What to Keep in a Hypo Emergency Kit for Diabetic Cats
Every caregiver of a diabetic cat should be prepared for a potential hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) emergency. Having supplies ready and in one place can make all the difference in a stressful situation. Here's what to include in your hypo toolkit.
1. High-Carb Wet Food
Keep a few cans of high-carb canned food on hand—ideally something with 18% carbs or higher. Many use gravy-style varieties (check food charts for options). These foods are your first line of defense if blood sugar drops and you're home testing.
Tip: Mark the carb content on the lid for quick access.
2. Simple Sugars
Have at least one fast-acting sugar ready:
- Corn syrup (Karo)
- Honey, maple syrup
- Glucose gel packets (available at most pharmacies)
- Cake frosting gel or even Nutri-Cal
These work quickly but don’t last long—you’ll need to follow with food and possibly repeat doses.
3. Syringe (No Needle)
Useful for giving sugar or food to a cat who won't eat on their own. Most vets will give you one for free—just ask.
4. High-Carb Dry Food
Dry food can help stabilize blood sugar over time. It’s not ideal for regular feeding, but during an emergency, it can help.
Store it in a sealed container in the freezer to keep it fresh long-term.
5. Favorite Treats
Sometimes a familiar snack is the only thing that will tempt a panicked or unwell cat. Keep a few go-to treats like Temptations, freeze-dried meat, or pill pockets in your kit.
6. Bulb Syringe + Lube
Worst-case scenario: if your cat is seizing or unconscious, and oral administration isn’t safe, you may need to give sugar rectally. A bulb syringe and some lubricant make this possible.
🖨 7. Printed Hypo Instructions
Even if you know what to do, stress can cloud your memory. Print out your emergency guide and keep it in your kit—especially important if someone else might need to step in when you’re not home.
See Hypo Symptoms and Treatments.
8. Extra Test Strips & Backup Meter
You’ll go through a lot of test strips during a hypo. Always keep a reserve supply and rotate stock so they don’t expire.
A backup glucose meter is also wise—you’ll be glad to have it if your main one fails at 3 AM.
9. Emergency Vet Contact Info
Have the name, number, and directions to the nearest 24/7 veterinary hospital taped to the inside of your kit or cupboard.
Also include:
- A phone number for a cab or ride service
- A form of payment (credit card or emergency cash)
10. A Reminder to Breathe
Include a short note to yourself:
“Take a deep breath. You’ve got this.”
Tape it to a little treat for yourself—like a chocolate bar—for after the crisis passes.
🗂 Pro Tip: Keep It All Together
Store your hypo supplies in one place—like a labeled kitchen cabinet or basket. Tape emergency contacts and instructions to the door or lid.
Be Prepared
Most cat caregivers never need to use these supplies—but if the time comes, being ready can save your cat’s life. Preparation isn’t panic—it’s peace of mind.
- Tim
Change Log:
Created on 5/18/2025.
Sources:
"Jojo and Bunny's Hypo Tool Box." Feline Diabetes Message Board, 18 Mar. 2009, Sticky - jojo and bunny's HYPO TOOL BOX | Feline Diabetes Message Board - FDMB.