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How Much Is Insulin For Cats


How Do I Get Lantus Less Expensively

How to Give Your Diabetic Cat an Insulin Injection
  • DCIN has received this question hundreds of times over the last few years. Truthfully, Lantus is actually the cheapest insulin per unit of insulin the problem lies in the upfront costs. So this article will discuss ways to reduce the upfront cost of Lantus or Levemir.

    Lets talk about Lantus. Lantus is an insulin that was designed for once-per-day use in humans. It turns out that Lantus, when dosed twice per day, is excellent at controlling feline diabetes and getting cats into remission. The generic name for Lantus is insulin glargine. There is no true generic version of Lantus but there is a biosimilar drug that was released in 2016 called Basaglar. Lantus is manufactured by Sanofi which is a profit-driven company.

  • Lantus is a U-100 insulin .
  • Lantus comes in 10 mL vials or 3 mL pens.
  • Lantus is prescription only in the United States, OTC in Canada.
  • Lantus should be refrigerated at all times.
  • Lantus should be handled gently.
  • Lantus that is refrigerated and handled gently can last 3-6 months from date of first use.

The price of Lantus at a pharmacy in the United States is approximately $220 for a vial and $285 for a 5-pack of the pens. Are you suffering from sticker shock? The price of Novolin N or Vetsulin might seem more doable right now but lets consider these facts.

  • Each of them is only good for about 30-45 days from the date of first use.
  • Your annual cost for a cat on a typical dose of insulin is $208-$312 for Novalin and $360-$540 for Vetsulin.

Ongoing Costs And Routines

Weve already discussed the cost of insulin for cats. Here are some other things youll want to keep in mind:

Urine Testing

A couple of times a week, you should test the cats urine with a dipstick.

This is a safety check to ensure no ketones are present. Ketones are a natural toxin and an early warning of trouble ahead. If the cat has ketones in the urine, then contact the vet urgently.


Blood Tests

From time to time, monitoring is necessary to check if the insulin dose is correct.

This involves taking a pinprick of blood every hour or so to see how much sugar is in the blood.

This test can either be done at the vet clinic or at home. Home testing is preferable because the cat is usually less stressed.

Daily Routine

Youll quickly adapt to the cats daily routine of injections, and it usually isnt too much of a bother.

Having a diabetic cat does mean sticking to a regular routine of mealtimes and injections. Theyll need feeding at least twice a day, and once youre happy theyre eating, then give an insulin injection.


Most people find this fits seamlessly into their daily routine, although it can be complicated if you travel a lot or go on vacation which well discuss briefly next.

A Guide To Novolin Insulin

indications for Novolin Novolinis a man made form of insulin designed to help control diabetes mellitus. It is structurally identical to the insulin produced by the human pancreas, but is still quite effective in cats and dogs. Helping to bring down high blood sugar, Novolin assists pets with diabetes mellitus in controlling their hyperglycemia. Novolin, like all insulins, is only offered as an injection. Precautions Patients on Novolin should monitor their blood sugar closely, as an overdose of this drug will cause the blood sugar to drop dangerously low. The safety of using Novolin with pregnant or nursing pets has not been tested, so caution should be used. Pets taking anabolic steroids, beta adrenergic blockers, diuretics, estrogen agents, glucocorticoids, MAOIs, progestin, thyroid hormones, aspirin, digoxin, dobutamine, epinephrine, furosemide, phenylbutazone, or tetracycline should tell their vet before taking Novolin, as they may decrease its effectiveness. Dosage A U100 type insulin, make sure you have the proper syringe, otherwise your dosage will be off. The dosage in both cats and dogs is 0.2 units/kg, but you should consult with your veterinarian before administering any injections.Continue reading > >

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Insulin Injections For Cats With Diabetes Are Actually Not Complicated

Injections are not that difficult to give, even when cat, Mr. Mug, is acting like Mr. Angrypants.

Stick the furry face in some food and pop in the tiny amount of insulin, and its over. Pilling a cat is probably much more difficult on a daily basis than giving an injection.


Your vet and staff should give you all the help you need when learning how to give insulin to your cat.

Theres lots of debate about which insulin works best in cats. Each vet has their favorite, and if your cat doesnt do well, they will switch to a different option. Be prepared for some trial and error.

For information about the cost of insulin for cats, see Part 2 of this article below.

How To Lower Treatment Costs For Cats With Diabetes

How to Manage Diabetes in Cats

Luckily, there are ways to lower the costs of treating diabetes in cats. As the cost of insulin is the most significant, it is the easiest one to try to lower. There are two major ways that you can save on the cost of insulin for cats.

First, find a generic insulin. Generic insulin products contain the same active ingredient as the more expensive brand name products. This means they perform the same at a fraction of the cost. Switching from the brand name to the generic version can save as much as 30% on the cost of insulin for cats. For example, Humulin, a popular brand name of insulin retails for approximately $100 to $130, while its generic alternative, Novolin, retails for approximately $70 to $100.


