It is a cause of concern when you realize that your cat has diabetes. Feline diabetes is a type of diabetes prevalence in cats. Cats tend to gain a lot of weight due to overeating and lack of activities and thereby may develop diabetes. However, in today’s world, feline diabetes can be easily checked with some essential treatments and habits:
1. Causes of feline diabetes
Just like human beings, cats also are highly susceptible to diabetes. Diabetes mellitus is a growing disease in cats. Since 2006, the prevalence of this disease has increased by 18.1 percent according to reports. So, knowing the causes of feline diabetes is important.
The probable cause of diabetes may be the deficiency of the insulin hormone in the body. The pancreas produces insulin. Insulin controls the metabolism of glucose in the body and hence keeps a check on the blood glucose level. If the pancreas fails to synthesize the insulin hormone properly, then the sugar level increases in the blood.
Cats are more prone to develop Type 2 diabetes, where the body becomes less sensitive to the insulin hormone. As a result, the blood tends to accumulate a high amount of sugar, which leads to increased thirst and urination. This situation can worsen if not treated properly.
2. Symptoms
The symptoms of diabetes in cats include an increased feeling of thirst and frequent urination. Despite being given a regular healthy diet, sharp weight loss is visible in cats with feline diabetes. Cats can develop different infections where they fail to respond to the antibiotics usually. Cats may feel weak and walk with bent legs and also develop a cataract.
A fatal condition called ketoacidosis may also occur in cats because of this disease. They may develop symptoms of diarrhea, dehydration, and respiratory problems due to diabetes. Other infections and illnesses can also cause such signs in cats. So, it is always beneficial to consult the vet.
3. Treatments
Before finalizing the treatment for feline diabetes, it is essential to appropriately diagnose the condition. A doctor can help clinically diagnose the signs of the disease in cats and determine the state of the disease.
Proper dietary changes and healthy lifestyle habits can be beneficial in treating diabetes in cats. Overweight cats have an increased risk of developing diabetes. Diets low in carbohydrates and high in protein help to provide the proper nutrients and also maintain body weight. A low intake of sugary items can also control the blood sugar level.
Oral medicines such as glipizide can do wonders for cats and help control their sugar levels effectively. These medicines are beneficial only for cats and not for dogs. Some also opt to give insulin injections to their cats to cure diabetes. One can use insulin injections twice a day at 12-hour intervals.
Thus, appropriate treatment and care can help cats with diabetes to live a healthy and normal life. The sooner the disease is diagnosed, the better it will be in treating the condition effectively.