Diabetes in Cats - Feline Diabetes Symptoms, Diet, & Treatment

Diabetes mellitus, sugar diabetes is a complex and common disease. The feline diabetes is affecting the cats in an alarming rate. The feline diabetes mellitus is incapable to produce insulin towards balancing blood sugar or glucose levels. If it is not treated timely, it leads to weight loss, loss of appetite, vomiting, dehydration, severe depression, and functional complications, and it leads to coma and death. The disease affects one in four hundred cats. Symptoms are similar to humans. The disease occurrence rate of cats is less than dogs.



The symptoms of feline diabetes are -



1. Excessive thirst is the first feline diabetes symptom
2. Intensified appetite or least appetite
3. Increased urination
4. Commencement of the disease within a few weeks
5. Weaker back legs
6. Peripheral neuropathy
7. Glucose in the urine, showing by keto or glucose strips, ketones in the urine showing an emergency by strip
8. Apparent fragility
9. Thickening skin
10. Acute symptoms of lethargy
11. Limpness
12. Acetone-smelling breath



The diets of feline diabetes are given below -



The diet of feline diabetes can be based on two assumptions. It is a high protein along with low carbohydrate diet, or it can be a diet of high carbohydrate, low fat with high fiber.



These both diets are designed to lower weight, and to control blood sugar levels. The responsiveness of each cat is to be different based on application of diet plan.



Protein and fats replace the low-carb diet. If the cats suffer from kidney, liver or bowel diseases, the higher-protein diet would not be suitable. Considering the health condition of cats, you choose the diet. The canned foods for cat, Purina DM can be in this category.



It can be high-carb, high-fiber. The added soluble fiber, psyllium reduces the intensification of conversion rates for starch to glucose, and it helps the glucose levels control. Not for gaining weight, it is for the losing weight. The foods in these categories are Hill's W/D, Hills R/D and Purina OM. Determine the best diet. You monitor the signs of high blood sugar, excessive thirst or urination, and check ketones with strips.



The treatment of feline diabetes are given below



Eighty to ninety five Feline diabetes affected cats are similar to type 2 diabetes. Symptoms are diagnosed. Studies reveal these cats are severely insulin dependent. The prompt effective treatment can perhaps cure cats of type 2 diabetes.



However, it increases the weakness of the legs, malnutrition, ketoacidosis, dehydration and death of the cats. The treatment contains insulin injections once or twice daily, diet and oral medication. Initially, the veterinarian is to check and recheck the symptoms, signs and prepare the treatment schedule. The veterinarian is to select the dose of insulin. Excessive insulin can cause the death of cats.



To sum up, the basic remedies in this instance can be -



1. Insulin therapy
2. Oral medication in place of insulin
3. Test of blood and urine tests
4. Physical examinations
5. Behavioral signals establishing insulin therapy

How Do You Know If Your Cat Has Feline Diabetes?

Cats are a favorite pet to many Americans across the United States. They are wonderful companions and are capable of giving unconditional love to their owners. As with many other types of pets, cats are not immune to sickness. There are many illnesses that a cat can contract but one of the most deadly diseases for a cat is said to be feline diabetes although if diagnosed early, can be treatable by your veterinarian. Your cat could still live a long and active life even with the diagnosis of feline diabetes.



When you think of diabetes, you think of the human disease that so many people are being diagnosed with today. There's really only one cause for diabetes medically and that is too much sugar or glucose is produced in the blood and the body, specifically in the pancreas, is unable to produce enough insulin to counteract the effect. Just like people, a cat with a very high amount of sugar in their blood will need to help the pancreas secrete more insulin by supplementing it with injectable insulin as often as needed.



Maybe you have a cat and are not sure what to look for if you suspect he has diabetes. The symptoms will vary but one of the most common symptoms is an increase in their water intake. If you see your cat reaching out for the water bowl more frequently, you may want to watch him a little closer. Something else to watch for is a decrease in his appetite thus resulting in noticeable and rapid weight loss. His coat may become dry and you may notice bare patches in some areas. He will begin to look disheveled and unhealthy.



Without treatment, your kitty cat will slowly deteriorate. He will become less active and possible begin vomiting on a regular basis. Eventually, he could lapse into a coma and die. Luckily, because of the newest in technology today in the world veterinary medicine, you will never have to watch your precious side-kick suffer like that. This disease is highly treatable and if you want to keep your buddy around, you will need to step up to the plate and decide to commit to his health. It will take dedication and time on your part to check his blood sugar and administer insulin just like you would for yourself or anyone else you love and care for.



Routine is key for the treatment of feline diabetes. You must keep his blood sugar stable throughout the day and one of the ways to do that is to feed him the same times every day. If your kitty is an outdoor cat, you may need to reconsider this as diabetes is much harder to treat and control when they are able to roam the neighborhood. If he stays indoors, you have a much better opportunity to monitor his treatment. Some cats require 2 to 3 insulin injections a day so having to find him and call him in may become a daunting task. Your veterinarian will be able to suggest the proper dosage of insulin for your cat once he is diagnosed and a treatment plan has been put into place.



Prior to giving your cat his dose of insulin, it's important that he has eaten first. Without food in his system, an increase of insulin could shock his system and send him into hypoglycemic distress. This condition could become fatal without immediate care so don't ever leave your cat alone after injecting with insulin until you know he has tolerated it well.



