Welcome to the Message Board.
First off, if you're here, it's likely because your cat was recently diagnosed with diabetes. We know this can be an overwhelming and emotional time, and we want you to know you're not alone. While none of us are veterinarians, our community has many years of combined experience caring for diabetic cats, and we're here to share what we've learned and offer support.
This forum is a welcoming, peer-led space to ask questions, learn, share experiences, and support one another. Over time, many of us have become friends and built a true community of caregivers who understand what you're going through.
Before You Dive In
Please take a moment to familiarize yourself with the forum rules and Terms of Use. By participating, you're agreeing to follow the community guidelines and help maintain a respectful, constructive environment for everyone.
When you're ready, we encourage you to start a thread in the Feline Health - Welcome & Main Forum section to introduce yourself and your cat. It helps others support you more effectively.
Please include:
Important: Do not share your last name, exact location, phone number, or email address publicly. For general region or country, please update your profile instead.
Always Welcome:
Please use the Community & Off Topic or The Meme Den section for:
We’re so glad you’ve found this space. The road ahead may have ups and downs, but together, we’ll help you navigate it.
You’re not alone anymore.
- Tim
Change Log:
Created on 5/18/2025. Next addition here is a section about community and forum rules. Also need to generally add more details. Expand upon giving advice and good wording to use.
First off, if you're here, it's likely because your cat was recently diagnosed with diabetes. We know this can be an overwhelming and emotional time, and we want you to know you're not alone. While none of us are veterinarians, our community has many years of combined experience caring for diabetic cats, and we're here to share what we've learned and offer support.
This forum is a welcoming, peer-led space to ask questions, learn, share experiences, and support one another. Over time, many of us have become friends and built a true community of caregivers who understand what you're going through.
Before You Dive In
Please take a moment to familiarize yourself with the forum rules and Terms of Use. By participating, you're agreeing to follow the community guidelines and help maintain a respectful, constructive environment for everyone.
What This Community Is All About
- Helping one another give diabetic cats the best possible care.
- Offering encouragement, empathy, and real-world experience.
- Sharing useful resources and information.
- Respecting diverse opinions and treatment approaches.
Introduce Yourself
When you're ready, we encourage you to start a thread in the Feline Health - Welcome & Main Forum section to introduce yourself and your cat. It helps others support you more effectively.Please include:
- Your name (or nickname)
- Your cat's name, age, and a brief health history
- When your cat was diagnosed
- Type of insulin you're using
- Blood glucose meter brand
- Your cat's diet (wet, dry, or both)
- Dosing approach (TR, SLGS, or other)
- Any relevant health conditions (e.g. DKA, pancreatitis, other diagnoses)
- Link to your cat's spreadsheet (we'll help you set one up if needed)
- See How to Create a Spreadsheet and How to Use the Spreadsheet for more information.
Important: Do not share your last name, exact location, phone number, or email address publicly. For general region or country, please update your profile instead.
Topics You'll See Here
Always Welcome:- Questions about feline diabetes
- Sharing progress and treatment updates
- Reports on how your cat responds to changes
- Discussions about insulin, food, meters, ketones, etc.
- News, studies, or research relevant to diabetes
- Emotional support, memorials, and condolences
- Birthday or "gotcha day" celebrations
- Personal life events you'd like to share
- A little humor to lighten the mood
Please use the Community & Off Topic or The Meme Den section for:
- Updates about your non-diabetic pets
- General life stuff
- Funny stories or memes
- Politics, religion, or divisive non-cat topics
- Personal attacks or name-calling
- Arguments that don't serve the health of our cats
What You Can Expect From Us
- Emotional support from people who understand what you're facing.
- Shared knowledge based on years of experience and research.
- A range of perspectives and approaches. Not every cat is the same.
- Honest feedback, even if it's hard to hear—because safety comes first.
- A non-judgmental space. Whether you're brand new or years into this journey, you belong here.
What You Won't Find Here
- Emergency veterinary care. If your cat is in crisis, please contact a vet immediately.
- Support for letting diabetes go untreated.
- Endorsement of euthanasia solely due to a diabetes diagnosis. Diabetes can often be managed successfully.
What We Ask From You
- Be respectful and compassionate.
- Ask questions openly and be ready to learn.
- Share full, accurate information about your cat’s health and treatment.
- Understand that the final decisions rest with you, the caregiver.
- When you feel comfortable, give back—even small gestures like welcoming new members go a long way.
Posting Tips & Etiquette
- Be clear when giving advice: is it based on experience, research, or personal opinion?
- Support your recommendations with sources when possible.
- Avoid sarcastic or condescending comments.
- Disagree respectfully. It's okay to see things differently.
- Avoid generalizing or "vet bashing". Not all vets are well-versed in feline diabetes, but many care deeply.
Handling Difficult Situations
- If you see advice you believe is unsafe or incomplete, step in politely and explain why.
- If someone is being inappropriate or hostile, use the Report button.
- If you're frustrated, take a break before replying.
- Apologize if needed—we're all human.
- If you receive a harassing message, do not engage. Report it to the moderators.
We’re so glad you’ve found this space. The road ahead may have ups and downs, but together, we’ll help you navigate it.
You’re not alone anymore.
- Tim
Change Log:
Created on 5/18/2025. Next addition here is a section about community and forum rules. Also need to generally add more details. Expand upon giving advice and good wording to use.