With a healthy lifestyle, the right diet and treatment you can successfully manage the health of your diabetic cat.
We take a look into this well-known condition, giving you signs to be aware of, and treatment options for diabetes in cats…
With a healthy lifestyle, the right diet and treatment you can successfully manage the health of your diabetic cat.
We take a look into this well-known condition, giving you signs to be aware of, and treatment options for diabetes in cats…
Diabetes is a condition where the body is unable to either produce insulin (type one), or respond to insulin (type two), therefore losing the bodily function to balance glucose levels.
When a diabetic cat eats, they cannot ingest glucose. Instead, the glucose stays in their bloodstream, causing extremely high blood-sugar levels that can have fatal consequences.
Symptoms of diabetes are not immediate, and can take weeks to develop. However, there a few things to look out for if you suspect something is wrong with your cat, including:
Diabetes in cats is diagnosed by a blood test which indicates repeatedly high glucose levels, referred to as hyperglycemia. However, high glucose levels can stem from stress so a further urine sample will be taken to determine results.
The earlier diabetes is diagnosed, the better, as your vet can start treatment, such as:
If you’re caring for a cat with diabetes, management can be hard due to their independent nature. Ensure you monitor blood glucose levels (especially for recently diagnosed cats to ensure the insulin dosage is right), take regular cat urine tests, monitor their body weight, and keep a close eye on their appetite.
If you suspect your cat could be diabetic, or own a diabetic cat and are looking for further guidance on how to care for them, be sure to speak to your vet who can advise you on all methods and alternatives.
Petplan is a trading name of Pet Plan Limited (Registered in England No. 1282939) and Allianz Insurance plc (Registered in England No. 84638), Registered office: 57 Ladymead, Guildford, Surrey GU1 1DB.
Pet Plan Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Financial Services Register No. 311969. Allianz Insurance plc is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. Financial Services Register No. 121849. Pet Plan Limited is a subsidiary of Allianz Insurance plc. Fitz All Media Limited is an Appointed Representative of Pet Plan Limited.