Feline diabetes is more common than people realize, with some studies suggesting as many as 1 in 400 cats have the disease. Obese and older male cats have an increased risk of developing diabetes, though, just like in humans, it can affect cats of any age or breed.
While no one definite cause of feline diabetes has been diagnosed, it is believed that pancreatic disease and/or improper hormone levels, plus a genetic predisposition may cause the onset of the disease. The body is no longer able to use glucose the way it needs to. The result is the accumulation of glucose in the blood causing hyperglycemia.
Keeping a close watch on your aging cat's routine is very important. If you notice anything unusual, have it checked out by your vet. The earlier a problem is diagnosed, the better chance you and your cat have of keeping on top of it.
Feline diabetes presents much the same way as it does in humans. Things to keep a watch out for are drinking much more than normal, increased urination, eating more while sometimes still losing weight, lethargy, fur and skin changes, weakness of the hind legs and a wobbly gait. Urination outside the litter box is another one to watch out for.
If you suspect your cat has developed diabetes, it is imperative that you take it to the vet as soon as possible. Diabetes, if left untreated, can kill. It can also cause liver and kidney disease as well as blindness.
If lab tests show very high levels of sugar in your cat's urine and blood, your cat will be diagnosed with diabetes. You need to discuss the different methods of treatment with your vet and together decide how the diabetes can be best managed.
At this stage I would urge you to learn what you can about feline diabetes. Research online and at your library, read and take notes if necessary. You need to understand a problem before you can treat it properly.
Diet is crucial with any diabetic, human or feline. Your cat will need regular meals and if you are injecting insulin, you must make sure your cat eats something just before or after the injection. Your vet may also put your cat on a low protein food or specialized diabetic cat food. High protein can lead to kidney problems in diabetic cats.
Exercise is also important for cats with diabetes. Exercise helps reduce the blood glucose levels so make extra time to play with your cat, even gentle play. It is also very important to try to keep stress levels at a minimum. This includes heat and cold stress as well as mental stress. Since I was diagnosed with diabetes, I find I cannot tolerate the summer heat as easily. My sugar levels go up, and they will do for your cat as well.
I cannot stress strongly enough to monitor your cat at all times. Call your vet if you are worried about anything. It is better to err on the side of caution, although you will get better at recognizing anything that needs immediate attention as you get used to the diabetes and how your cat is tolerating the treatment.
Always be on the watch for other complications such as arthritis, the need for extra warmth in winter and coolness in summer. If possible, put an electric warmer turned on very low under your cat's bedding during winter. In summer, a fan or a cool breeze under the trees can be wonderful. Blindness is another complication of diabetes so watch to make sure your cat is not walking into furniture or other objects.
Remember that our human years are much longer than cat years and while we may think our cat is only 12 or 14, in reality they are probably in their eighties. You need to decide what constitutes an acceptable quality of life for your cat, and make decisions accordingly.
Feline diabetes doesn't have to be a death sentence for your older cat. With proper medication, care and love from you, your cat could be around for years.
Please note: This information is intended as a guide only. Do not use in place of professional advice for the identification or management of feline diabetes. If you are unsure or worried about your pet, you should take him/her to a licensed veterinarian.
While no one definite cause of feline diabetes has been diagnosed, it is believed that pancreatic disease and/or improper hormone levels, plus a genetic predisposition may cause the onset of the disease. The body is no longer able to use glucose the way it needs to. The result is the accumulation of glucose in the blood causing hyperglycemia.
Keeping a close watch on your aging cat's routine is very important. If you notice anything unusual, have it checked out by your vet. The earlier a problem is diagnosed, the better chance you and your cat have of keeping on top of it.
Feline diabetes presents much the same way as it does in humans. Things to keep a watch out for are drinking much more than normal, increased urination, eating more while sometimes still losing weight, lethargy, fur and skin changes, weakness of the hind legs and a wobbly gait. Urination outside the litter box is another one to watch out for.
If you suspect your cat has developed diabetes, it is imperative that you take it to the vet as soon as possible. Diabetes, if left untreated, can kill. It can also cause liver and kidney disease as well as blindness.
If lab tests show very high levels of sugar in your cat's urine and blood, your cat will be diagnosed with diabetes. You need to discuss the different methods of treatment with your vet and together decide how the diabetes can be best managed.
At this stage I would urge you to learn what you can about feline diabetes. Research online and at your library, read and take notes if necessary. You need to understand a problem before you can treat it properly.
Diet is crucial with any diabetic, human or feline. Your cat will need regular meals and if you are injecting insulin, you must make sure your cat eats something just before or after the injection. Your vet may also put your cat on a low protein food or specialized diabetic cat food. High protein can lead to kidney problems in diabetic cats.
Exercise is also important for cats with diabetes. Exercise helps reduce the blood glucose levels so make extra time to play with your cat, even gentle play. It is also very important to try to keep stress levels at a minimum. This includes heat and cold stress as well as mental stress. Since I was diagnosed with diabetes, I find I cannot tolerate the summer heat as easily. My sugar levels go up, and they will do for your cat as well.
I cannot stress strongly enough to monitor your cat at all times. Call your vet if you are worried about anything. It is better to err on the side of caution, although you will get better at recognizing anything that needs immediate attention as you get used to the diabetes and how your cat is tolerating the treatment.
Always be on the watch for other complications such as arthritis, the need for extra warmth in winter and coolness in summer. If possible, put an electric warmer turned on very low under your cat's bedding during winter. In summer, a fan or a cool breeze under the trees can be wonderful. Blindness is another complication of diabetes so watch to make sure your cat is not walking into furniture or other objects.
Remember that our human years are much longer than cat years and while we may think our cat is only 12 or 14, in reality they are probably in their eighties. You need to decide what constitutes an acceptable quality of life for your cat, and make decisions accordingly.
Feline diabetes doesn't have to be a death sentence for your older cat. With proper medication, care and love from you, your cat could be around for years.
Please note: This information is intended as a guide only. Do not use in place of professional advice for the identification or management of feline diabetes. If you are unsure or worried about your pet, you should take him/her to a licensed veterinarian.
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