DIABETES IN CATSAbout one in 500 cats is diabetic. Just as it is in people, diabetes in cats is a medical condition that occurs when an organ in the body known as the pancreas does not produce insulin. The body needs insulin to metabolize glucose properly. When this happens, cells basically starve because they are not able to use insulin. Diabetes is most common in older cats and in cats that are overweight. If your cat is diagnosed with diabetes, you will understandably be concerned. However, diabetes in cats is a manageable disease just like it is for humans. The key is to learn about your cat’s condition and take the steps necessary to keep him healthy and happy. Veterinarians can diagnose diabetes with a blood test to measure the amount of glucose (sugar) in the cat’s blood. Since cats under stress can have abnormally high blood glucose levels, this test is only a screening measure. If blood glucose is high, the vet will do other tests to determine whether the cat has diabetes. He or she will also test the cat’s urine for the presence of glucose. The process is similar to diagnosing diabetes in people.
Three symptoms are clues to diabetes in cats. If you notice any of these in your cat, be sure to contact your veterinarian right away.
frequent urination drinking and/or eating more than usual weight loss that cannot be explained
Other symptoms of diabetes in cats include lethargy, difficulty walking or jumping, and a position called “plantigrade” in which the cat leans on her entire back hocks instead of walking normally on her back toes. Like humans with diabetes, diabetic cats can also develop a condition known as ketoacidosis. When this happens, the cat’s body begins to break down fat for energy since it cannot use glucose. Symptoms include extreme weight loss, vomiting, lack of appetite, rapid breathing and a sweet smell to the cat’s breath.
Once a diagnosis of feline diabetes is made, your vet will discuss treatment options with you. In some cases, diabetes in cats can be reversed if the cat loses weight. Sometimes, the cat’s pancreas will regain the ability to produce insulin on its own after a short term of treatment with insulin medication. More often, though, long term treatment is needed. Diabetic cats are treated with medication, diet and exercise. Medication In most cases, diabetic cats that need insulin are given their medication by injection. Your veterinarian will teach you have to give your cat his insulin injection. The injections are given with very thin needles that are not painful to the cat. In most cases, the cat will not even be aware that he has been given an injection. In some cases, diabetes in cats can be treated with oral hypoglycemic medications. These medications lower the cat’s glucose level. While it may seem preferable to give your cat an oral medication, most owners find that it is actually more difficult than giving the cat an injection.
Prescription medication for diabetes in cats Diet The specific diet prescribed for diabetes in cats depends on the individual cat’s condition. If your cat is overweight, your vet may recommend a weight loss formula. Cats with inflammation of the pancreas may require a low fat diet, while cats whose kidneys have been affected by diabetes may need a low protein diet. Your vet may also recommend a low carbohydrate diet for your cat. Most canned cat food is already very low in carbohydrates. If you want to feed your diabetic cat dry food, you can get dry diabetes cat food from your vet. Some pet owners find that nutritional supplements for cats with diabetes can be helpful. For example, Glucobalance by Pet Alive is an herbal preparation designed to control glucose levels and improve utilization of glucose in diabetic cats. Essential fatty acids (EFAs) may also be helpful for diabetic cats. EFAs improve nerve function in cats whose nerves may be damaged as a result of diabetes. Omega 3 EFAs are also helpful to protect the kidneys and nervous system as well as to facilitate the use of insulin to control blood sugar levels. Exercise Exercise is very important for diabetic cats, especially if they are overweight. One way to be sure your cat gets some exercise is to feed her small amounts of food in different locations so that she has to move around to get it. You should also make a point to play with your kitty, even if it is just for five or ten minutes each day. Almost every cat will chase a string that you pull around the house or run after a small ball or other toy that you toss to him. Back to All About Cats Home Page
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