Your cat can live a long and healthy life even when diagnosed with feline diabetes. If you get him proper medical attention and keep him on his treatment plan, your best buddy will be there for you to provide you with an abundance of unconditional love just as you do for him. Don't let this disease take him too soon when there are treatment plans out there to maintain his health and quality of life.

Diabetes in Cats - Feline Diabetes Symptoms, Diet, & Treatment

Diabetes mellitus, sugar diabetes is a complex and common disease. The feline diabetes is affecting the cats in an alarming rate. The feline diabetes mellitus is incapable to produce insulin towards balancing blood sugar or glucose levels. If it is not treated timely, it leads to weight loss, loss of appetite, vomiting, dehydration, severe depression, and functional complications, and it leads to coma and death. The disease affects one in four hundred cats. Symptoms are similar to humans. The disease occurrence rate of cats is less than dogs.



The symptoms of feline diabetes are -



1. Excessive thirst is the first feline diabetes symptom
2. Intensified appetite or least appetite
3. Increased urination
4. Commencement of the disease within a few weeks
5. Weaker back legs
6. Peripheral neuropathy
7. Glucose in the urine, showing by keto or glucose strips, ketones in the urine showing an emergency by strip
8. Apparent fragility
9. Thickening skin
10. Acute symptoms of lethargy
11. Limpness
12. Acetone-smelling breath



The diets of feline diabetes are given below -



The diet of feline diabetes can be based on two assumptions. It is a high protein along with low carbohydrate diet, or it can be a diet of high carbohydrate, low fat with high fiber.



These both diets are designed to lower weight, and to control blood sugar levels. The responsiveness of each cat is to be different based on application of diet plan.



Protein and fats replace the low-carb diet. If the cats suffer from kidney, liver or bowel diseases, the higher-protein diet would not be suitable. Considering the health condition of cats, you choose the diet. The canned foods for cat, Purina DM can be in this category.



It can be high-carb, high-fiber. The added soluble fiber, psyllium reduces the intensification of conversion rates for starch to glucose, and it helps the glucose levels control. Not for gaining weight, it is for the losing weight. The foods in these categories are Hill's W/D, Hills R/D and Purina OM. Determine the best diet. You monitor the signs of high blood sugar, excessive thirst or urination, and check ketones with strips.



The treatment of feline diabetes are given below



Eighty to ninety five Feline diabetes affected cats are similar to type 2 diabetes. Symptoms are diagnosed. Studies reveal these cats are severely insulin dependent. The prompt effective treatment can perhaps cure cats of type 2 diabetes.



However, it increases the weakness of the legs, malnutrition, ketoacidosis, dehydration and death of the cats. The treatment contains insulin injections once or twice daily, diet and oral medication. Initially, the veterinarian is to check and recheck the symptoms, signs and prepare the treatment schedule. The veterinarian is to select the dose of insulin. Excessive insulin can cause the death of cats.



To sum up, the basic remedies in this instance can be -



1. Insulin therapy
2. Oral medication in place of insulin
3. Test of blood and urine tests
4. Physical examinations
5. Behavioral signals establishing insulin therapy

7 Ways to Know Your Cat is Having Feline Urinary Problems

Tell me, does this sound like your cat? Is he frequently urinating, grooming his genitals, and urinating in inappropriate places? These are signs of feline urinary problems and you need to take your cat to the veterinarian immediately for diagnosis and treatment. Here are 7 ways to know if your cat is having urinary problems so you can seek treatment before it is too late.



1. Is your cat whinier than usual? If your cat is crying often, this could be a sign that he is in pain. Often feline urinary tract infections are difficult to detect because cats have a high tolerance to pain but if your cat is whining more than usual and you notice other signs of infection, take your cat to the veterinarian.



2. The first sign of feline urinary problems is a change in normal urination patterns. If your cat is urinating more or less than usual, it could be a sign of a problem.



3. Has your cat stopped urinating altogether? If so, get to the vet immediately because a complete blockage can be fatal if not treated in time.



4. If your cat is constantly dripping urine, it could be a sign of a urinary tract infection. Feline urinary tract infections cause frequent urination and incontinence.



5. If there is blood in your cat's urine, he is most like suffering from feline urinary problems and needs to be taken to the vet immediately.



6. If your cat is grooming his genitals more frequently than usual, it could be a sign of urinary tract infection, especially if it is accompanied by crying.



7. If your cat is urinating outside of his litter box in inappropriate places, feline urinary tract infections are most likely the cause. Your cat is probably urinating outside of his litter box because he associates the pain accompanying urination with the litter box.



Do yourself and your cat a favor by keeping these signs of feline urinary problems in mind. Quick diagnosis and treatment are important in order to keep your cat out of harm's way. Better yet, preventive treatment through the use of homeopathic remedies and implementation of lifestyle change are the most beneficial ways to keep urinary tract infections at bay. If you spot the infections early enough, you can take care of them at home and won't ever even have to go to a vet. After all, prevention is the best medicine and homeopathic treatment can maintain your cat's bladder health as well as combat infection. The ultimate goal is permanent recovery and it can be achieved most effectively with lifestyle change and homeopathic treatment.

Feline Arthritis Symptoms - Help For Cat Hip and Joint Pain

Feline arthritis symptoms like limping up stairs or refusing to jump up on the couch without your help are painful to accept. Knowing that you cat hurts is something you want to fix. Here's some tips on how to help him.



