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.

Symptoms of Cat Rabies

Not many would ever think a cat be inflicted with rabies as well. Yes, cats do, not just dogs. When do you know your cat is manifesting symptoms of cat rabies? For all you know, rabies is a lethal health treat caused by virus. This rabies may bring unfavorable situations to your beloved meowing pet.



You need to fully understand the symptoms of cat rabies before you give her some medical attention. Symptoms come in three stages: prodromal, furious and dumb or paralytic stage. If you notice your cat is being anxious, apprehensive, tensed and fevered for two days, then she might be inflicted with rabies. If your cat is acting restless, irritable, defocused, extremely responsive to visual excitations and vicious, then she may be manifesting the furious phase of cat rabies.



Symptoms of cat rabies are also detected when seizures attack. If your cat shows no interest in eating or perhaps unable to munch in food, she may have rabies. Worse case is that she may execute deep breathing and her jaws start to drop due to paralyzed facial muscles. Prolonged weakness of muscles and nerves will lead to respiratory failure which may cause death.



When a cat is bitten by an animal, she may possibly develop cat rabies which will result to destruction of the central nervous system. Cat rabies can also cause respiratory infections, urinary tract troubles, feline distemper, diabetes, flu, vomiting, kidney disease and conjunctivitis. Although rabies rarely attack cats, it's still extremely cat the owners must be aware of the symptoms of.



Keeping an eye on your cat's health is primary. Symptoms of cat rabies should be prevented from worsening as early as possible. If any of the indicators is noticeable in your dearest feline, do not hesitate to consult a veterinarian. Not only is rabies transmitted by an infected animal, it is also brought through aerosol infection or ingestion of carrier animal. You must note that rabies lingers most likely in an animal's saliva. So, if your cat is bitten by a dog or any rabies-bearing animal, she will be infected with rabies as well.



Symptoms usually scatter through the nerves toward the brain. The virus will gradually spread through your cat's body in 2 to 6 weeks. As soon as it reaches the brain, it will dwell on the salivary glands. But before it could even reach the salivary glands, your cat will start to manifest any of the three phases of rabies symptoms. A few early indicators can be detected when your cat is roaring loudly and bumping on any object she sees. Lack of bodily coordination is also an early symptom you have to act upon. Have your cat diagnosed by the most proximate vet.

Signs And Symptoms Of Diabetes - Detect Diabetes

There are two types of diabetes often termed type one and type two. You should be aware of the signs and symptoms of diabetes. Type one is juvenile onset diabetes. It is usually diagnosed in children and teens. In this case the body does not produce insulin, which is used by the body to convert sugars into energy.



The adult onset diabetes is known as type two diabetes, where in either the body has insufficient insulin or the cells in the body does not have sufficient receptors which aid insulin in its typical functions. Diabetes is a grim sickness; however with the numerous research going on this subject, diabetic persons can now live long and satisfying lives.



Symptoms for diabetes will show up if your body is not correctly processing glucose. Glucose is the result of your body breaking down the food that you eat. For glucose to be properly absorbed by your cells, the body must produce the right amount of insulin. If the body does not produce the correct amount of insulin your cells will be starved producing high glucose levels that can cause harm to your eyes, heart, and kidneys.



Some signs and symptoms of diabetes are not as obvious as you would think. Frequent urination is one sign of diabetes. Urine may have a fruity smell due to high sugar levels. Other signs and symptoms of diabetes include excessive thirst, weight loss, blurry vision, and fatigue.



A newly diagnosed diabetic needs to seek treatment. Type one diabetics, and some type two diabetics, will need to give themselves injections of insulin. Diabetics also need to be sure to have a balanced diet, and they also often need to eat on a schedule. Those diagnosed with diabetes must also be sure to exercise regularly, since exercise has been shown to help control blood sugar.



Various stores stock different types of diabetes foods. People diagnosed with diabetes have to be careful about their sugar and carbohydrates in take. As you all know carbohydrates get converted to sugars in the body. There are artificial sweeteners available today which makes it possible for diabetic people to enjoy desserts made with less sugar.

Symptoms and Treatments For UTI in Cats, Reviewed

UTI in cats is one of the leading reasons why pet owners bring their cats to their veterinarian. When your cat seem to have lost their appetite for food and water, or when you notice that they have stopped urinating in their litter box, this could mean that they have a urinary tract infection, or some kind of feline lower urinary tract disease. Other signs pointing to a possible infection include weight loss, frequent licking of the genitals and vomiting.



The cat's urinary tract is a complex system, and when one or more parts of it develop an infection it is commonly assumed that it falls under the banner or urinary tract infection. For the most part, a urinary tract infection can be treated without the involvement of a veterinarian, but there are other urinary tract infections that would require professional treatment, and sometimes even a surgical intervention.



Sometimes, pet owners fall into the trap of assuming that their cat's urinary troubles are behavioral in nature. It is always wise to rule out medical conditions first before assuming that the problem is behavioral. The prevalence, and sometimes the gravity, of UTI in cats makes it the first thing that a veterinarian will rule out during initial consult.



