FKF Shelter Pet Fund: Tula

Every year, Fur Kids Foundation sets aside some money to help local shelters with pets in need. In February 2016, our dedicated case managers on the Application Committee chose to help Tula, who is currently at There’s No Place Like Home.

For those of you who follow There’s No Place Like home on Facebook, you know that Tula has been dealt with a few hard blows in her young life. She had a mouth full of bad teeth that caused an infection and resulted in extensive dental work being done to help her feel better. She was also diagnosed with severe diabetes that is has been puzzling the vets.

Diabetes is a disease that is often found in older and overweight cats. Similar to the disease in humans, diabetes prevents the body from producing enough insulin to balance blood sugar (or glucose) levels in cats. Cats with diabetes will show the following signs or symptoms:

1. change in appetite (sometimes a ravenous appetite because their bodies cannot use the fuel supplied in their diet)
2. decreased activity, weakness and depression
3. increased thirst
4. increased urination
5. vomiting
6. weight loss

If the disease is left untreated it can be fatal.

Right now, Tula’s blood sugar levels will go from 520 mg/dL and then drastically drop to 40 mg/dL—a normal blood sugar reading for a cat should be between 120-300 mg/dL. The vets have had Tula on a variety of insulin formulas trying to determine the one that works. Currently, the insulin that seems to be working is very expensive.

As you can see, There’s No Place Like Home is working hard to get Tula healthy. Fur Kids Foundation has pledged $200 to help with this—those interested in donating to help Tula, or any of There’s No Place Like Home cats, may do so at Red Hills Veterinary Hospital.

Hopefully, once the vets find an insulin that works, and are able to get her on the right diet to keep her on track, Tula will be able to find a loving home of her own. However, she will always be a cat with special needs. If you are interested in adopting a cat with diabetes, please consult with a veterinarian ahead of time to learn about their dietary and medical needs.

To read more about diabetes in cats, please check out the following websites:

1. Animal Planet: What are the symptoms of feline diabetes 
2. I Love Cats: 10 signs of diabetes in cats 
3. My Cat has Diabetes 
4. Pet MD: Diabetes in Cats

​If you would like to help Fur Kids Foundation continue to help families with animals, please consider making a tax-deductible donation. The money helps families during a time when they may not be able to afford adequate veterinary care. Check out more Success Stories.