Arthritis is not a friendly disease and it's one of the more common ones that hit middle to older aged cats. Feline arthritis symptoms develop in many of the same places humans deal with the disease, which is wherever there are joints - elbows, knees and hips.



There isn't a cure for arthritis in cats. You can, however do a lot to help your buddy live comfortably, even pain-free for the rest of its life. But the faster the symptoms are noticed, the sooner the arthritis can be treated.



This is why it's important to be aware of your cat and know its regular routine. The speed with which you're able to pick up on feline arthritis symptoms will only help you in the long run. While some of the signs are more gradual and can be the cause of something else, it's good to get them checked out or at least mentioned when your cat has its regular veterinarian visit.



One symptom that may be noticed before others is limited motion. When a cat has developed painful joints, he might suddenly start doing things a little differently. For one, he might totally avoid the stairs or start taking short hops so there's less stress on its joints. He will most likely move slower than normal, or it won't be as quick to jump up to its scratching post or favorite place to watch the activity of the day.



Limping might become more noticeable on a gradual level, unless you know your pet well enough to notice every detail. It will be worse in the morning or right after the cat has been napping. The limp will decrease as the day goes on, as activity helps stiff joints. It is sometimes more noticeable during cold and damp weather.



The other feline arthritis symptoms tend to relate to moods. It's probably because of the cat's inability to do the many things it was accustomed to. A cat's mood will normally change if it isn't feeling well or it's in pain. This means if a cat is struggling with arthritis, it's not uncommon for it to become depressed or irritable. It may also not want to be touched, because the brushing or petting hurts it.



If nothing is done about your cat's arthritis, then your cat is only going to become more and more lethargic and moody. He's going to sleep more than normal. There may even be an appetite decrease because depression has set in or because it isn't moving around as much. The reason is everything is painful and every movement hurts.

Caring For Older Cats - Feline Diabetes

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.

Blindness in Cats - Five Common Causes of Feline Blindness

Cats naturally have superior vision. However, there are various conditions that can cause blindness in cats. Some of these conditions include hypertension, glaucoma, and cancer. Let's take a look at some of these causes of feline blindness.



Hypertension



Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is one of the leading causes of blindness in cats. If left untreated, the pressure can cause the retina to rupture. This can occur in just a matter of days. Cats that have kidney disease, diabetes, or hyperthyroidism have the highest risk of developing hypertension.



An early sign that your cat is suffering from high blood pressure is the presence of dilated pupils. The pupils won't respond to a change in light, and there also may be blood in your cat's eye. Hypertension is dealt with by treating the underlying cause. Your cat may also need to start eating foods low in sodium.



Glaucoma



One of the next common causes of feline blindness is glaucoma. Glaucoma is a condition in which there is too much pressure within the eye. It is also a common problem for humans. If your cat is diagnosed in the early stages, the pressure may be reduced via medications. If it has already progressed, your cat may need surgery to correct the problem.



Cancer



Another cause of blindness in cats is cancer. Tumors can grow in or around the eye. In most cases, the eye will need to be surgically removed. However, it is usually replaced with a prosthetic eye to give a more natural look.



Atrophy



Progressive retinal atrophy is an untreatable condition that leads to feline blindness. Most cats suffer from this condition because they inherited it. The disease progresses slowly over time, but will lead to total blindness.



Kidney Disease



One of the final common causes is kidney disease. It is common for older cats to suffer problems like chronic renal failure as they age. Unfortunately, chronic renal failure leads to hypertension. As stated earlier, hypertension can easily cause sudden blindness in cats if the retina ruptures.

How To Know If Your Cat Has Feline Diabetes And How To Treat It

Cats are beautiful, affectionate animals that bring a lot of love and joy into your home. They are much more independent than dogs, but that does not stop them from showing how much they care about you.



They'll twine around your legs or rub their face against you while you're preparing food, just to let you know they are there. They'll hop into your lap while you watch television or amuse you by chasing and batting around a catnip toy that you give them to play with.



Just like all pets, cats need to be watched for signs of illness, such as feline diabetes. This disease is just as dangerous for cats as it is for humans and if left untreated, could become deadly.



The pancreas not secreting the natural insulin that the body needs to control blood sugar causes diabetes. Uncontrolled blood sugar will then build up in the blood stream and can cause serious effects such as stroke. It also lowers the immune system and desensitizes the extremities. When your cat hurts its paw, it will be reflected by the way it walks. The combination of the side effects can make your pet unable to feel when they have cuts that need to be treated. By not giving signs of pain, you won't realize that the cat needs to be treated and infection can occur.



There are signs that may indicate that your cat has contracted diabetes, such as constantly drinking water. Diabetes causes extreme thirst and your cat may be drinking tons of water in an effort to satisfy it. Another sign is a decrease in weight as well as its fur losing its luster. Your veterinarian will be able to determine if the cause of these symptoms is feline diabetes.



The good news is that this illness can be successfully treated with insulin shots and a structured diet. Care must be taken that the shot never be given prior to the cat's meal. This could result in too much insulin in the blood stream and cause a stroke. Even if you feed your cat before administering the shot, you must still watch it closely, since the prescribed dosage may need adjusting. If you notice that your cat is vomiting and has a low amount of energy, return to the vet because the dosage may not be high enough.



