It can be stressful learning that your cat has diabetes, and the thought of poking them with a needle to draw blood can seem overwhelming. The last thing you want is for your cat to be ill, and as a cat parent, you want to make sure your kitty stays as healthy as possible while living with this disease. It’s important to monitor your cat’s glucose levels, and you may need to do this daily until your kitty’s glucose levels are stabilized. Luckily, glucose meters make this process as painless as possible.
If your kitty was recently diagnosed with diabetes, you might be wondering what type of glucose meter to buy to check its glucose levels in the convenience of your own home. In this guide, we’ll look at the top 10 reviews of the best glucose meters for cats. We’ll analyze each one so you can make the best decision that suits you and your kitty’s needs.
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites of 2024
Image | Product | Details | ||
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Best Overall | AlphaTRAK Blood Glucose Starter Kit |
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Best Value | Cera-Pet Blood Glucose Monitor for Pets |
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Premium Choice | Pet Control Blood Sugar Glucose Monitor |
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iPet Pro Blood Glucose Monitor |
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Vetmate Pet Diabetes Monitoring Kit |
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The 9 Best Glucose Meters for Cats
1. AlphaTRAK Blood Glucose Monitoring System Starter Kit – Best Overall
Test Type: | Meter |
Uses: | Dogs and cats |
Number of test strips: | 50 |
Number of lancets: | 30 |
The AlphaTRAK Blood Glucose Monitoring System Starter Kit is veterinary-recommended and has everything you need conveniently packaged in one box. It’s calibrated for use with cats and dogs and provides accurate results with just a tiny blood sample, and no conversions or calculations are required. In this kit, you’ll get 50 strips, 30 lancets, a lancing device, a control solution, and a carrying case. It also contains a diary to track each test. It’s easy to set up, and you get results in seconds.
A downside is this system can be on the pricey side, and a few of the strips may not work. However, with its ease of use, easy setup, and everything you’ll need already included, this system is our choice for the best overall blood glucose meter for cats.
- Easy to use
- Use on both cats and dogs
- Includes carrying case
- Expensive
- May have a few defective strips
- Some owners state the lancets do not penetrate
2. Cera-Pet Blood Glucose Monitor for Cats and Dogs – Best Value
Test Type: | Meter |
Uses: | Cats and dogs |
Number of test strips: | 25 |
Number of lancets: | 25 |
The Cera-Pet Blood Glucose Monitor is calibrated for both cats and dogs. The meter stores up to 1,000 test results, allowing you to keep track. It only takes 5 seconds to get the results with 98.5% accuracy. It comes with a carrying case that will hold everything you need from the kit, including the meter, lancets, lancet device, test strips, and code keys. It’s lightweight, and the 3V battery is included. The lancet has five settings so you can determine which one best retrieves a blood sample. The clever design of the strips allows you to insert into the device without risk of contamination, and it’s easy to code. The lancet has a clear cap allowing you to make sure you’ve penetrated the sampling site. The results are displayed in either mg/dL or mmol/L, which is easily switchable and saves you from calculating conversions.
We should note that some users claim it gives inaccurate results.
With the ease of use, easy setup, accuracy, and quick results, this monitoring system is the best glucose meter for cats for the money.
- Easy to use
- Includes carrying case
- 5% accuracy
- Some users claim inaccurate results
3. Pet Control HQ Blood Sugar Glucose Monitor System – Premium Choice
Test Type: | Meter |
Uses: | Cats and dogs |
Number of test strips: | 50 |
Number of lancets: | 50 |
The Pet Control HQ Blood Sugar Glucose Monitor System is veterinary-approved and provides accurate results. What makes this kit 100% accurate is it uses 2 Code-Chips: one for cats, and one for dogs, along with GDH enzyme collaborating test strips stored in temperature-controlled vials. Most monitors work for both cats and dogs; however, cats and dogs have different glucose levels, and providing specific strips for your needs provides accurate results. You’ll have the results in just 10 seconds, and it comes with a logbook and carrying case. Its one-button operation allows for a quick and easy read. Additional strips for this kit can be expensive, but with the accuracy, ease of use, and the 2 Code-Chip System, this product is a premium choice.
