Diabetes is a serious medical condition which, like in the case of humans, can seriously affect your cat’s quality of life. Simply put – diabetes is a condition caused by a lack, or deficiency of insulin, which is the hormone which regulates how sugar is used in the body. The biggest issue when it comes to feline diabetes is that sugar is not properly absorbed into the cells and tissues in the body.
Particularly if your cat is a regular eater, who maintains a stable weight, the presence of diabetes is often marked by significant weight loss – even though your cat is eating and drinking the same amount.
Increased urination is also a tell-tale sign
It’s important to make sure you have a plan, and the resources to look after your cat with diabetes.
After the initial diagnosis, your cat will require regular visits to the vets, as well as treatment to address their insulin absorption. This treatment will come in the form of one to two insulin injections per day, which are administered under your cat’s skin.
While you may be a little squeamish, and wary of hurting your cat – this is vital for their immediate and long term health and the vet will make sure that you are trained as to how to perform the injections correctly.
As a general rule, it is important to ensure that your cat has eaten at least half of their allotted portion when the insulin is administered. In most cases, you will not be required to do home blood tests, unless directed by your vet. If you are, a helpful tool to invest in is a blood glucose monitor, which requires a tiny sample of your cat’s blood to check their glucose levels.
Most cats who have a healthy diet, adequate access to healthcare and treatment have a positive prognosis and can even go into partial remission. However, it’s important to monitor your cat’s water intake, eating habits and ensure that they are engaging in regular exercise. If you believe your cat may have diabetes, please seek the advice of a vet urgently.
Photo by Paul Hanaoka on Unsplash
