Diabetes And Your Cat

We all know that more and more people are affected by diabetes each year. What you may not know is that this trend is also found in cats. This article will outline what to watch for and how you can manage your diabetic cat with the help of your veterinarian. The initial shock and worry can be overwhelming when your cat is first diagnosed. The good news is that diabetes is treatable and diabetic cats can live long and healthy lives.

Diabetes is a medical condition where the cat is not able to use glucose (sugar) normally. Glucose is the main source of energy for cells. A hormone called insulin, controls the levels of sugar in the blood. When the blood sugar levels are too high, the sugar overflows into the urine drawing lots of water with it. This is why diabetic cats drink more water and urinate more often and in larger amounts.

Obesity is one of the biggest risk factors for diabetes in cats. As cats age, they may also develop other diseases that can lead to diabetes. These include an overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism), pancreatitis, heart disease, kidney disease, and urinary tract infections. Long-term use of medications containing steroids is also a risk factor for diabetes in cats.

Noticing the early signs of diabetes is important. If you see any of the following signs your cat should be examined by a veterinarian. Excessive drinking and increased urination, weight loss, decreased appetite, recurring infections (skin and urinary). The earlier the diagnosis, the better chance your cat may have for a longer and healthier life.

Based on any of the above signs, you may suspect diabetes in your cat. The diagnosis is confirmed by running blood and urine tests. Although the diagnosis is often simple, your veterinarian may run additional blood tests to check for other medical conditions. A urine culture might be recommended to rule out a urinary tract infection.

Once you have a diagnosis, your veterinarian may prescribe an initial dose and type of insulin for your cat. Insulin must be given by injection under the skin. Your veterinarian or veterinary technician will teach you how to give the insulin injections. A very small needle is used which is generally very well tolerated (often much easier than giving a pill to your cat).

Some cats are controlled relatively quickly and easily, but others take time and may require more visits to the vet. Every pet is unique and may respond differently to a standard treatment. Cost is something that you will think of when your cat has been diagnosed with diabetes. These costs will be higher in the first few months in order to get your cat regulated. They may be significant if you were not aware of your cat’s condition and they require critical care. One the bright side, once your cat is regulated the costs will decrease significantly.

Another important part of treatment will be the dietary recommendations made by your veterinarian. Successful treatment of diabetes not only requires regular examinations, blood and urine tests, but also monitoring your cat’s weight, appetite, drinking and urination. Most blood and urine monitoring tests are done in clinic. Some owners choose to monitor their cat’s blood and urine glucose levels at-home. These at home results are then discussed with the veterinarian, who should make the final decision on any changes to insulin therapy.

Taking care of your diabetic cat will require a strong commitment. Gone are the days of putting out food and water and heading out or off to work. You will need to monitor your cat’s behavior daily, and make arrangements for care when you are out of town. With this commitment you should continue to enjoy your cats love and companionship for many years.