Feline diabetes is one of the most common endocrine diseases. As scary as it sounds, it is treatable. Many cat owners control their cat’s diabetes for several years and the cats lead happy and normal lives.
Type 1 Diabetes happens when the pancreas has stopped making enough insulin. Type 2 Diabetes is when cells stop responding to insulin. High blood sugar levels are the result since your cat’s body cannot process the glucose. After eating (in a healthy body), glucose enters the blood stream. The cells are signaled by the secretion of insulin and begin converting the sugars into energy. In a cat with feline diabetes, the pancreas does not make the needed insulin, or it does make it but the cells do not respond.
The most common early symptoms of diabetes include excessive urination, increased drinking or eating, weight loss, sleeping more than usual, and neuropathy – weakness in your cat’s rear legs. Cats remain active in the early stages. In the later stages, however, conditions such as poor hair, liver problems and bacterial infections can occur.
If you suspect diabetes in your cat, a veterinarian can check blood and urine before making a certain diagnosis. Once a diagnosis of diabetes has been made there are several treatment options available to you and your cat. Insulin injections are one of these. Many people hesitate at giving their cat shots but there is no need to worry. Insulin needles are small and a cat will usually not object to them. If your cat happens to be the objectionable type, a second person is handy to have around. One of you can snuggle the cat in a towel (this makes your cat feel secure) and the other one can give the injection. Depending on your cat, one or two injections a day are all it takes. Following injections with a small treat might make your cat accepting of the injections after a while.
Some cats are able to control their diabetes with either oral medication or through a low carbohydrate diet. Cats are carnivores and most commercial cat foods contain too many carbohydrates for them. Another problem is the ingredients in the food we buy for our cat; many are not only high in carbohydrates, but high in fat as well. When it comes to food, most canned foods are better for your cat than dry food. This is because water content is important to your cat’s urinary tract health.
No one wants to hear the words, Feline Diabetes, but if you do, rest assured that it is very treatable. With the proper care, diet and plenty of love, your cat can look forward to many more happy years with you.