My cat has DKA. What can I do at home if I can't afford a vet?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | 9 years and 9 months old | 5.5 lbs
I was recently told my cat is a DKA cat , he hasn't been eating and yesterday he finally began drinking water. And walking a bit better from being lethargic . His breath has a scent of nail polish and all he does is sleep. I can't afford vet treatment, is there anything I can do at home to regulate and cure him ! Please please help
2 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on August 14th, 2017
Unfortunately this is a really tough disease to treat, even with veterinary care. Your cat would likely need to be on fluids and then start getting regulated on insulin to get his diabetes under control. Until his dehydration and blood sugar is under control he will probably still be lethargic and anorexic. I am sorry you're having to go through this with your cat. I wish there was more I could tell you. Best of luck.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on August 14th, 2017
Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I'm sorry Tyiam is so sick! I would try to get urine dipsticks that measure the ketones and glucose in his urine. That way your Vet can try to guide insulin doses. It's not perfect but may help. I would also see if your Vet can prescribe and teach you how to give fluids under the skin and have you pick up an appetite stimulant. They could also provide instruction on safely syringe feeding. Tyiam should also be covered for a possible UTI. DKA's are difficult medical cases to even treat as a hospitalized patient. This is a hard condition to treat at home with out a trusted veterinarian to give guidance. I wish you the best!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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