Treating your cat for diabetes will help it to lead a longer life, with less threat for the serious side effects that the disease can cause. If your cat has this disease, keep it inside where there is less chance of injury. Give your cat lots of affection since having to get needles can be traumatizing and be sure to follow the eating plan that your vet prescribes. This way, not only are you helping your cat to live a long and healthy life, you are ensuring that it will continue to twine around your legs and love you for years to come.

The Truth About Feline Seizures

Feline seizures are usually a symptom of an underlying disease. If a disease can't be definitively diagnosed, then your cat is said to have epilepsy. These seizures can be life-threatening if they last too long, usually over five minutes.



Causes



Most cats suffer from seizures due to a condition other than epilepsy. Two of the main causes include cancerous tumors and ingestion of toxic chemicals. There are also certain diseases that can make your cat start having seizures. Three of the most common include feline infectious peritonitis, leukemia virus, and immunodeficiency virus.



Diagnosis



In order to determine the cause of feline seizures, your veterinarian will first have to do a complete neurological and physical examination. A blood test can also determine if your cat has one of the diseases mentioned above that can cause seizures. If a cause can't be determined from these tests, then advanced tests such as an MRI or spinal tap may be done. You should be aware that diagnosing the cause of your cat's seizures may prove to be very expensive.



Treatment



If the veterinarian can determine a specific disease to blame, then he will attempt to treat it. This will usually be enough to prevent your cat from having more episodes. However, if an underlying disease can't be diagnosed, or your cat has epilepsy, then the veterinarian may prescribe your cat an anti-convulsant medication.



Warning



If your cat suffers feline seizures, there are a few things you should know. There is nothing you can do to stop a seizure once it starts. Don't try to shake or knock your cat to stop it. Unlike us, cats won't swallow their tongues during an episode. Therefore, you should never place your hand in your cat's mouth because you may get severely bitten. Also, you should try to determine how long the seizure lasts. If it lasts more than five minutes, you should seek medical treatment immediately.

Feline Diseases That All New Cat Owners Should Know About

Cat health problems can either be hereditary or brought about by other infections. In either case, your ability to care for your pet will depend on how much you are informed about these ailments, their causes and possible treatments. This article examines some common health problems usually found in cats.



Genetic Feline Diseases



There are some health problems observed in cats that are hereditary and knowing what these are will better equip you to cater to your pet's need should it be affected. Let's take a look at three of them.



- Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: This heart condition is one of the most common genetic diseases that cats can get affected with. In this case, the left vertical heart tissues become thickened.



- Diabetes: This is a health disorder where both gene and environmental changes can be termed as culprits. However, your cat can be cured with proper medical attention and treatment.



- Polydactyly: This is another genetic disorder observed in cats where the cat may have more than eighteen toes.



Common Feline Diseases



Common cat health problems can range from flu and allergies to skin rashes and more. Here are some common ailments that may plague your pet:



- Hairballs: This is one of the most common feline diseases that is observed. A cat often grooms itself and in the process, swallows lots of hair. These hair forms a round or sausage shaped growth in the stomach which the cat vomits out later.



- Cat Flu: When the upper respiratory tract gets infected by a virus, you kitty might get the cat flu. This is a common infection and you should be able to cure it easily with proper medical care.



- FIV: This is AIDS in cats. When a cat is infected with FIV, it may not show any symptoms of its own. However, since this virus affects the immune system, your cat may succumb to FIV infection in the case where it already has some other chronic health disorders.



- Feline Stress: It's a fact that cats are often easily affected by stress and other related health disorders. Stress related health troubles in cats include loss of appetite, shaking, spraying, sudden behavioral changes and more.



Treating cat health problems is part and parcel of caring for your kitty. Should you observe unusual behavior in your cat, it's important to stay calm and try to consult a vet to get your feline friend treated as soon as possible.

Feline Diabetes - Symptoms and Treatment of Feline Diabetes

People know all too well the dangerous of eating food that is high in fats and sugars. This often leads to diabetes, which will then increase the chances of the patient suffering from high blood pressure and heart disease. The same thing can also happen with cats and it called feline diabetes.



Feline diabetes unlike some other illnesses may happen at any age. There are three types. The type 1 happens when the cat is unable to produce the right amount of insulin. Type 2 occurs when the body becomes resistant to it. The third is due to the side effects of the drugs that are given to treat either of the two.



Indications that a cat may have feline diabetes includes abnormal breathing, dehydration, loss of appetite and a messed up coat. This is because cats normally clean up and groom without any help, which is never seen with dogs. Veterinarians will be able to confirm this assumption after getting a blood and urine sample to check on the sugar levels.



There are 5 ways to treat feline diabetes. These include a change in the diet, insulin injections, medication, food supplements and monitoring the sugar and insulin levels.



Ideally, this should be food that is low in carbohydrates. The only time that the other four mentioned are used is when this problem has been going on for many years and a change in lifestyle will not show any significant improvements.



The most challenging of the four mentioned is administering insulin into the cat. Before leaving the clinic, the doctor will teach the owner how to do it since the wrong way of doing it could injure the pet.



There are different ways of doing this. A confident owner will hold the cat in one hand with the syringe in the other. Those who are frightful will need the help of another individual to make sure it stays still. Some give the cat a treat for behaving the entire time this is being injected.



There is no standard insulin dosage. The owner will have to go to the clinic regularly during the first month to determine how much should be given and how often. This may change later on so the cat will have to be examined again after 6 months.



