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 seven 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.
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A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites of 2024
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Best Overall
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AlphaTRAK 3 Blood Glucose Diabetic Monitoring Kit |
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Best Value
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Cera-Pet Blood Glucose Monitor for Pets |
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Premium Choice
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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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CHECK PRICE |
The 7 Best Glucose Meters for Cats
1. AlphaTRAK 3 Blood Glucose Diabetic Monitoring Kit for Cats, Dogs, & Horses – Best Overall
| Test Type: | Meter |
| Uses: | Cats, dogs, and horses |
| Number of test strips: | 50 |
| Number of lancets: | 30 |
The AlphaTRAK 3 Blood Glucose Diabetic Monitoring Kit for Cats, Dogs, & Horses 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 that 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
- 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. 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
7. 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.
If you need to speak with a vet but can’t get to one, head over to PangoVet. It’s an online service where you can talk to a vet online and get the personalized advice you need for your pet — all at an affordable price!
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.
Our Glucose Meters for Cats Selection Process
Catster’s dedicated team of writers and editors collaborate with expert veterinarians, considering a wide range of factors when selecting the best glucose meters for cats. These parameters include customer reviews, brand reputation, veterinary experience, and in some cases, hands-on testing. Of course, our cats have a say in the process, too! We strive to select and review the highest-quality products available, to help you choose the best possible product and make the most informed decision for your and your cat’s needs.
Why Trust Catster?
Catster has been a trusted online brand since 2001, so we know a thing or two about glucose meters. We’re a team of cat-loving writers, editors, and veterinarians dedicated to helping you make the most informed decision for your feline. We deeply believe in providing the best information for cat owners to help their cats live their best life possible. We look at reviews from the most trusted sources available, and this, combined with our veterinary team’s experience and expertise, helps us gather the best options on the market. Our team is invested in the welfare and health of cats around the world, and believe that expert knowledge is one of the best ways to achieve this.
Final Thoughts
The AlphaTRAK 3 Blood Glucose Diabetic Monitoring Kit for Cats, Dogs, & Horses 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:
- Diabetic Neuropathy in Cats: 4 Signs to Look For (Vet Answer)
- Should I Euthanize My Cat With Diabetes? Vet Reviewed Facts &FAQ
Featured Photo Credit: Yaya Photos, Shutterstock