Second, visit online pharmacies to find the best prices. Many cat owners get their insulin at their veterinarians office, which often charges anywhere from 100% to 160% of the wholesale cost of insulin. Additionally, many vets offices will charge a dispensing fee, which could range from $5 to $15. Buying insulin online can help you save a significant amount of money. If you live in the United States, it may also be beneficial to look at Canadian online pharmacies, as the cost of insulin is typically much lower in Canada.

Another way to save on insulin costs for cats with diabetes is to consider signing up for a pharmacy benefits plan. These plans typically require a small monthly or yearly fee and can save you up to 75% on your feline diabetes supplies.

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What If Im Late Giving The Insulin

On occasion, you may forget to give your cats insulin or are unable to get home.

If you are unable or forget to give your cats insulin at the regular time, these are the general recommendations:


  • If you are late by 1 to 2 hours â it is ok to give the insulin using your regular routine. The next day- move the next shot by a little then get back on your routine.
  • If you are late by more than 2 hours â it is preferred to skip the injection.

Side Effects And Drug Reactions

Insulin may result in these side effects:

  • Hypoglycemia
  • Seizures
  • Death if overdose

If you notice mild side effects or strange behavior from your pet, the dosage of insulin may need adjusting, and you should contact your veterinarian as soon as possible to schedule a series of glucose tests.

If you notice signed of hypoglycemia disorientation, lethargy, increased appetite, nausea, rapid heartbeat, unsteadiness, or seizures contact your veterinarian IMMEDIATELY, as this is an emergency situation.

Many drugs can alter your pets bodys need for insulin. Be sure to notify your veterinarian of your pets full medical history and all medications that they are currently taking. Insulin may react with these drugs:

  • Anabolic steroid

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There Are Some Symptoms That You Can Observe In Your Cat

  • If your cat stops doing any activity he/she usually loves to do, and not show any interest in running around, or speaking, or going to his favorite person in the house, then this is the indication that the time is near.
  • The cat starts to breathe slowly, and it became hard for him to breath, and he/she will cough on a regular basis.
  • Your cat will start to lose all its appetite, and in the worst case possible, he/she can face malnutrition problems. And you have to feed him forcefully.
  • The cat can sometimes face a disease like vomiting, diarrhea, or any other related disorder, and because of that, he/she lost most of the water from the body.
  • In the worst case possible, he/she might not have the power to stand on their own and protect itself against insects.

Its Relatively Easy To Find A Pet Sitter Friend Or Kennel To Give Injections When Youre Away

How To Give My Cat An Insulin Injection

If youre used to leaving your cat for long weekends with a big bowl of food and a see you later, your life is going to have to change.

If your cat needs insulin injections, youll need to find a reliable pet sitter familiar with diabetics, a family member or a pleasant boarding situation.

If you travel constantly, caring for a diabetic cat will not be easy. But for most of us with average home/work situations, being home morning and night for 2 kitty meals and 2 injections shouldnt be that difficult.

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The Methodology Behind Euthanizing A Cat

You may like to stay with your buddy so you can pet and console them while the veterinarian administers the prescription.


Before administering the euthanasia drug, several veterinarians administer a sedative to the cat.

The veterinarian will explain what theyre doing and when the shot will be delivered.

Some veterinarians only use sedatives whether the pet is scared or unable to sleep. The shot can cause some discomfort, and the medication can cause side effects.

So check with your veterinarian to see if its appropriate for your cat. They do not need it if they are really ill and already silent or have trouble breathing.

Pentobarbital, a seizure drug, is the most popular euthanasia medication used by veterinarians. It easily leaves the pet unconscious in large doses.


It normally takes one to two minutes for their heart and brain processes to stop working. Its normally administered by an IV in one of their thighs.

Its possible that your pets eyes will not shut completely until they die. Urinate or defecate is a possibility.

You may see them twitch or take one more breath. This may be surprising at first, but its a natural part of the operation. Your pet is not in any discomfort. This move is less likely if you use a sedative.

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Why Cant I Shake My Cats Insulin

Gently rolling of the insulin between your palms is all that is needed to gently mix the insulin. The insulin is a very fine powder that is suspended in the liquid.


Rolling the insulin is better for a few reasons:

First, shaking denatures the protein, hurts the insulin molecule so it doesnt work correctly.

Second, shaking creates air bubbles, which can also act to denature the protein, inactivating the insulin. The air also makes it more likely to pull up air bubbles in the syringe that are hard to remove. If you include the air in your dose, then you are not giving the proper dose to your cat.

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How To Put Down Your Cat Naturally

The overdose of anaesthetic is normally injected into the vein of the front leg, although it can also be used in other parts of the body. Your cat holds a nurse and is rubbed off by a thin piece of hair.


Everybody feels like a little needle prick the injection would be painless.

At times, after the injection is administered a cat will give little cries with any anaesthetic, a fleeting sensation of dizziness occurs when the medication takes effect.

In seconds, even before the injection is completed, the unconsciousness follows. The heart ceases beating after a few minutes. Death happens.

How Do I Give The Insulin Injection

Insulin Overdose Symptoms in Cats

Insulin is generally given under the skin over the back. The location of the injection should be rotated with every injection. The general method for giving insulin is as follows:

Gather your equipment to give the insulin injection. The bottle of insulin, syringe, cotton ball, alcoholâ¦and your glasses if you wear them .