Medication and supplements can be done orally or mixed with the cat's diet. Placing strips in the litter box can obtain urine samples to check on the insulin and sugar levels. This is much better than sticking a needle into the cat once a week. Some have even written down the food intake in a diary so this can also be checked by the doctor.



The one thing that separates this illness between humans and cats is the fact that surgery is not considered to be an option. This is expensive and the process of looking for a donor is very difficult.



There is no cure for feline diabetes. The best doctors and owners can do is control it using the different methods currently available. This should also continue even if things are normal because changes in the diet may once again put the cat at risk.

Feline Diabetes Symptoms

Feline diabetes is also commonly known as feline sugar diabetes and affects approximately 1 out of every 400 felines. This condition is caused by inadequate production of insulin by the beta cells in the pancreas or poor response of the cells to insulin. As you may know, insulin is secreted by the pancreas directly into the circulation. It acts upon cell membranes, enabling glucose to enter the cells, where it is utilized for energy. Without insulin, the body can't utilize glucose, thus leading to hyperglycemia (high blood sugar).



Once excessive blood sugar is recognized the kidneys slam into high gear to eliminate the excess glucose; producing frequent urination. This leads to excessive thirst in felines with diabetes. Additionally, your feline will initially make an attempt to offset excessive blood glucose levels by eating more food. Later, as the damaging effects of feline diabetes set in a dramatic drop in appetite will occur.  



In summary, the early stages of feline diabetes are:  



* Frequent urination
* Excessive water consumption 
* Increase in appetite followed by a drop in appetite  



If left untreated or if treatment is unsuccessful a myriad of symptoms (some serious) will become apparent.



These would include:  
* Bad breath
* Loss of appetite
* Vomiting
* Weakness
* Dehydration
* Labored breathing
* Fatigue  



You may have noticed that cataracts are not listed above. This is because unlike dogs cats rarely develop cataracts. Also, another indication of feline diabetes is walking down on the hocks instead of up on the toes.  



In summary, early recognition of feline diabetes (feline sugar diabetes) is very important. If you fell your feline may be exhibiting symptoms you should waste no time in having it checked out. Your veterinarian will likely require a blood and urine sample to confirm your suspicions. Once confirmed you will be faced with a number of treatment options including dietary management, prescription medications, insulin injections, or natural treatment alternatives. A combination of diet modification combined with daily insulin injections is the treatment option most likely to be suggested. For mild cases many pet owners are opting for a natural treatment option for feline diabetes. These all natural formulas can be used both as a primary or supplemental treatment and are very safe.

Three Common Feline Skin Diseases

Feline skin diseases are some of the most common health problems that can affect your cat. The condition of your cat's skin and coat of hair is an important indicator of your cat's overall health, so it's important to be aware of it. Let's take a look at a few common feline skin diseases.



Acne



One of the most common feline skin diseases is acne. The most noticeable symptom of this condition is the formation of blackheads on your cat's chin. Although an exact cause is known, dermatitis, food allergies, and poor grooming can play a role. The veterinarian may not choose to treat feline acne is the case is mild enough.



If treatment of the acne is necessary, it usually comes in three forms. Your may have to bath your cat in a special shampoo that helps get rid of excess oil on your cat's skin. You may also have the option of using an antibiotic twice a day to get rid of the condition. If your cat is experiencing excessive inflammation, the veterinarian may choose to use corticosteroids.



Ringworm



Ringworm is also one of the most common feline skin diseases. This skin fungus frequently affects young, old, and long-haired cats although any cat can be affected. Symptoms include crusting, redness on the skin, and scaling. Some cats react to the fungus by over-grooming themselves which can cause hair loss. Treatment methods of ringworm include oral medication, shampoo, or clipping the cat's coat. You may also need to get rid of the fungus in the surrounding environment.



Cheyletiella Dermatitis



One of the last common feline skin diseases is Cheyletiella Dermatitis. This condition is caused by parasitic mites that can also be transmitted to humans. Your cat will likely experience various symptoms such as redness of the skin, small swelling spots, and dandruff. You may also notice large numbers of the white mites moving around on the surface of your cat's skin. Treatment for Cheyletiella Dermatitis includes dips in pyrethrin, lime sulfur, or selenium sulphide based shampoos. You will also need to get rid of the mites in the environment through spraying and vacuuming.



These are some of the most common feline skin diseases that can affect your cat. You should always pay attention to your cat's hair and skin as they can indicate how healthy your cat is.

Feline Diabetes

Even cats are not spared from the dangers of diabetes. Feline diabetes is a complex yet common disorder in cats caused by insufficient insulin production or the cat?s inability to respond to insulin. Feline diabetes is very similar to diabetes and how it affects humans, disabling the body fron using blood sugar properly and resulting in high blood sugar levels. Diabetic cats are also observed to have sugar in their urine and are likely to urinate excessively and thirst more than cats without diabetes. Diabetic cats also lose weight because of their body?s inability to produce or use insulin, despite having good appetite. Feline diabetes may eventually lead to more threatening problems such as vomiting, appetite loss, weakness, and dehydration and should serve as a cause for alarm to their owners.



Diabetic Cat Types



Feline diabetes may affect cats of any breed, sex, or age. It often occurs in older, obese cats. Male cats are also more likely to have feline diabetes than female cats. Although the exact cause of feline diabetes is not yet known, factors such as genetic predisposition, obesity, hormonal imbalances, and pancreatic disorders are looked into as possible causes of feline diabetes.



