Identifying Cat Diabetes
Pet cats have their own version of diabetes, also a serious affliction among humans. It is also important for pet owners to know how feline diabetes affects cats and how they can help make life better for their pets by learning how to better care for them.
There are two types of feline diabetes that may affect your pet cats. Type 1 is caused by insufficient production of insulin while type 2 diabetes is characterized by the inability of the cat’s body to process insulin more effectively. And just like in humans, diabetes can also strike cats at any age but is more likely to affect older cats.
There is also a secondary feline diabetes that can be caused by drugs or by some diseases that may impair the natural processing of insulin in the body.
Cats will display symptoms that may tell veterinarians or pet owners of the onset of diabetes. Cats may show frequent thirst and urination. With the body’s inability to process or handle glucose, diabetic cats may also experience weight loss.
Other symptoms that may be associated with feline diabetes include vomiting, loss of appetite, and general weakness. Diabetic cats may also have poor skin and coat condition as well as breathing abnormalities.
Treating Cat Diabetes
When a pet cat displays the symptoms mentioned above, it might be wise for pet owners to have their cats tested for sugar levels in the blood as well as in their urine. The reason why both tests might be required is that cats under stress may experience a temporary spike in their blood sugar levels. The two tests will help confirm if your pet cat really has diabetes.
Just like diabetes in humans, the feline version also has no cure yet available. Instead, feline diabetes can be controlled through a number of means, and for cats, it can be done through diet and weight control. A diet that is high in fiber and complex carbohydrates would be ideal for diabetic cats, especially obese ones.
This type of diet is maintained not only to control the cat’s weight but also to control the cat’s blood sugar levels. Oral medications can also help your diabetic pet cat maintain a suitable blood sugar level. There are also some dietary supplements that can be used to help diabetic cats deal with their condition.
Pet owners of diabetic cats may also need to carefully monitor their pet’s glucose and insulin levels. For those pet owners who resort to giving their diabetic cats insulin injections for their diabetes, care should be taken not to overdose your cat. An overdose of insulin can be fatal.
