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Can I use human test strips for my cat's glucose and ketones?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Mediumhair | Male | neutered | 10 lbs

Can I use a human glucometer and strips to measure my cats glucose? And can I use human ketone strips to measure urine ketones? If not, why?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

Veterinarian

Published on December 27th, 2017

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! You can use human ketone and glucose strips to test for ketones and glucose in Ringo's urine. If you want to test his blood sugar at home I recommend investing in a Veterinary glucometer which are more accurate for animals than human ones. If you have a human glucometer you can use it and watch trends but it may not be totally accurate. I hope this helps and I wish you and Ringo the best!

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1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

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    Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on March 19th, 2020

    Hello. You can use a human glucometer, but the recommendation is to use one of the pet only ones. But, in a pinch, you can use a human one. They are actually fairly accurate. Talk with you vet as to what is the best for your situation. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Lindsey Edwards MVB, BSc, IVCA

    Veterinarian

    Published on April 12th, 2016

    Human glucometers are not as reliable as veterinary callibrated models for cats (or dogs) so it is always preferable to source the correct instrument. You should discuss the benefits of home testing with the vet overseeing her diabetes medication and treatment in order to ensure the stress of taking regular samples is actually going to improve her long term management. They may even be able to source a glucometer for you as it is important the model you use has strips and control solutions readily available also. Ensure all other management factors are well controlled also including diabetes specific diet and a weight monitoring and management plan, regular fructosamine samples to assess adequate control, urine and eye checks to monitor for any other complications such as urinary tract infections and eye problems

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    13Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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