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How to Perform an Ear Tip Blood Glucose Measurement

A guide to ear tip blood glucose measurement in cats

Monitoring your cat’s blood glucose levels at home can be important in managing conditions like diabetes. One of the easiest ways to do this is by performing an ear-tip blood glucose measurement.

In this video and post, we’ll walk you through the steps to take an accurate reading, helping to keep your cat healthy and comfortable throughout the process.

Regular blood glucose monitoring is often necessary for cats diagnosed with diabetes.

It helps to ensure that your cat’s blood sugar levels are within a safe range and that any medication or insulin dosage works effectively. Measuring your cat’s glucose at home can also reduce the stress of frequent vet visits, giving you real-time data to share with your vet.

Before you begin, make sure you have everything ready to ensure the process goes smoothly:

Warm water swabs: To increase blood flow to the ear.
Glucometer: A device to measure blood glucose levels (e.g., Alpha Track, designed for cats).
Test strips: Suitable for your glucometer model (Alpha Track strips coded for cats, for instance).
Lancet: A small, sterile needle used to prick the ear and obtain a blood sample.
Rewards: Treats to make the experience positive for your cat.

Step-by-step procedure

Step 1.
Begin by using a warm water swab on your cat’s ear. Press the swab against the ear tip to help bring the blood vessels closer to the surface. Warming the ear makes it easier to collect a blood sample and minimises the need for excessive squeezing, which could stress your cat.  Hold the warm swab on the ear for about 30 seconds. This is especially helpful in colder environments or if your cat has trouble with circulation.

Step 2.
Next, prepare the glucometer by inserting the appropriate test strip. Ensure the strip’s code is set correctly—code 7 for cats and code 5 for dogs (if using the Alpha Track glucometer). Ensure the strips are fresh and stored correctly to ensure accurate readings.

Step 3.
With the glucometer ready, gently hold your cat’s ear, using a swab or tissue to get a good grip. Select a spot along the edge of the ear where the blood vessels are visible. Use the lancet to make a quick, gentle puncture along the blood vessel. This may not sound very comforting, but the process becomes routine with practice, and your cat will likely tolerate it well.

Avoid pricking too deeply. A gentle poke along the edge of the ear is usually enough to draw the blood needed for testing.

Step 4.
After making the puncture, you may need to gently squeeze the ear to encourage a small drop of blood to form. Hold the glucometer near the droplet to absorb the blood for testing.  If you’re having trouble collecting enough blood, try massaging the ear gently to increase circulation or reapply the warm swab.

Step 5.
Once the glucometer has enough blood, it will display your cat’s blood glucose level (e.g., 3.2). Record the result and monitor for any unusual readings. Contact your vet for advice if the number seems too high or too low.

Step 6.
After taking the reading, gently press a clean swab against the puncture site to stop bleeding. Hold it until the site stops bleeding and your cat seems comfortable. Once the test is over, remember to reward your cat! Offering a tasty treat or some extra playtime helps create a positive association with the process, making future tests much more manageable.

Glucose testing for cats

Important notes

Choose the suitable strips: Be sure to use strips designed explicitly for your glucometer and cat. You can purchase these online or at a pet pharmacy.

Consult your vet: For guidance on different lancets or if you’re unsure about the procedure, contact your vet. They can also provide a demonstration and help you get comfortable with the process.

If you notice an abnormal blood glucose reading, such as numbers that are much higher or lower than expected, consult your vet right away. Managing diabetes requires close monitoring, and your vet can adjust your cat’s treatment plan as necessary.

By following these steps, you can accurately monitor your cat’s blood glucose levels, ensuring they receive the best care possible. Combined with your vet’s guidance, regular home testing will help keep your cat’s diabetes well-managed and improve their overall quality of life.

Are you worried about your cat’s health?

If you are concerned about your cat, please reach out to our friendly team. Call us on 1300 228 377 or fill out the contact form below. In an emergency, please contact your local vet.

For vets – to refer a patient or book a telehealth consultation, please call us on 1300 228 377, book through the portal or fill in the form.

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Contacting Us

Pet Owners
If you would like to talk about treatment for your cat, call us on 1300 228 377 or fill in the form.
In an emergency, please contact your local vet.

Vets and Nurses
To refer a patient or book a telehealth consultation please call us on 1300 228 377, book through the portal or fill in the form. For advice calls, please see the guidelines here.

1300 228 377
1-15 Lexington Rd,
Underwood, QLD, AU, 4119
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