Sometimes the cat's urine transform into crystals in their urethra or the tube where the urine flows. These crystals also called "stones" can block the flow of urine. If left untreated, this condition can be life-threatening. This is an emergency situation, where a visit to the veterinarian is imperative. When urine is accompanied by blood, this means that your cat is suffering in serious pain and requires immediate medical attention. Note that a cat will hide their illness until it becomes severe.



The non-life threatening type of UTI in cats usually respond well to improved pet care and health supplements. One way of feline UTI treatment and prevention is the provision of plenty of fresh drinking water to your cat at all times. Switching from dry to wet food is also recommended. A homeopathic remedy consisting of the herbs cantharis, uva ursi and staphysagris is a viable option that has been proven by many to be quite effective. This remedy not only suppresses the pain and inflammation caused by the infection but it actually treats the underlying causes of cat UTI. Oftentimes it is preferred over antibiotics, which only eliminate the microbial cause of the infection, but not the cause which makes the cat susceptible to the infection. Because of this, there is a tendency for UTI to recur in cats initially treated with antibiotics alone.



Your cats need exercise as well, and this can help in fighting the infection as cat UTI is seen more in overweight cats. Choosing the right type of cat food, one that is low on carbohydrates is important in promoting urinary tract health.



UTI in cats is not a new thing, and there is a wealth of information about it. Pet owners need to educate themselves to be able to detect the symptoms of a urinary tract infection to be able to provide feline UTI treatment immediately and save their pets from this very uncomfortable and painful condition.

Diabetic Cat Food - Buy the Best Dry Food For Cats With Diabetes

If you have a diabetic cat, you know how frustrating it can be to find the right diet. You don't know the first thing about diabetic cat food, but you have to learn it now. If you are like me, you really love your pet, and when he or she is not feeling well or has health problems, it bothers you to no end - especially when you don't know how to fix it.



Because of the processed food that we feed our cats these days, diabetes is growing rampantly. So veterinarians, nutritionists, and doctors have created diabetic cat food that is supposed to help control the insulin in your diabetic cat.



So which cat food is the best for your diabetic pet? Let's look at some options now.



Royal Canin diabetic cat food is about the best dry food to help reduce the effects of diabetes in cats. The manufacturers went through years of intense research to give your diabetic cat a complete and wholesome diet. Royal Canin diabetic cat food is high in protein and low in carbohydrates which is of course the key to keeping your felines healthy and happy.



You can get a 5 pound bag of this dry diabetic cat food at a discount price of $19.99. This bag usually runs about $24.99. This food is veterinarian approved for your cats, but of course you will need a prescription to purchase it. The reason is that it is very powerful and intended only for cats with diabetes. This Royal Canin food will affect how your cat reacts to insulin, so you must be certain to keep an eye on your cat after beginning a diet with this food. But many reviews peg this Royal Canin diabetic cat food as the best dry food for your cats with diabetes.



Another option you have for diabetic food for your cat is veterinary approved Purina. I know from experience that Purina is very good food for your animal although they can be a bit expensive. This Purina food for cats with diabetes comes in dry and canned food, so you can purchase whatever your pet responds to better.



Purina cat food has additional benefits to controlling diabetes in your animal. It is also a source of omega fatty acids and has a ton of Vitamin E in it for your pet's skin and fur. A prescription for this food is required as well, but it is well worth it as this Purina cat food is one of the best that you can purchase for your pet. The 6 pound bag of dry food will run you about $28.99.



Hills also offers diabetic food for your cat that you definitely want to take a look at. This Hills cat food is made for overweight cats (50% o the pet population is overweight) and offers insulin control. It does the two basic things all diabetic food for your animal should do - offers low carbohydrates and high protein. This is a necessity for controlling your pet's metabolism and weight. Hills prescription food also controls glucose levels and maintains proper levels of insulin in your animal.



You will need a prescription to buy this diabetic cat food, so talk to your veterinarian. But it is one of the best options for an animal with diabetes, so I urge you to learn more about Hills now.



So here are some questions that many people that have cats may ask about diabetes. Let's take a look at the answers.



Why do cats get diabetes?



Well, there are a lot of unknowns about this question, but there are also some knowns. One of the most critical factors is the cat's diet. Because of the cat food with high sugar content we feed our felines, we kind of push them down the diabetic hill. The diet along with being obese is a perfect match for diabetes. We feed them so much sugar every day that their body just can't handle it.



What are signs of diabetes?



The primary sign that lets you know if your pet has diabetes is an increase in drinking and urinating. Many cats begin to lose weight dramatically, or begin to vomit and have diarrhea. If you have any concerns, see your veterinarian immediately. You are taking your cat for regular checkups, aren't you?



Is a cat with diabetes doomed?



Absolutely not. Remember that diabetes in cats is a disease man has created by feeding them the wrong diet every single day. The effects of diabetes can be reduced or eliminated altogether by correcting their diet. This is where diabetic cat food comes in and why it is so important to keep your cat on a healthy diet.



