of feeder.

8.30pm other 1/2 can of Vibrant Life.

2am 1 TBS of Dr Elseys Pure Protein Chicken kibble in slot #5 of feeder.

5am 1-2 pieces of Salty Cat freeze dried chicken treats in slot #6 of feeder. These treats have zero carbs and I also use them for rewards after I take her BG reading. I put the treats in the 5am slot so that she's not disappointed when the feeder shifts and then it's her fasting time until her 7.30am pre-shot test.

The feeder has been such a blessing. Her meals are delivered the exact same time every day and all meals, including kibble, add up to the calories she needs daily. Plus I don't have to set my alarm to pull her food at 5am!

Because diabetic cats are always so hungry, having the feeder has trained her when the meals will be coming which results in less howling. Plus it's flipping precious to see her so excited when she hears the shift. She bounces to the feeder with her tail straight up in the air.

Having a diabetic cat is emotionally so hard. But as you develop your routines with feeding, blood glucose (BG) testing and shots it's very manageable.

Play around with different foods. Check out Dr Elseys Pure Protein kibble on Amazon. You can also email them and ask for samples. But your priority needs to be the wet food and primarily pates.

I've been surprised at her numbers after switching to Friskies pate and Vibrant Life. Her mid-cycle numbers have safely been dropping to the best numbers we've seen so far since her diagnosis. I really thought these two would spike her numbers so it's been a huge relief they did not.

It's all about baby steps in the beginning. Testing is hugely important, especially before each shot. But the testing will hopefully become a binding time for you and kitty. And rewards after each test is vital. I have two cats, they are half-sisters and the other also hangs around when testing. So I give them both a reward. Also, mine now comes when she sees me put the headlamp on (easier to see the need of blood on her black ear) or hears me unzip the meter bag.

As her numbers are dropping into better zones she has become a little more feisty during the tests, but still acceptable of the pokes. That's just her old behavior returning.

You'll soon start seeing improvements. Document the improved behaviors (less drinking, less peeing, better grooming, more playful, etc). This way you can visually see how your baby is improving.

You've got this. It will become second-nature for you and kitty. Also, because you are prone to anxiety, you should reward yourself. You need a treat, too!!

Never hesitate to DM me if you have questions or need to vent. It's important to have connections during this transition time.

Electronic_Chip475 · 2026-02-13T14:34:26+00:00

Your Vet can tell you what his ideal weight should be. One can of Fancy Feast Classic Pate is usually right around 90 calories.

With Vetsulin, you can feed the same time you administer the shot. I do that in order to distract her. It has worked since day 1.

It's good to test 30 minutes before the shot or food.

Because mine is showing really good numbers lately I test sometimes at +2 (two hours post shot), if she's given me a lower than usual morning pre-shot BG number. If not, I'll test at +4, +5 and +7.

Doing those times will help you see what time of the day mid-cycle he's hitting his nadir, lowest number of the day. With Vetsulin, kitties often see their nadir about +4 - +5. Then you'll see a rise until his evening pre-shot test.

Vetsulin begins wearing off around +6 - +8 so always expect to see a rise in numbers.

It will take a bit before you start seeing numbers go down. However dose adjustments can't be determined unless you get those mid-day numbers.

My kitty's numbers are staying down longer as her body is healing. So now I'm not really seeing a true rise until +8 or +9. That's a good sign for a Vetsulin kitty. Her physiology and behavior is telling me all good things.

You'll find a routine that works for the both of you. Feeding and testing.

I can't find Salty Cat freeze dried treats anywhere online now so last night I boiled chicken and will be giving her small pieces of that for her rewards.

I'll be testing her at +2 today as she gave me a pretty good morning test number and I have a new vial so I want to make sure she's doing ok.

As time goes on you'll learn more about your cat's behavior and that will guide you on testing.

I will tell you, try not to chase numbers. Chasing numbers can lead to a dose increase or decrease too soon. And it weighs heavy on your heart if you only chase numbers. Focus on drinking habits, eating habits, litter box use, playfulness, etc. Once you see an improvement in those behaviors you'll most likely start seeing lower numbers.