- Vet-approved
- Accurate
- Instructions are easy to follow
- Additional strips are expensive
4. iPet Pro Blood Glucose Monitoring System
Test Type: | Meter |
Uses: | Cats and dogs |
Number of test strips: | 25 |
Number of lancets: | 30 |
The iPet Pro Blood Glucose Monitoring System has everything you need in a starter kit to monitor your kitty’s glucose levels. It comes with two AAA batteries and a case. You get results in 5 seconds, and the meter is specifically designed for a cat or a dog. It is a little more expensive than other monitoring systems, but it is easy to use and set up. Some consumers state that the lancet pen can be hard to penetrate the blood-sampling site, but others say it works well. It comes with clear instructions and requires a small amount of blood for 98% accuracy. It can also store up to 500 tests.
- Easy to use
- Requires a small blood sample
- Accurate
- More expensive than other monitor kits
- Some users state lancet pen is hard to use
5. Vetmate Dogs/Cats Diabetes Monitoring System Kit
Test Type: | Meter |
Uses: | Cats and dogs |
Number of test strips: | 10 |
Number of lancets: | 10 |
The Vetmate Dogs/Cats Diabetes Monitoring System is a starter kit that comes with the necessary tools to monitor your cat’s glucose levels. No Code-Chip is required, leaving you with one less worry over calibrating results. It also has a strip ejector that enables you to discard the strip without touching it beforehand. Results are ready in 5 seconds from a small blood sample, and the pack includes two batteries and a case. A downside is it only comes with 10 strips and ten lancets, and replacement strips are expensive. It’s also a bit more expensive than other monitors, but it comes with clear instructions, is accurate, and is easy to use.
- Accurate
- Easy to use
- No code-chip required
- More expensive than other monitors
- Expensive replacement strips
- Comes with a limited number of testing strips and lancets
6. Auvon Glucose Monitor Blood Sugar Test Kit
Test Type: | Meter |
Uses: | Cats and dogs |
Number of test strips: | 50 |
Number of lancets: | 50 |
The Auvon Glucose Monitor Blood Sugar Test Kit provides an instructional video so you can perform the test properly to get an accurate result. The video will come in handy for those that are new to monitoring their pet’s glucose levels. Recommended by veterinarians, this kit includes plenty of testing strips and lancets. The meter can store up to 500 tests. This kit comes complete with everything you need, including batteries, a pouch, a lancing device, and code chips. Some users do not like the lancets because it may be hard to get a blood sample. It does offer a 30-day money-back guarantee, as well as a lifetime warranty.
- Includes video
- Easy to use
- Lifetime warranty
- Takes practice to use lancet
7. PetTest Advocate Blood Glucose Monitoring System
Test Type: | Meter |
Uses: | Cats and dogs |
Number of test strips: | 25 |
Number of lancets: | 25 |
The PetTest Advocate Blood Glucose Monitoring System is calibrated for both cats and dogs and is a complete starter kit. It requires a small blood sample and is easy to set up. It provides accurate results in 5 seconds and comes with a carrying case. You can switch from cat to dog with just the push of a button. It includes batteries, and there’s no coding key required, which makes getting results easier. Some users complain of receiving error messages on the meter, and you have to remove the lid from the battery compartment to turn it on and off. The lancing device has to be on the highest setting to draw enough blood for the testing strip.
- No coding required
- Fast results
- Easy to use
- Poor design for turning on/off
- Some users receive error messages
- The lancing device needs adjusting to work
8. Test Buddy Pet Blood Glucose Meter Kit
Test Type: | Meter |
Uses: | Cats and dogs |
Number of test strips: | 50 |
Number of lancets: | 10 |
The Test Buddy Pet Blood Glucose Meter Kit includes everything you need to test your kitty’s glucose levels. No coding is required, and it offers Bluetooth pairing and a free app for iPhone and Android users to log and track the results. It takes ten seconds to get the results and includes a 3V battery. The meter stores up to 1000 tests, and you need only a small blood sample for a reading.
It’s not as expensive as other monitoring systems; however, some users state the results are inaccurate. The lancet device may not allow the needle enough length to penetrate the sampling site, and it comes with a limited amount of lancets.
