I used to pay about $100 for an asthma inhaler for my cat.

My cats were worth every penny I ever spent on them but their last years did put quite a strain on my budget.

We used to have a Rottweiler that had to have insulin shots twice a day. Her insulin was never that much. I am thinking no more than $20. Check with your vet maybe and see what he suggests. We always bought hers at Walmart if we could.

Sue

The new insulin is called ProZinc. I've only ever gotten the insulin from the vet. It cost $129.99 online.

I am now researching how to safely transition from one insulin to the other....

Maura,
We just had the same thing happen with our dog. He's been diabetic for 6 years. We started him on Humilin L years ago and then they quit making it and we switched him to Vetsulin and about two weeks ago when I called in to get a refill the vet told me they are no longer making it and so we switched him to Humilin N. Before when he was on Vetsulin we were giving him 7 units twice a day and now on the Humilin N he gets 2 units twice a day.
The price is just ridiculous and the needles are of course different so we had to get different needles. The total cost went up about $50.00 but he doesnÂt have to take as much so maybe it will last longer.
He's worth every cent but I know what you mean about sticker shock.
The poor little guy is totally blind but is still really active. I tease him all the time about how much we spend on him between the insulin, needles and special food that he needs to start earning his keep! :0)
Good luck!

See if the prices at thrivingpets.com are better for your supplies. I see the vetsulin for $33 (maybe you should stock up while its still available) and the Humilin N for $53. The needles should be much cheaper than the vet. Would you by chance have a Costco (or maybe another club store with a pharmacy)? I buy some of my cats supplies (he's not diabetic-he has kidney problems) at Costco (you don't need to be a member of any club in order to use the pharmacy-just tell them at the door you are there for the pharmacy). Call and ask for the prices of what you need. if they have what you need-have the vet fax them a prescription.One more thing-look for a Yahoo group dedicated to diabetic cats. They will guide you where to get the supplies at the best prices.

Hi maura63

One of kitties was diagnosed with diabetes just last month and I totally understand the sticker shock, the insulin, the blood glucose meter, the strips, the lancets, the high protein/low carb diet, the vet bills. Ouch! But Kitty is totally worth it. Lisa's right about trying Costco, I bought Lantus (insulin) there, it was $65. (cdn.) for a 10ml vial + the syringes I use were $32. for 100. The Feline Diabetes Message Board has been a godsend for me - lots of info. and links to other helpful sites for diabetic cats. http://felinediabetes.com/FDMB/
Check it out, there's some great advice and some cost saving measures as well. Hope it helps you.

Hang in there.

Here is a link that might be useful: FDMB

Check out the Canadian pharmacies for pet meds. I purchase my Advantage Multi as well as Flovent generic inhaler at canadapharmacy.com. They price match too. My inhaler was $40.00 and I found it elsewhere for $22.00. They price matched. Then I googled canadapharmacy coupons and put in a code and received an additional 7% off. I pay $20.00 for a years shipping. It could save you a small fortune.
Also, if the cat is overweight that's a factor. I just switched my cat food. I give then Innova Evo Cat And Kitten wet food. I buy the large cans 13.5oz for $20.00 for a case of 12 cans. It's a high protien food without any byproducts. For dry I ordered Fromm's Four Star Duck A La Veg. I purchased at petfooddirect.com. The Surf And Turf flavor is even less calories. The quality food will make a difference in their health.
Donna

If money is a factor, tell your Vet. Our Vet makes allowances and gives discounts when she can. Our Vet supports those who take care of their pets properly because she knows how expensive it can be. When our pets have died in the past, we have given her all of our leftover medication and she has handed it out to other pet owners free to those that need the financial help. I'm sure they also must get free samples like the doctors get from drug companies as well. Apparently from what the receptionist told me, lots of people turn in their leftover medications to be handed out to others as needed.

There have also been times when our Vets will write a prescription to a pharmacy rather than sell us the drug themselves. The difference in the cost is substantial.

Your Vet will appreciate the fact that a diabetic kitty costs a lot of money and will appreciate the fact that you are willing to make the investment in your kitty's health. Lots of people would not make that effort and just euthanize the kitty but you are willing to take on that extra responsibility. Your Vet also will know that you will be an ongoing customer which makes a difference as well.

I had a diabetic cat, she's been gone a couple years now. I bought my insulin and syringes at Walmart. I didn't buy the prescription food, but checked labels of the supermarket types and fed her one that was similar in ingredients/nutrition.

(((Maura)))

My neighbor had a diabetic dog. They spent tons of money on his medication. Not sure I would be able to swing it. Luckily my cat and dog are both fairly young (both age 7) and in good health.

I had a diabetic cat, I the vet had us buy the insulin and syringes at Safeway.. NO WAY was it that expensive. I DID
have to take it back to the vet and they had to
"cut" it (their term) to make it the right amount for Casey.

To add to the suggestions about getting the prescription filled elsewhere, our vet wrote a prescription that we filled with the local compounding pharmacist, who made it in the correct strength for the cat and ordered the other supplies we needed. The price was less than what the vet charged.

Just wanted to say thank you to all for your supportive comments and your suggestions -- they are all appreciated, and you've certainly given me leads on how to make this financially easier.

I've invested two+ years in my cat's diabetic needs, and will continue to do so.... but with one kid in college, and another heading that way in two years, counting pennies has become more necessary.

Thanks again all!