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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.
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.
“Regular monitoring helps ensure blood sugar levels remain within a safe range.”
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.
Meet The Author
Dr Rachel Korman
Specialist in Feline Internal Medicine
BVSc MANZCVS (Internal Medicine) FANZCVS (Feline Medicine)
Dr. Korman’s childhood love for cats led her to veterinary medicine, and early on, it was clear that feline care was her calling. After graduating from the University of Queensland in 2000, she worked in small animal and feline-only practices across Australia and the UK.
She received a Senior Clinical Training Scholarship from the Feline Advisory Bureau (now International Cat Care) at the University of Bristol, where she researched feline infectious and haematological diseases, and in 2018, became a Fellow of the Feline Medicine Chapter of the Australian New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists and a registered Feline Medicine specialist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why monitor blood glucose at home in cats?
Home monitoring provides regular information about a cat’s blood sugar levels. This helps ensure treatment such as insulin is working effectively.
How is ear-tip blood glucose testing performed?
A small lancet is used to prick the ear tip and obtain a drop of blood. The droplet is placed on a glucometer test strip to measure glucose levels.
Why should the ear be warmed before testing?
Applying a warm swab to the ear helps bring blood vessels closer to the surface. This makes it easier to collect a small blood sample.
What equipment is needed for ear-tip testing?
Common equipment includes a glucometer, test strips, a lancet and warm swabs. Treats can also help create a positive experience for your cat.
How do I track glucose readings over time?
Recording each reading helps identify patterns and changes in blood sugar levels. This information can be shared with your veterinarian during diabetes management.
Patient Stories
Our commitment to feline health is best seen in the stories of the cats we’ve had the privilege of treating. These journeys highlight the dedication, expertise and compassion that drive us.
Each patient faced unique challenges, and it was our honour to offer high-quality care and help them regain strength and happiness. We value the deep bonds with cats and their owners, knowing the difference we make in their lives.
Kitty, a lymphoma survivor
We first met Kitty after she was referred to CSS for the evaluation of a large intestinal mass
Poppi finds her feet again
Following surgery to remove a hairball obstruction, Poppi was referred to us at CSS as she had not bounced back as expected
Rusty and his ongoing chronic rhinitis journey
Lifelong nasal issues, including persistent discharge and breathing noise, have been a bit of a thorn in Rusty’s side.
Lando’s long game with cryptococcus
Lando was referred to CSS because he had a swelling under his jaw that wouldn’t go away.
Popeye coughs up the culprit
Ares is a handsome young Maine Coon who was referred to CSS after presenting at AES with sudden lameness in his back leg.
Key Takeaways
Monitoring blood glucose at home can help manage feline diabetes.
Ear-tip blood sampling is a commonly used technique for obtaining glucose readings.
Recording results helps track glucose trends and share information with your veterinarian.
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Tanya Bell
6 months ago
We transported our cat here from another animal hospital, as his condition was too complex for them. Our pet was given the highest quality of care, multiple investigations/procedures being able to be done at the one place a godsend. We were kept up to date frequently throughout his stay. All questions & options explained thoroughly. Being able to have private visits certainly helped us and our cat too. I would highly recommend Cat Specialist Services at Underwood. Amazing staff from reception, vet nurses, vets & specialists. Oh, and yes he is recovering wonderfully at home.
Melinda Cox
A month ago
So very happy we were asked to come here for advice for our NORBIT. He has had 2 x UTI blockages within weeks of each other since turning 6. Surgery seemed to be his only option and he didn’t feel it was very fair on him if we didn’t at least exhaust all other avenues first.
Dr Allison was very thorough in her tests and has let us know she would like to treat the cause of the problem. Great news.
It may lead to removal of crystals in his bladder if his diet doesn’t let him pass them naturally.
At least this surgery won’t be as severe at taking his penis off him – so as his fur parents – we are very happy with this.
We await further tests to see what’s in store for him.
NORBIT will now be a patient of the clinic as we are so far very happy with his treatment thus far.
Lesley Rosekrans
A month ago
Hi has only been a week since losing my beautiful Peaches but can’t thank Dr Cindy, Maree and Jackie enough for the tender care they gave her and they after care they gave me. I sincerely thank them and can’t recommend the Clinic highly enough they are such caring people. Peaches I’m happier times.
Madison McEwan
A month ago
I cannot thank the entire CSS team enough and especially Dr Cindy for the care they provided for our boy with a urinary blockage, and we will be taking both our cats here from now on. The clinic is exceptionally clean and calming compared to all other clinics we’ve been too, and all staff from the reception to the nurses/vets were so supportive during a stressful time. I knew from the first minute that I got to see him after he was transferred that he was in the best place, and that the staff genuinely care about their well-being and positive long term outcomes. We were given regular updates and full transparency, so much information including QR video codes on how to administer medications, along with print outs and emails about how to best help avoid future issues or recurrence. Our boy got to smooch on everyone and was beyond well looked after. Thank you again, you all made an incredibly stressful situation actually manageable and calming.
Astrid El Gamal
6 months ago
Dr Wan-Ju has been treating my baby since her first seizure in November 2025 and she has been fantastic.
Everybody at the clinic is so friendly and caring and I know my baby is in good hands.
Thank you team!
Deeba M
3 months ago
Dr Alison Jukes from CSS Underwood is an AMAZING feline physician. She is kind, professional, thorough and our cat is blessed to have her on his side. She even was able to save us money and invasiveness by being skilled to the level of doing ultrasound on two separate occasions without our cat needing to go under full sedation. Our other cat was recently seen by Dr Jukes as well, and she made sure our cat’s heart was ok. I also want to thank the lovely Jacqueline and Mairead from customer care. They are very kind each time I see them and call up. Sending thanks from our family, including Smokey and Floozy!
Judith Dionysius
A month ago
My whole experience with CSS was positive – from the first email I received giving lots of information regarding the process of radioactive iodine treatment to the expected costs, to checking my cat in for the treatment, boarding for 2 weeks after the treatment and picking her up to come home. They didn’t push for any tests that were not necessary.
Janelle Wieden
5 months ago
We never knew this service existed but we are very grateful we were referred to them. Our vet Cindy was really great, she made us feel at ease during a very stressful time. We got the sense straight away the Leo was in good hands. This service made us feel better knowing that they specialise is cats only. Would highly recommend their services
Georgia Carter
5 months ago
My Lani finished her I-131 treatment today and I am beyond impressed with the way she was looked after. I am by definition a neurotic pet owner and sending my fur child away for a week was seriously daunting.
I was given daily updates about how kitty was eating, toileting and behaving. This really put my mind at ease. Vets and vet nurses were so accomodating and allowed Lani to have her favourite foods from home prepared her favourite way.
Her vet was so thorough when explaining her treatment and condition to me.
The ladies at reception were so friendly and understanding.
I honestly cannot recommend this clinic enough and I am so thankful for the positive experience Lani and I have had.
Lauren Woodward
A year ago
My sweet ginger boy Louis was hospitalised at CSS for a Urinary Obstruction. Dr Cindy and all the reception staff were amazing and empathetic. I would often ring up with questions post procedure and Dr Cindy would make time to talk and explain things to me
Service Locations
Cat Specialists accepts referrals for cats across Brisbane and surrounding regions, working closely with local veterinary clinics to provide specialist diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing management.
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.
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