Instructions are easy to follow, and the device is easy to use.
- Bluetooth pairing for tracking results
- Easy to use
- Stores up to 1000 tests in meter
- May not provide accurate results
- Provides only ten lancets
- The lancet may not penetrate the sampling site
9. VQPET H Veterinary Blood Glucose Monitoring System
Test Type: | Meter |
Uses: | Cats and dogs |
Number of test strips: | 10 |
Number of lancets: | 10 |
The VQPET H Veterinary Blood Glucose Monitoring System is a starter kit with no code calibration required. The memory stores up to 300 test results for tracking, and it eliminates the HCT (hematocrit) interference. One feature to note is the device checks for any damaged strips and humidity exposure that will hinder accurate results. You get quick results, and additional testing strips come in a 50 or 100 count and are cost-effective. There are not many reviews of this product yet, but we felt it was worth mentioning with the added features other meters lack. This kit comes with everything you need, along with a carrying case.
- No coding required
- Great value
- Additional features
- Fairly new product
- May provide inaccurate results
Buyer’s Guide: Selecting The Best Glucose Meter for Cats
There are important features to look for when shopping around for a glucose meter for your cat. Of course, you need to consult with your veterinarian to determine how many times a day you should check the levels. Depending on your kitty’s situation, you may need to check multiple times a day, and if that’s the case, you’ll know more of what to look for in a meter. Here are some things to consider.
Coding vs. No Coding Required
Some meters require coding strips, meaning you have to put in a specific code to calibrate the results with each new set of testing strips. It’s important to enter the correct code; otherwise, you will end up with inaccurate results. On the other hand, no coding means the meter calibrates the testing strip for you, and there’s no need to enter a code. You simply insert the testing strip, and, viola, the results show on the screen. Most meters nowadays are geared toward a no-code option, but a few still require coding.
Human Meters vs. Pet Meters: Can I Use My Glucometer On My Cat?
If you have diabetes, you’re already familiar with the features mentioned in this article. You may be wondering if you can use your own meter on your kitty because that would save time and money, right? Sadly, that’s not the case. Human meters do not provide accurate results on pets because the distribution of glucose between plasma and red blood cells is different between humans and pets. If you use a human meter on your cat, you will not get accurate results. Pet meters are designed specifically for pets, so it’s crucial to invest in the right kind of meter for your feline pal.
Final Thoughts
The AlphaTRAK Blood Glucose Monitoring System has everything you need in one box for the best overall cat glucose meter. Trusted by veterinarians, it’s easy to use and accurate. The Cera-Pet Blood Glucose Monitor is quick, accurate, and cost-effective for the best value. The Pet Control HQ Monitor System is vet-approved, accurate, and provides fast results for a premium choice.
We hope you’ve enjoyed our reviews of the top nine glucose meters for cats and we wish you good luck in your search!
See Also:Â
- Diabetic Neuropathy in Cats: 4 Signs to Look For (Vet Answer)
- Should I Euthanize My Cat With Diabetes? Vet Reviewed Facts &FAQ
Featured Image Credit: Yaya Photos, Shutterstock
- 1 A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites of 2024
- 2 The 9 Best Glucose Meters for Cats
- 2.1 1. AlphaTRAK Blood Glucose Monitoring System Starter Kit – Best Overall
- 2.2 2. Cera-Pet Blood Glucose Monitor for Cats and Dogs – Best Value
- 2.3 3. Pet Control HQ Blood Sugar Glucose Monitor System – Premium Choice
- 2.4 4. iPet Pro Blood Glucose Monitoring System
- 2.5 5. Vetmate Dogs/Cats Diabetes Monitoring System Kit
- 2.6 6. Auvon Glucose Monitor Blood Sugar Test Kit
- 2.7 7. PetTest Advocate Blood Glucose Monitoring System
- 2.8 8. Test Buddy Pet Blood Glucose Meter Kit
- 2.9 9. VQPET H Veterinary Blood Glucose Monitoring System
- 3 Buyer’s Guide: Selecting The Best Glucose Meter for Cats
- 4 Final Thoughts