Signs of Feline Diabetes



In the early stages of feline diabetes, cats may exhibit few signs of the disease and may seem healthy and active. Weight loss despite increased appetite, excessive urination, and extreme thirst are the basic signs commonly related with feline diabetes. As the disease progresses, poor skin conditions and unhealthy hair become apparent. Liver diseases and bacterial infections soon follow, becoming more and more common. Ketocidoses, a dangerous condition, if untreated, may also develop in some cats. Appetite loss, vomiting, diarrhea and dehydration, lethargy, and weakness are some of the signs related to ketoacidosis.



Treating Feline Diabetes



The treatment of feline diabetes depends on the severity of the disorder. Insulin or oral medications may be given in proper doses to diabetic, but otherwise healthy, cats. Diabetic cats with ketoacidosis may require fluid therapy for hydration aside from insulin treatments. A healthy diet consisting of high fiber and high complex carbohydrates will also do diabetic cats well.

Cat Constipation - Just One of the Top 5 Symptoms of Feline Kidney Disease

Unless you have Superman's xray vision, it is unlikely that you've recently had a peek at your cat's kidneys. So how do you know if your feline friend has problems with those organs? A variety of diseases of the kidneys are called "Chronic Renal Failure (CRF) and are particularly common among older felines. Fortunately, you can keep an eye out for some telltale signs that your pet is suffering from feline kidney disease.



1.Anemia



When your cat's kidneys start failing, they are unable to create enough "erythropoietin," causing a certain type of anemia to occur. The animal typically experiences a variety of symptoms, including:



* licking of the lips



* faster heart rate



* loss of appetite



* weakness in the hind legs



* heavy breathing



* lethargy



* nausea



* cold feeling



* pale eyelids or nose



All of these signs are indicators that your cat could be suffering from anemia stemming from feline kidney disease.



2. Increase in drinking and urinating



This is the most observable symptom when your cat has one of the kidney diseases. The increase in drinking and urinating results from the organ's being unable to cluster the urine. So if you observe your animal with this symptom of CRF, then immediately schedule an appointment with your veterinarian.



3. Constipation



It's natural for your feline's bodies to attempt to save water by absorbing it from its stool. However, this practice becomes a problem when feline kidney disease is present, as dehydration is already a problem. Constipation occurs due to the lack of moisture. Your cat may be eating less; or even vomiting before, during, or right after having a stool. Also, defecating beside the litter tray is another symptom of constipation.



4. Incontinence



Basically, this means that your cat cannot control when it urinates. For instance, your cat may do it whenever it walks, lies, or sleeps. This could be a sign of uncontrolled diabetes, urinary tract infection, or that major renal damage has occurred.



5. Urinary Tract Infection



This is common because the feline's urine does not contain the proper levels of "good" bacteria and acidity. If you observed a little blood is in his urine, then its likely your little friend uses the litter pan more often, or produces a small amount or no urine. These are all signs of feline kidney disease.



All of these symptoms are signs that your pet could be suffering from sicknesses of the kidneys or other cat illness like a feline urinary tract infection, bladder stones, or even diabetes. If you spot any of them, its time to get your cat into the vet for a diagnosis.

Diabetes in Cats - Practical Treatment and Care For Feline Diabetes

Diabetes is a loss of control of the amount of sugar in the blood. A cat with diabetes has a very high concentration of sugar in the blood and urine. There are 2 different types of diabetes. The first is insulin-dependent diabetes, where the pancreas does not produce enough of the hormone insulin to regulate the blood-sugar levels. The other form of diabetes occurs when the body does not respond properly to the insulin that the pancreas is producing.



Cats with diabetes may appear to be losing weight, while at the same time eating actively. They will also drink and urinate more often, and in large volumes. Your cat's urine may appear sticky due to the large sugar content. Do not take these symptoms lightly, as cats can, in more advanced cases, become acutely ill, or even comatose. Any noticeably depressed cat should be considered potentially ill, and you should seek veterinary care immediately.



If your veterinarian diagnoses cat diabetes, he will suggest changes in his diet that may include controlled weight loss and high-fiber diets. Sometimes, medications can help to control the blood sugar level. In most cases, however, you will need to give insulin shots to your cat. Your veterinarian will show you how to give injections, and discuss how you will, along with him, monitor your cat's progress and further medication needs. You should keep a diary of all changes to your cat's medication needs, and how he responds to those changes. This diary will help you and your veterinarian control your cat's diabetes.



Some cases of diabetes in cats can be cured by finding and treating other diseases that are making your cat's symptoms more resistant to insulin. Some cats are able to spontaneously recover permanently, or even temporarily, from diabetes. Healthy or ill, you should always be aware of changes in your cat's behavior.

Feline Diabetes Helped With the Catkin's Diet

Feline diabetes is on the rise not just in North America, but throughout the entire world. Cat diabetes in many cases can actually be prevented, or put in remission. In fact, if you just do one small thing for your cat, a lot of your cat's health problems can be resolved. Of course that one thing is placing your feline on the Catkins Diet, a high protein, low carbohydrate diet and get rid of anything that has to do with dry cat food. Dry cat food is bad for your cat and actually causes many health problems.



