Diabetes is one of the most common diseases that affects humans. Our feline friends can also be affected. Approximately one in every hundred, or one percent, of our feline pals have diabetes. Diabetic cats can still live full, happy lives, and are as adorable and entertaining as any other cat. This article features advice from a local London, ON veterinarian on how to care for a diabetic cat.
What Are the Major Risk Factors for Diabetes In Cats?
Any cat can get diabetes at any time. However, there are risk factors. Weight is one. Obese furballs account for one-third to one-half of the total of diabetic kitties. The disease is also more prevalent in male cats, particularly neutered ones, than in females.
Breed can also play a part. Some cats, such as the Burmese, Russian Blue, Norwegian Forest Cat, and Abyssinian, are more likely to contract the disease than others. It is also more common in purebreds than in domestic cats. Your pet may also be at higher risk if she has had glucocorticoids, which are medications commonly used to treat immunosuppression.
Other risk factors are as follows:
- Pregnancy
- Pancreatic illness
- Hyperthyroidism
- Dental disease
- Kidney illness
- Urinary tract infections
- Skin Infections
As with many other conditions, the risk increases with age.
How Long Do Diabetic Cats Usually Live?
Every kitty is unique, so there is no uniform prognosis. However, with proper treatment, our feline pals can live for quite some time after being diagnosed. As with many other medical diseases, the final prognosis is determined by individual circumstances. Fluffy’s age and overall health are two important considerations, but they are not the only ones. Your pet’s serum creatinine concentration is one indicator. Higher amounts can reduce the likelihood of a favorable prognosis.
Your London, ON veterinarian can give you precise information following your pet’s diagnosis and evaluation.
How Do I Care for My Diabetic Cat?
In many ways, caring for a diabetic cat is similar to caring for any other cat. Fluffy will still want cuddles, catnip, and boxes, and she will remain the same naughty, lovable pet as before.
Of course, there are some details to keep in mind.
Diet
Diet is an important factor. In general, you should avoid feeding high-carbohydrate meals to diabetic cats. Read labels and avoid goods that are high in grains, corn, and potatoes. Sugary meals are also prohibited, though this is rarely a problem for kitties. You should also minimize human foods, dairy products, and anything heavy in salt.
Of course, your pet’s diet should be suited to her age, weight, and health. Consult your veterinarian for detailed advice on this.
Insulin
Fluffy may also require insulin shots. This may seem scary at first, but after you get used to it, it should just take a few minutes each day. Your veterinarian will show you what you should do. Most cats require two shots every day, while some may require only one.
Glucose Checks
You may also need to test your pet’s glucose levels. This is usually done with a glucose meter, a tiny handheld gadget. Your veterinarian will give you instructions for this.
Veterinary Care
Veterinary care is vital for all cats, but it is especially important for diabetic ones. Your veterinarian will suggest a schedule for your pet. This may change over time, depending on how she responds to treatment and how the disease evolves.
What Are Key Symptoms Of Diabetes In Cats?
Fluffy cannot inform you if something is amiss, but you may notice signs if you look close. Cats can be very discreet about expressing their discomfort. This is a natural characteristic that is to their advantage in nature. Predators are typically drawn to weak or sick animals, so kitties learned to try and mask signs of illness. Keep an eye on your feline companion and look for symptoms that something is awry.
Here are some of the most popular ones:
- Increased Thirst
- Weight Loss
- Increased Appetite
- Vomiting
- Lethargy
- Weakness (Particularly In The Back Legs)
- Unusual Gait/Posture
- Diarrhea
- Dehydration
- Decreased Appetite
- Inability To Jump
- Poor Coat Condition
- Urinary Tract Infection
- Seizures
- Coma
- Urinating Outside The Litterbox
- Collapse Depression
If you detect any of these danger signs, contact your veterinarian immediately. The sooner you get your pet diagnosed and treated, the better!
How Do Cats Act When Their Sugar Levels Are High?
If your feline friend is diagnosed with diabetes, you’ll need to know how to spot the symptoms of a glucose increase. Key warning signals are increased thirst, hunger, and urination.
Contact your veterinarian for further information.
What Is Diabetic Ketoacidosis In Cats?
Diabetic ketoacidosis, often known as DKA, occurs when the body is unable to absorb glucose in the blood. Typically, this arises as a result of another health problem, such as kidney disease, cancer, or pancreatitis. DKA is potentially fatal, because your pet’s cells will be starving regardless of what she has eaten. DKA symptoms include lethargy, vomiting, difficulty eating, and breathing difficulties. In severe cases, the kitty may fall into a coma.
What Age Do Cats Develop Diabetes?
Fluffy can develop diabetes at any age, but she is more likely to develop it when she is six years old or older. The majority of cats are diagnosed between the ages of nine and thirteen, with the average being 10.
What’s The Difference Between Type 1 And Type 2 Diabetes?
As you may be aware, there are two forms of diabetes mellitus.
- Type 1 diabetes is also known as insulin-dependent diabetes (IDDM). With this disorder, the pancreas does not make insulin. Kitties with this kind of diabetes must be given insulin injections for the remainder of their lives.
- Type 2 diabetes is caused by an insufficient amount of insulin. Your pet’s body may produce insulin, but it is unable to effectively use it. This variety is especially common among overweight or obese cats. It is also significantly more common than Type 1. For more particular information, consult your London, ON veterinarian.
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