FELINE DIABETES

Diabetes is a serious and increasingly common disease cats.  Diabetes is a condition in which the body is unable to produce the proper amount of insulin needed to metabolize sugar in the bloodstream.  The leading cause of diabetes in cats is obesity.

Symptoms

Increased appetite/thirst and frequent urination are common early signs of feline diabetes.  These same symptoms are also signs of kidney disease and and thyroid disorders, so it's important to bring in your cat to us so we can properly diagnose diabetes using blood and urine tests.

It's critical to diagnose and treat diabetes, as it can also lead to kidney problems, bladder infections, muscle loss, seizures, and even death.

Treating Diabetes

If your cat is diagnosed as diabetic, the veterinarian may prescribe insulin via injection.  You'll be shown what dose to give and how to give the shots at home. Cats often don't feel the injections, as the needles are very small and given into areas with excess skin. Your cats response to the initial insulin prescribed will be monitored using blood tests and other indicators. We will almost certainly prescribe a change in your cats diet -it's critical to give a diabetic cat a high protein, low-carbohydrate diet.  In cases of severe diabetes, your cat may need to be hospitalized.

Living with Diabetes

In many cats, a dietary change is sufficient to control diabetes, and continued insulin injections won't be necessary.​  We will make specific recommendations regarding your cat's diet. In some cases, dietary changes alone can lead to remission.

If you observe any of the symptoms of diabetes in your cat, contact us immediately. Early diagnosis and treatment is critical to managing diabetes and returning your cat to good health.