Does Your Cat Have Diabetes?
Introduction
Just like Humans, cats can get diabetes too. Usually cats develop Type 2 diabetes, where insulin production is either reduced, or insulin is not processed efficiently anymore. On average about 1 in 800 cats will develop diabetes, which typically develops in older cats and particularly in neutered males. Cats can develop the same complications as humans, including loss of vision, loss of sensation in limbs and hypos/hypers. To avoid severe complications, an early diagnosis is vital.
Symptoms to Watch For
- Lack of Energy
- Vomitting
- Increased thirst and more urination
- Weight loss
- Coat in poor condition
Diabetes can be tested for by a simple blood or urine test, to check for high glucose levels. If you are worried, your Vet can easily perform a check. Occasionally cats can develop a temporary diabetes condition if they are subject to extreme stress, again your Vet can advise.
Treatments Available
There are a few options, depending on the type and severity of the diabetes.
- Some Diabetes can be controlled sufficiently well by diet changes alone and perhaps an exercise regime.
- More severe diabetes will need oral medication.
- In the most acute cases, insulin injections are required. The amount of insulin to administer will be calculated by your Vet.
If you are happy to look after your cat yourself or you are worried her diabetes is not well controlled, you will need to test her blood glucose levels. For this read our Home Blood Glucose Testing page carefully.
When the meter gives you a reading, the perfect range is between 60 and 120mg/dl (3.3 and 6.7mmol/L), below 40 (2.2) or above 300 (16.7) indicates poor blood glucose regulation and you should check back with your Vet to adjust your treatment.
Controlling diabetes is a difficult tasks. Please do check out our Q & A section for helpful hints and tips, or to ask your own question.
Next, see our Home Blood Glucose Testing advice page...
More Resources
Cat Diabetes
[ www.felinediabetes.com
]
[ www.sniksnak.com
]
[ www.vetinfo.com ]
[ www.petremedy.com
]
Dog Diabetes
[ www.caninediabetes.org
]
[ www.vetinfo.com ]
[ www.canismajor.com
]
[ www.petremedy.com
]
[ www.sniksnak.com
]
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Pages in this section...
[ Cats ] [ Home Testing Cats ] [ Dogs ] [ Pet Diabetic Diets ] [ Weight & Exercise ]
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