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What Is Diabetic Remission

“Diabetic remission occurs when a cat maintains a normal glucose level for more than four weeks without insulin injections or oral glucose regulating medications.”

The primary goal of treating diabetes is to regulate blood glucose quickly and reach a point where the cat no longer needs insulin therapy. Diabetic remission occurs when a cat maintains a normal glucose level for more than four weeks without insulin injections or oral glucose regulating medications.

Not all cats go into remission, but those that do may stay that way for months or years. One estimate states that 17 to 67% of cats experience remission after insulin therapy. Other estimates predict remission is possible in 90% of cats.

The key factors in achieving remission are quick institution of insulin therapy post-diagnosis and strict adherence to a low carbohydrate diet. Frequent monitoring with appropriate adjustments of insulin dosage increases the odds of remission.

How Will My Cat Respond To Regular Insulin Injections

Typically, cats tolerate the injections very well and do not find them to be uncomfortable. This is due to the tiny width of the insulin needles and the fact that they have a large amount of loose skin which is not painful to inject under . This comfort can be maintained in the long term by varying the site of injection across different areas of the back. This prevents one area of skin being consistently pierced, which eventually would lead to the development of inflammation. Anywhere that you can find loose skin is an acceptable place to inject.


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Cost Savings And Coupons

Some Internet pharmacies offer deals on supplies and shipping. For example,Hocks.com gives free shipping on orders over $79 and highlights deals on meters and test strips.

Some caregivers purchase glucometer test strips and other diabetic supplies on eBay, a multinational online marketplace.

You can call the toll free phone numbers of supply manufacturers to ask about rebate deals and coupons. For example, BD will supply $2 off coupon on syringes. Internet pharmacies often honor those coupons.

Once a week, on Sunday, there is a post by Debra & Care Bear on the Feline Diabetes Message Board’s Health Board about diabetic care specials in the the Sunday advertising supplements and from other sources.

Frugal Feline Diabetes is a paper which gives ideas and tips on cutting diabetes costs.

OTC Wholesale offers Sure Comfort insulin syringes in 1/2 cc size, with choice of either 29 or 30 gauge 1/2″ needle. A box of 100 is only $11.50 plus shipping. They also offer generic testing strips for One Touch Basic, One Touch II and Profile glucometers.

How Is Insulin Administered To Cats With Diabetes Mellitus

How to Give Insulin to a Cat. Instructions form the vet for first time clients.

In cases of standard diabetes where the patient is otherwise relatively healthy, cats will generally be started on insulin injections immediately once the diagnosis is made. Because they break down insulin relatively quickly, almost all cats will require injections twice a day . The injections are usually administered under the skin of the back using either a syringe and very fine needle or a purpose-designed insulin pen. A crib sheet on insulin administration is also available within the fact sheet section of the Davies Veterinary Specialists website.

Insulin is typically started at a low dose, which will often need to be gradually increased based on response. The low dose is used because overdosing of insulin is much more dangerous than underdosing, but the consequence is that it can take some weeks to reach the optimal dosage by incremental increase. Insulin doses should not be changed too regularly and doses should never be altered without discussion with a vet.

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If You Recently Learned Your Cat Has Diabetes Take Heart

A diabetic cat can have a fairly normal life, particularly if:

  • Your cat regulates glucose well and
  • Youre committed to your kittys care

And yes, your cat may be able to live a fairly normal life expectancy!

While there isnt a complete cure for a diabetic cat, it IS possible for your cat to stop showing diabetic symptoms for a while with the right feeding and care.

Here are 4 diabetic cat tips to help you do your best with feeding, insulin shots and glucose checks.

Calculation Of Initial Insulin Dosage For Diabetic Cats

The dose of Caninsulin and the interval between injections has to be tailored to suit each individual diabetic cat. Hypoglycemia As hypoglycemia is a major concern and to be avoided at all costs The animal’s body weight should be rounded down to the nearest whole kilogram The calculated dose of insulin rounded down to the nearest whole unit This helps to avoid overdosing particularly during initial stabilization. Insulin dosage for diabetic cats Starting dose: 0.25-0.5 IU/kg body weight twice daily. Pre-treatment blood glucose concentration is used as guidance for the calculation of initial insulin dose in cats. See table below: Baseline blood glucose concentration Baseline blood glucose concentration Initial Caninsulin dose < 20 mmol/L < 360 mg/dL 0.25 U/kg body weight 1 unit > 20 mmol/L > 360 mg/dL 0.5 U/kg body weight* 2 units Remember to round the cats bodyweight down to the nearest whole kilogram and the calculated dose down to the nearest whole or half unit. *The maximal dose should ideally not exceed 2 IU per injection in the first 2-3 weeks of treatment. Avoid unduly high starting doses in cats, especially in overweight cats, where the ideal bodyweight should be used. Subsequent dose adjustments should be in increments of 1IU per injection. For more information see dose adjustment.Continue reading > >

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