The diet that is full of high protein and has low carbohydrates is ideal for your cat. This diet is commonly called the Catkin's Diet, which is a takeoff of the low carbohydrate human diet named the Atkin's Diet. But the good thing about this Catkin's Diet is that it helps the pet owner remember what to feed their feline. The more the cat owner feeds a high diet of protein opposed to high carbohydrates, the healthier their car will be and become.



Why is the Catkin's Diet a clear choice for the cat owner, especially owners that have diabetic cats? When a sick cat is placed on this diet, the cat will begin to feel better because he is essentially on what normal cats eat in the wild. Cats tend to eat once a day and eat small creatures like mice or birds. They do not eat manufactured, highly processed, low moist count foods, like dry cat food.



When a cat eats foods that are in cans, they tend to get more water intake because of all of the gravy. It is known that dry cat food has a ten percent less moisture intake then canned cat food and having enough water is essential for felines, even though normal healthy felines don't drink much water. But if a cat has diabetes or other health related diseases, their bodies require extra water intake because they have to flush out the extra glucose that is in their system. They will require more water to do that.



The Catkins Diet should be fed not just too diabetic cats but also to normal, everyday healthy cats. Once a cat is placed on a high protein diet his body will react, and if you're feline is obese, then he will start losing weight right away. You obese cat will want to continue to eat dry cat food, but after a while they will get used to the routine of eating wet, canned cat food. Sometimes pet owners run into the problem that their cat is picky on the wet food. If that is the case, do some experimentation on different canned cat foods, and sure enough, after a while your cat will eat the canned cat food, that is what the Catkin's Diet is all about, getting your feline family member to eat better. There is, of course, better canned cat food then others. Some canned cat food has actually the same amount of carbohydrates then dry food. If the pet owner just sticks with the normal canned cat food that has gravy and chicken or beef, then your cat will thank you for it.



When switching to the all canned, Catkin's diet make sure to do it slowly, that way if your feline does actually have higher amounts of glucose in their blood stream, they will need to be taken down slowly. If you slowly dish out canned cat food with a few handfuls of dry food, and your cat is not leisurely picking at the dry food all day, then he will have a better regulation of his blood glucose levels and your cat will be brought back down to normal levels. However, if you do it to quickly then your cat could have an hypoglycemic attack, where is blood glucose levels are radically low and he become lethargic then that could be a disaster. If you ever see your cat not behaving like his normal kitty self, make sure to consult a veterinarian right away. If your cat has any symptoms of feline diabetes or hypoglycemias then take him to the emergency animal hospital right away.



With the Catkins Diet, a high protein and low carbohydrate diet, your cat will surely be much healthier!

Feline Diabetes - Is Your Pet at Risk For Diabetes in Cats?

If you're like most people who are owned by a cat, you don't even think about feline diabetes. But ignorance is not bliss, as the rate of diabetes in cats is exploding. Don't let your pet be blindsided by this disease. Learn how you can prevent a diabetic cat from becoming a reality in your future.



A Fat Cat Is The Biggest Risk Factor For Feline Diabetes



Our kitties depend on us to feed them properly to keep them healthy. Unfortunately, most people think all they have to do is leave dry food out in a bowl for their feline friend to snack on whenever they want. Although this is what the pet food companies tell us to do, feeding your kitty like this is sure to lead to a weight problem, and other health issues, including diabetes in cats and kidney problems.



What's wrong with dry food? There are three problems associated with a dry food diet for kitties:



1. The type of protein is wrong - there are too many plant-based proteins, as opposed to animal-based proteins.
2. The carbohydrate level is too high, leading to weight gain.
3. The water content is too low, which can cause kidney failure later in life. The leading cause of death in older felines is kidney failure.



You need to understand that felines are obligate carnivores. They are meant to get their nutrition from animal protein in the form of meat. They aren't meant to digest a large number of carbohydrates. Feeding your kitty a diet high in carbohydrates will only lead to feline obesity, which, in turn, opens the doors to a wide array of other health problems.



Your pet is meant to get most of his water from his diet. Cats don't normally drink a lot of water, so feeding him a dry diet can lead to kidney problems later in life.



Feeding him a high-quality canned food is the best way to prevent both diabetes in cats and feline kidney failure.



Keep Your Kitty Active



We aren't the only ones who aren't getting enough exercise. Our pets are couch potatoes, too. Your kitty needs exercise every day to keep him healthy, and to burn up extra calories. Exercise is also great for keeping blood sugar levels normal.



Try to schedule two or three exercise session every day with your kitty. You want him jumping around and getting out of breath. A cat toy that looks like a fishing rod is a great way to get him up and moving around. He just can't resist chasing it. You'll enjoy watching him act like a kitten again.



Prevent A Diabetic Cat With Natural Remedies For Cats



Good diet and lots of exercise are wonderful ways to keep your beloved kitty healthy. But wouldn't it be great if there was also a dietary supplement you could give him every day that would prevent feline diabetes? You'll be pleased to know that there is.



This remedy has been carefully formulated for companion animals. The ingredients have been well-researched, and they're safe and effective. The best part is that it's very easy to give to your pet. Just break open the capsule, and mix it with your feline friend's food. You won't have to struggle with trying to get a pill down an uncooperative kitty.



Now that you have this information, what are you waiting for? Start today to prevent your beloved kitty from ever becoming a feline diabetic.