Can I feed my cat other things besides diabetic cat food?



Yes, as long as you keep in mind what you are feeding them. You need to keep them on a low carbohydrate diet. Just because you eat it doesn't mean your cat should. And chances are you shouldn't be either! Be careful. Not keeping your cat on a good diet will kill them just like it would kill any human with diabetes.

A Cardiac Diet That Promises to Arrest Diabetic Neuropathy

America is one of the unhealthiest nations. We are actually, the fattest nation. We take the lead in obesity. It's no wonder we are afflicted with diseases such as diabetic neuropathy. Here are some sobering statistics. Did you know that 64% of people are overweight in America? 27% of Americans are obese. Obesity is responsible for 325,000 deaths per year. 750 million people worldwide are overweight. Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes and is weight related. More than 20 million Americans have diabetes. Another sobering fact: 54 million Americans have prediabetes. What are the risk factors for getting diabetes?



1) Obesity



2) Poor diet



3) Lack of exercise



4) A diet high in refined carbohydrates



5) Heredity



6) Ethnicity



7) High Triglycerides



8) High Cholesterol



Of the eight risk factors listed above, we have control over six! If we watched our diets, we would not have to deal with diabetes, or diabetic neuropathy.



Diabetes does not only occur in human beings. There is such thing as feline diabetic neuropathy. First, let me explain what neuropathy is. Then we can talk about cats having diabetes - in that order. Neuropathy involves the deterioration of the nerve cells. It is a disease of the autonomic nervous system. It can be caused by diseases such as kidney failure, diabetes, or cancer. It can also be the result of ingestion of toxic drugs. Diabetes is characterized by an excessive amount of sugar in the blood. Neuropathy occurs when a diabetic is in chronic pain. The pain can be anywhere on the body, but it usually is in the foot or leg. Although rare, feline diabetic neuropathy is when a cat has diabetes. Just like in humans, the cat's blood sugar is extraordinarily high. Don't ask me how, as I don't know of any cat's that eat candy bars or ice cream cones. The symptoms are the same as human beings. The nervous system begins to deteriorate, their hind legs become weak, and the cat begins to limp. The problem with detecting feline neuropathy is that the cat cannot talk. She cannot tell you that her legs feel numb or that she has tingling sensation. By the time the owner realizes that something is amiss in the cat's gait, the disease has already progressed.



Diabetic Neuropathy has More Than One Symptom



Foot and leg pain are frequent symptoms of neuropathy - whether it be in cats or humans. The foot or leg becomes numb. As the disease of the nervous system progresses, the diabetic loses the ability to feel vibration, feel temperature, and in general, a complete loss of sensation.



Treatment Does Not Vary with Neuropathy in Felines



Amazingly, the treatment for neuropathy in felines is no different than it is for human beings.



There is Medication Available for Diabetics Suffering from Neuropathy But No Cure



Medication for neuropathy can range from basic physical therapy, to anti depressants. Although anti depressants are used for depression, the medicinal properties in anti depressants can be used for non depressive cases. To date, there is no cure for diabetic neuropathy. But there are things you can do to alleviate and/or prevent diabetic neuropathy. The most important thing is incorporating good dietary habits.

UTI Symptoms in Cats

Sometimes it is hard to tell when there is a problem with your cat's health. Cats will tolerate a lot of pain, often purring and snuggling to attract your attention. Sometimes your first indication of a problem will be your cat refusing to use the litter box. You may be surprised to find your previously well-behaved kitty suddenly using the sink or a pot plant for his litter box. Sometimes it is hard to tell whether he is feeling threatened or insecure. A stressed cat will mark his territory. He will spray around his home, especially if he scents another cat. The difference with a urinary tract infection is that he may have difficulty urinating and the urine may be tinged with blood. The reason he will not use the litter box is that he comes to associate the pain of urination with the litter box and chooses to urinate elsewhere.



If your cat suddenly starts to misbehave, maybe you should have him checked by your vet. A urinary tract infection can be very painful and if left untreated can become life threatening. It can clear up by itself but would you take that risk with your pet? A simple course of antibiotics can have him well in a short time. You can find herbal treatments if you do not like antibiotics. I personally prefer to get the problem sorted as quickly as possible, so I go for the antibiotics.



Some other signs to watch for are your cat crying in pain when he urinates, frequent urination, small or no urination, blood in the urine or if he stops using the litter box.



Another sign is excessive grooming of the genitals. The genitals may appear tender and swollen. Any excessive grooming in a cat is a sign of a problem.



The most common urinary tract disorder for cats is urolithiasis, where stones from an accumulation of crystals are formed in the urinary tract. In severe cases, this can result in a complete blockage.



If you notice a tinge of blood in his urine, he will probably have a Urinary Tract Infection. Any sign of blood in your cat's urine should be checked by a veterinarian. So many problems can be treated easily if caught early. Your cat will not complain of pain until he is in severe distress. Do not let him reach this stage. Get any sign of discomfort or unusual behaviour checked early.