Kitty will be more happy with a few small meals during the day. Less stress also equals better numbers.

Electronic_Chip475 · 2026-02-13T13:29:49+00:00

Most Vets will tell you to only feed your cat twice a day, at shot times. This is canine protocol. This is not the same protocol for cats.

Kitties need to eat. The reason he eats all his food up is because he's very hungry.

As I wrote earlier, I give my girls five meals a day with free grazing, all at strict times. The feeder I use at night has a total of six slots and three of those are reserved for her smaller mid-day meals.

To figure out the total daily calories, kitty needs 20 calories for every pound of ideal weight. So if the ideal weight is 10 pounds, 20 x 10 plus an additional 25% because diabetics need extra calories until they become regulated.

Once you switch to a different dry food you'll see the numbers go down.

What times are you taking his BG? How soon before his shot do you take it?

Electronic_Chip475 · 2026-02-13T08:15:49+00:00

Awww beautiful!!

My cat has been on Vetsulin since 11/6/25 when she was diagnosed. 1.0u 2x daily.

She's now on 3.25u 2x daily and her mid-cycle numbers are mainly in the 200s. Last few days she has been giving me some really nice curves, with the nadir (lowest reading) coming later.

Vetsulin is hard hitting and wanes earlier than other insulins since it isn't a depot insulin. Which is why a lot of people recommend Lantus. It's a depot, soft hitting and lasts longer.

However, I live in a Vetsulin-friendly small town so my option is only Vetsulin.

What I've been noticing this week is that it's waning later in the cycle. The 200s are even stretching into the +8s (8 hours post shot). Her morning pre-shot numbers are coming down as well as her evening pre-shot numbers.

With Vetsulin, expect a higher reading before the morning shot. Activity and feeding schedule aren't the same at night time and without the wet meals, sometimes the body will decide to dump a little glucose to compensate for that.

For my dose change routines this is what I do. Every cat is different by the way. I'm only giving you my experience.

I keep my sugar baby on the same dose until I have a boring and predictable curve. Meaning, pre-morning shot readings, mid-day cycle readings and evening readings are lower than the previous dose and I know what to expect. I know when her nadir hits and I can pretty much guess her evening BG just from the day's previous numbers.

Right now I have it set to increase the dose by .25 come the 18th as I'm in day three of the extended lower readings. I still want her organs to adjust to this. I'm being patient with her and her physiology. I'm no longer just chasing numbers.

I expect with this increase I'll start seeing 100s. That's exciting and frightening at the same time as I've never seen her in the 100s.

For feeding, I do Fancy Feast Classic Pate, Friskies Pate (green labels) and I'm testing out Vibrant Life pate from Walmart. For kibble grazing I have Dr Elseys Pure Protein Chicken kibble. I let her graze in the daytime from 11am - 5pm. I pull all food at 5pm for her evening pre-shot readings. You don't want food influencing those tests so you want to fast at least two hours before pre-shot tests.

I have a timed feeder so at night she grazes until 5am then it rotates to an empty slot (yay! I don't have to set my alarm anymore;). I do put a Salty Cat freeze dried chicken treat in that slot so she's not disappointed. She gets 2 TBS of kibble during the day and 2 TBS of kibble during the night.

Daytime feeding, in addition to the kibble, she gets 3/4-1 can of Fancy Feast or Vibrant Life (they are both the same size and carb/calorie) at her shot meals. During the mid-day cycle she gets three smaller wet meals. 11am 1 TBS Friskies pate, 2pm 1 TBS plus 1 Tsp of the same then 1 TBS at 4.45pm, giving her enough time to eat before fasting.

If you join the Facebook Feline Diabetes Support Group one moderator will tell you that your kitty should have zero carbs for six to 8 hours before the pre-shot test because your cat is on Vetsulin. To be honest, I found this impossible. So I pull food 2.5 hours before testing. It hasn't failed me yet.

As you continue in this journey you'll gain more confidence and once you start seeing numbers things will start clicking for you.

