Is Groucho my protector?

[momcat]

Hi PT friends,
Over these past few weeks, Groucho started doing something he never did before. I'm hoping maybe you might have some thoughts about it.

I'm insulin dependent diabetic and have to check my blood glucose throughout the day. It's a standard thing around here and Groucho never paid any attention to it.

About 2 weeks ago this began, he's all over me as soon as he sees the glucometer. He's on my lap giving kisses on my face and puts his paws on my shoulders while demanding to be petted. Even while trying to get things set up to run the test he gets more insistent and doesn't let up. Something that takes less than a minute has become a drawn out process. My insulin pen is on the table in easy reach should it be needed. Groucho has never paid any attention to it. When all this started, he began sniffing at the insulin pen and gently touching it with his paw but has made no effort to knock it off or play with it. This happens every time I have to do the test.

Over the past several weeks something has been going on that has caused a lot of stress and my glucose has been running high. I'm very curious as to why Groucho started doing this literally out of nowhere. All thoughts are welcome.

[Freedom]

I suspect his smells a difference in you and has associated it with this testing process. Your smell will change as the blood glucose drops after you take the insulin. He has associated all the process!

My Marlin has saved my Dad's life several times, coming to wake me in the middle of the night when Dad passed out from a low glucose level. No training, he just knew something was wrong and I had to know about it.

I hope the stress passes so you can get back to being more regulated.

[cassiesmom]

Groucho, you are definitely meowmie's protector! How sweet of you to love on meowmie while she is doing her test. I would be happy to share my nursing license with you! And with Marlin too

[moosmom]

He is definitely your guardian angel, Eileen!! Definitely worth mentioning to your doctor.

[sana]

Maybe he paws the and gently touches the insulin pen thinking maybe that thing's changing my meowmie's scent! Most probably he's protecting you maybe thinking something's going wrong with you.

Still wondering why he didn't smell this scent before...
You should ask a doctor or maybe a vet about this weird behaviour.

[Laura's Babies]

He senses something is wrong and I think he understands the pen has something to do with you being better. Some of these companions are SO sensitive to how we are feeling rather it is physical or emotional.

[Pinot's Mom]

I agree your scent has changed and Groucho is responding to that. He's paying attention to that change and is concerned. I hope it all gets straightened out!

[momcat]

Thank you, everyone! There have been times in the past when stress has been way up there and blood glucose has been high but Groucho never did this at test time. He does this now even when my numbers are in range. I love the kisses, headbumpies, Groucho rubbing his face all over mine and the attention but this started very suddenly. He has never done this before.

He doesn't start with the attention until he sees me get the glucometer. As for the insulin I take Lantus & Novolog and he only sniffs and touches the Novolog pen, never the Lantus.

Obviously he senses something and for whatever reason seems to connect it with the glucometer and the Novolog. I'm not concerned really, just curious about this sudden behavior. When I see my nurse-educator we spend the first 15-20 minutes talking about our pets. I do intend to tell her about this to see what she thinks about it. I am starting to wonder if Groucho is trying to tell us something.

[katladyd]

My boyfriend is insulin dependent and one of his medications is Lantus. His big boy Buddy will come over when he tests and shoots up, also. He isn't as affectionate as Groucho is, but he is there for the process. Cats are very intuitive. I don't know why Groucho has just started this, there are some things we will never know about cats. It's part of their charm.

[cassiesmom]

Dear Nurse Groucho, how is your meowmie doing? I'm glad she has you keeping an eye on her and her supplies!

Hugs,
elyse