Feline Diabetes: Warning Signs And Vet Care
Alongside the dog, the cat is our closest ally in the animal kingdom. Cats are one of the most popular pets in America, in fact, they are even more popular than dogs. They are loving pets, capable of providing years of companionship.
As a cat guardian, you are responsible for all aspects of the cat's wellbeing. Cats are, in general, vibrant, healthy animals, but they are prone to certain diseases, such as feline diabetes.
Diabetes is more common in humans than it is in animals. However, the cause of the disease is the same. Sugar, or glucose, is found in the blood, and the level of blood sugar in the body is controlled by insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas. When the pancreas doesn’t function properly, it fails to produce enough insulin, allowing blood sugar levels to get out of control, causing diabetes.
You need to be alert for signs that your cat may have the disease. Common signs include a significant increase in water consumption and urination, deterioration in the condition of the coat, a drop in weight and loss of appetite. If these symptoms are present you need to make an appointment with your vet right away.
If the disease goes untreated then the consequences are dire. The cat will begin to display more serious symptoms like vomiting and become lethargic, eventually lapsing into a coma.
The good news is that feline diabetes can be treated. As with the disease in humans, certain lifestyle and dietary changes will be needed, but provided they are, your cat can live a long and normal life.
You will need to follow strict dietary guidelines with your cat. Meals will have to be at set times, and in addition you will have to give insulin injections twice a day. Your veterinarian will instruct you as to the correct dosage and frequency and show you how to give the shots.
You will also henceforth have to keep your cat indoors. If the cat was previously an outdoor cat this will likely cause a problem at first. The cat will complain and try to get out, but you must not allow this. You can't have the cat wandering around outdoors when it is time for the insulin injection.
Follow your vets instructions closely when administering insulin. The cat must always be fed first before getting the injection. If the medication is administered before the cat has eaten, the result will be hypoglycemic shock, which is usually fatal.
Your cat will also have to have regular check-ups and the vet may even reduce the insulin dosage. But with diabetes, the cat will have to continue on medication for life.
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