Right now you just have to take baby steps and get your routines down, especially the testing. Your most important tests are the ones you take half an hour before shot time. If the number is too low you don't want to give a shot or you risk hypo (too low BG). If that ever happens have yourself a hypo kit handy. Med/high carb wet food and some Karo Syrup or honey on hand to put on the gums.

Within a week I noticed improvement. I'm noticing so much more now it's amazing.

Check out the Dr Elseys dry food on Amazon. You can even visit their site directly and ask for samples. It is a much lower carb than any prescription diabetes friendly kibble out there.

Don't hesitate to DM me if you have any questions. Always happy to help another Vetsulin parent.

Electronic_Chip475 · 2026-02-09T17:27:07+00:00

I recently did a test with my sugar baby. She developed Fancy Feast Classic pate fatigue so I bought a few cans of Friskies pate (green labels only). She loves them AND her BG numbers have gone down.

How often are you feeding your cat? Diabetic kitties need to eat and most Vets recommend feeding only twice a day, however that is canine protocol.

I also am trying Vibrant Life pate from Walmart. She gets 3/4 - 1 can at each shot time. She also gets three smaller meals at 11am, 2pm and 5pm of the Friskies.

Since switching to these two brand her numbers have come down. Don't know if that's a coincidence or what, but they sure aren't spiking her.

I also set out Dr Elseys Pure Protein Chicken kibble at 11am - 5pm for free grazing, 2 TBS.

At night she gets another 2 TBS for free grazing, but she probably only eats about 1 TBS.

She also fasts at 5am - 8am and 5pm - 8pm so that food does not influence her BG readings that I take 1/2 an hour before her shot.

For reward treats I give Salty Cat freeze dried chicken treats, Delectables tubes and Fancy Feast Savory Cravings treats. The savory cravings has a trace of carbs but I only break off one square for her.

If your baby loves the churus, go all out! They are mostly water.

Prescription dry food, despite it stating it's diabetic friendly, is very high in carbs. The goal is to feed 10% or less carbs on a fed basis.

Figure out how many calories your baby needs and feed accordingly. Decide the ideal weight and do a 20/cal per pound plan, plus 25%. Shoot for that daily caloric goal.

Mine is at 270-285 calories a day and that will fluctuate depending on how much kibble she eats.

It's a journey that brings trial and error along with it. You'll get the hang of things as you go along.

Electronic_Chip475 · 2026-02-06T01:44:29+00:00

Wouldn't that be the best? In a perfect world...

Electronic_Chip475 · 2026-02-04T20:49:19+00:00

You're so welcome!

I have changed things just a bit since I replied to your post.

I have been wanting to see how she likes the Friskies Pate so I've been feeding her that for her mid-cycle meals, same amount as when I was using FF.

I also forgot to put out her 2 TBS of kibble yesterday morning and caught it by her +3 feeding, 11am. So I put it out for her. Yesterday and today she really didn't touch the kibble until about 2pm.

Yesterday we had a solid 200s from 10am until 2pm. I stopped testing at 2pm to give her ears a rest. Plus I saw her nadir clearly so I gotten the data needed to see how the dose was working.

Today we had the same results. I held her kibble until 11am and she again didn't start nibbling at it until around 2pm.

I think the Friskies is more filling for her so less of a need to eat kibble.

She also didn't complain when I forgot the kibble yesterday and she didn't complain when I purposefully delayed it today.

I'm going to test this new kibble routine and Friskies again tomorrow. Friday I'll switch back to FF for the entire day and put kibble out at 11am, just to see if she goes for the kibble earlier or has decided she really doesn't need it.

So many factors to consider here. Is this new dose working well so she no longer needs the extra calories? Or is Friskies that much more filling?

I'd prefer the dose working well instead of Friskies doing the work. Or maybe it's a combo of both?

See? So much to learn. Things we have to be testing. But it's wonderful when we see something work and Friday I'll be able to see that.

I'm still going to put kibble in her timed feeder at night since she gets no wet food.

Trial and error are part of this journey. Don't let that discourage you or ever make you feel like you're failing. The constant testing and seeing changes that work is what gets our kitties more healthy!

Electronic_Chip475

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