Your Diabetic Cat - Three Tips For Managing Feline Diabetes

Let's face it, if you have a diabetic cat, life will be more complicated for you. Feline diabetes is a complex disease, and you can't understand it all at once. Try to focus on these three areas, and life for you and your kitty will be easier.



Diet Is Important For Managing Diabetes In Cats



Do you know the best diet for a feline diabetic? Surprisingly enough, the dry prescription food your vet sells may not be the answer. Dry pet foods are primarily made from grain, which is high in carbohydrates.



So what's the problem with grains? Kitties are obligate carnivores, which means they need to get their protein from meat, not grains. Feeding your kitty a grain-based diet will more than likely lead to obesity. An obese cat has a much higher risk of developing feline diabetes.



It's suggested to switch your pet over to a high-quality canned food. You'll need to move slowly when doing this with a diabetic kitty, as it's very important that they eat on a regular basis. If your pet walks away from his food, it can lead to serious problems in regulating glucose levels in his blood.



You'll also be feeding your pet three or four times a day. This prevents large amounts of glucose being released into his blood stream at once, which leads to spikes in blood glucose levels. It also prevents the glucose levels from dropping to dangerous levels several hours later.



Home Testing Is Essential For Managing A Diabetic Cat



If you're not testing your kitty's glucose levels at home, you're flying blind in regards to managing his diabetes. You have no idea when to feed him, when to give him insulin, or how much to give him.



This is not difficult to learn. Your vet can show you how to do it. Once you've done it a few times, you and your kitty will be relaxed about it, and home testing will become routine.



Natural Remedies For Cats May Be Helpful In Managing Your Feline Diabetic



Many human diabetics have had great success in using natural remedies to manage their disease. It's only natural that people owned by kitties would wonder if these natural remedies are effective for managing diabetes in cats as well. The answer is yes.



You'll want to look for a remedy that contains fenugreek, astragalus, and goat's rue, as well as chromium. Research has shown that these remedies are very effective in regulating the amount of glucose in your kitty's blood. Fenugreek has the added benefit of promoting urinary tract health, which helps to prevent the feline bladder infections that are common among diabetic cats.



Many cat owners have been successful in reducing the amount of insulin their pet needs, or even eliminating it completely, by using natural remedies for cats. Always check with your vet before making any changes in your pet's treatment plan. Most vets are very open to natural remedies, and will be happy to work with you.



Pay close attention to diet and home testing, and learn more about herbal pet remedies, and you'll find that managing cat diabetes will become much easier.

Feline Diabetes and What You Must Know to Help Your Diabetic Cat

If you're like most people, you don't know much about feline diabetes. However, the rate of diabetes in cats is skyrocketing, with more and more cats being diagnosed as diabetic every day. If you are owned by a feline, here's what you need to know about cat diabetes.



Feline Diabetes And Your Kitty



You probably know that your pet's pancreas produces insulin. This hormone helps to balance glucose levels in your pet's blood. But where does the glucose come from?



All the food your pet eats is digested by his body into a form that can be used. Carbohydrates, fats, and proteins are all broken down into glucose, which fuels the body. The glucose goes into the bloodstream, and it's sent all over the body. However, there has to be a balance between glucose and insulin. If there's too much insulin, the amount of glucose will drop too low, which leads to hypoglycemia. If the levels become dangerously low, it affects the brain and neurological functioning, and can cause death very quickly.



If there's not enough insulin, levels of glucose will rise too high. Over a period of time, high sugar levels will damage every organ in the body, including the nerves, and the kidneys. You can see that having the right amount of insulin present is very important.



If the pancreas stops producing insulin, that results in type 1 diabetes. If insulin is present, but the body can't use it, that's called type 2 diabetes.



How Is A Feline Diabetic Treated?



The goal of treatment is to keep the amount of glucose in your kitty's blood in the normal range. Insulin shots are given to keep those levels normal. This is called "regulating," and it can be difficult to find the right balance between insulin and glucose at first.



The most important thing you can do to regulate your furball is to test his blood glucose levels at home. Otherwise you really have no clue as to what's going on with him. You'll either test him by using strips to check his urine for glucose, or you'll use a glucometer like people use to check his blood. Most people cringe at the thought of doing this, but it's not difficult. Your vet can show you how to do it.



Keeping to a regular feeding schedule is a basic part of caring for a diabetic cat. Your kitty must eat the food you give him when you give it to him to prevent spikes and dips in his glucose levels. Always wait until after a meal to give him an insulin shot to avoid hypoglycemia if he doesn't eat.



Did You Know That Natural Remedies For Cats Are Safe And Effective For A Diabetic Cat?



There has been a lot of interest lately in using herbs and dietary supplements to regulate blood sugar in humans. Studies have shown that these remedies are safe and effective for use on our feline friends, as well.



Goat's rue, fenugreek, and astragalus have a long history of use in humans. Chromium is an essential nutrient that is often deficient in our diets. These ingredients are all known to promote healthy levels of glucose in the body. Now these ingredients have been combined into a remedy that's safe and effective for pets. It's safe to use right along with the insulin you give your kitty, plus it's very easy to give to your pet. Just open the capsule and sprinkle it over your kitty's food.



You'll want to read testimonials from pet owners who have been able to reduce or eliminate the insulin dose their kitty needed by using this remedy. What are you waiting for? Help your feline diabetic today by starting him on a natural remedy for cats.