How to Measure a Cat's Blood Glucose

A step-by-step guide on how to measure your cat's blood glucose from home using the Calm & Cozy Cat Wrap.

How to Clean Your Cat's Ears Using the Calm & Cozy Cat Wrap Reading How to Measure a Cat's Blood Glucose 6 minutes

Why Measure Your Cat’s Blood Glucose?

Blood glucose testing is crucial for cats diagnosed with feline diabetes. It allows you to monitor how well your cat is responding to insulin therapy and whether adjustments are needed. Regular readings help prevent dangerous highs and lows, and over time, they can help your vet adjust the insulin dose to a safe, effective level.

But consistency is just as important as accuracy. Testing at home provides a clearer picture of your cat’s day-to-day glucose levels without the stress of travel, which can artificially raise blood sugar readings.

Why Use the Calm & Cozy Cat Wrap for Glucose Testing?

Accurate readings require stillness, which most cats resist. The Calm & Cozy Cat Wrap provides necessary stability to facilitate precise blood glucose monitoring.

The Calm & Cozy Cat Wrap is not a cat bag – it is a cat swaddle.

Cat bags: A loose, unstable sack that allows excess movement. The lack of stability causes increased stress, panic, and resistance, which is why many veterinary professionals avoid them entirely.

Cat swaddle: A snug, supportive wrap that provides gentle pressure while minimizing excess movement. The swaddling component mimics the safety of confined spaces, which induces a calming effect.

By gently swaddling your cat, the wrap limits squirming, prevents scratching, and creates a calm, secure environment. This allows you to focus on taking an accurate reading without elevating your cat’s stress levels. When used consistently, the wrap will make blood glucose testing a routine your cat actually tolerates.

Blood Glucose Testing Supplies

You’ll need the following:

Calm & Cozy Cat Wrap
Glucometer (veterinary models preferred)
Glucometer test strips (compatible with your meter)
Extra fine lancet (25–33 gauge)
Warm washcloth
Plastic bag (to contain the washcloth)
Flashlight
Cotton ball or gauze
Treats

Pro Tip: Before trying it on your cat, test your glucometer on yourself to get comfortable with how the test strip “sips” the blood drop.

Step-by-Step Guide to Measuring Blood Glucose Using the Calm & Cozy Cat Wrap

Follow these steps safely conduct a blood glucose reading on your cat:

1. Secure Your Cat in the Calm & Cozy Cat Wrap

Wrap your cat snugly in the Calm & Cozy Cat Wrap according to the instructions, ensuring their body is securely swaddled. A loose swaddle will not work.

2. Warm the Ear to Improve Circulation

Place a warm (not hot) washcloth in a sealed plastic bag and gently hold it against the outer part of your cat’s ear for 1–2 minutes. This improves blood flow to the small capillary that runs along the outer edge of the ear (pinna).

Massaging the ear afterward can also help. For better visibility, shine a flashlight behind the ear to locate the target vein.

3. Acclimate Your Cat to Ear Touch

Before ever poking the ear, spend at least 5–10 short, spaced-out sessions wrapping your cat and practice warming, massaging, and handing the ear. Always end by releasing your cat and rewarding them. These low-stress practice runs help your cat build comfort and trust with the process.

4. Choose and Use the Right Lancet

Use a fine lancet (ideally 25–33 gauge) for comfort. Hold the lancet in your hand for better control rather than using the spring-loaded auto device, which many cats dislike.

Prick the ear gently along the visible vein. If blood doesn’t appear immediately, try gently “milking” the ear by pressing on both sides of the puncture point.

5. Apply the Test Strip

Insert the strip into your glucometer first. Then, bring the tip of the strip to the drop of blood — do not touch the skin, only the blood. The strip will “sip” the blood drop and the meter will display a reading.

6. Stop the Bleeding

If the ear continues to bleed, press a cotton ball or piece of gauze to the spot for 10–30 seconds to stop the bleeding. Be gentle.

7. Remove the Wrap & Reward

Once the test is complete, reward your cat with treats while they’re still in the wrap to build positive associations. Then remove the wrap and follow up with something they love—more treats, pets, or playtime. This approach helps your cat feel good in the wrap and look forward to the routine.

Tips for Success

Stay Calm: Contrary to popular belief, cats don’t feel pain from the lancet poke. They are more likely to feel anxious when their caretaker is anxious, so it is important for you to remain calm throughout the process.
Choose a Low-Volume Meter: Meters that require less blood (0.3 microliters) reduce the need for multiple pokes.
Ear vs. Paw Testing: Most cats tolerate ear pricks better than paw pad pricks, but if ears are a no-go, try the paw through one of the Calm & Cozy Cat Wrap’s access flaps.
Stick with One Meter: Different brands can yield slightly different results. Stick with the same glucometer for consistent readings.
Take Your Time: If you don’t succeed the first time, pause and try again later. It gets easier with practice.
Vet Support: You’re not alone. Reach out to your veterinarian for guidance at any point in the process.

Important Notes

Home testing is ideal for otherwise healthy diabetic cats. If your cat is very ill or has poor peripheral circulation, ear-prick readings may not reflect true glucose levels.
Unlike human diabetics, cats tend to eat the same food at the same times each day and are treated with long-acting insulin. Daily testing may not be necessary unless your vet recommends it.
Do not change insulin doses without approval from your vet.