Kat's Corner: Why Not Every Diabetic Cat Is a Good Fit for In-Home Care

Helo says hello from under the bed.

Recently I received a call from a potential client who was referred to me by a boarding facility. One of their cats is diabetic, and unfortunately, she did not do well in a boarding environment. She missed several insulin injections, which is both scary and dangerous for a diabetic cat.

From what was shared, it sounded like the injections were very unpleasant to the cat. She made it very clear she did not consent to their approach. Claws and teeth came out. Trust was lost.

That is not a failure of the cat. That is communication.

Diabetic Care Requires More Than Good Intentions

I do give insulin injections to cats. I am experienced, patient, and gentle. But I will only take on diabetic care when I am set up for success and more importantly, when the cat is set up for success.

Insulin is not optional medication. Missing doses is dangerous. Repeatedly stressing a cat to force medication is also dangerous.

When I was told this trip would be two weeks long and that there had been issues already, I had to pause. I would not be able to cover every day of care, and without a test run, I could not ethically commit. Hoping it “might work out” is not an acceptable plan when essential medication is involved.

Trust Comes Before Needles

Some cats need time. Real time. Time to learn that I am not a threat. Time to associate my presence with safety. Time to come out on their own terms.

If I am allowed to build that trust first, many cats surprise us. But if a cat uses teeth and claws when approached, I have to listen to what she’s telling me.

Repeatedly attempting injections without consent does not build trust. It erodes it.

What I Require for Diabetic Injection Visits

To safely and responsibly provide insulin injections, the following conditions must be met:

• Longer visits of 40 minutes or more

• A controlled environment, meaning the cat is confined to one room or area with limited hiding places

• A Fear, Anxiety, and Stress (FAS) score below 4

If a cat is FAS 4 or 5, even if they are not diabetic, I often recommend veterinary care instead of pet sitting.

If a cat is FAS 4 or 5 and requires medication, I will not proceed.

Why? Because I must be able to safely catch and handle the cat without endangering myself or the cat.

Cat scratch fever is real. So are serious bite injuries. No pet sitter should be expected to put their health at risk to force medical care.

There Is a Difference Between “Won’t” and “Can’t”

This is not about refusing to help. It’s about knowing when helping looks like saying no.

If an owner is willing to work with me, adjust the environment, schedule test visits, and allow trust to build, I am absolutely open to attempting care for a high-stress cat who does not require medication.

But when essential medication is involved, hope is not a strategy.

Sometimes the Best Care Is Veterinary Care

There are times when the safest, kindest option is medical boarding or veterinary supervision. That does not mean you failed your cat. It means you chose her health and emotional wellbeing over convenience.

As pet owners, we want to believe love is enough. As professionals, we know preparation, consent, and safety matter just as much.

My job is not to say yes at all costs.

My job is to advocate for the cat.

And sometimes, that means knowing when in-home care is not the right answer.