Treating Diabetes in Cats
Diabetes affects many cats (most of them are older, but even young felines can deal with this disease). Being able to recognize the early symptoms of diabetes in cats is one of the best ways to start managing it early. At Leon Valley Veterinary Hospital, we want your cat to have access to effective treatment options for diabetes.
How Do Cats Get Diabetes?
When the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin to address the amount of sugar (glucose) that your cat consumes, your pet will become diabetic. Although the root cause of diabetes in cats isn’t clear, age, obesity, and use of steroids to treat other illness medications seem to play a role. Diabetes is found more often in older male cats. Without medical attention, too much glucose buildup will have devastating health impacts.
How Can I Know if My Cat Has Diabetes?
Cats can’t tell you when they are distressed, but they can show you by changes in behavior. Symptoms of diabetes include:
- Drinking more water
- Eating more food
- Using the litter box to urinate more often
When Should I Talk to My Vet About Feline Diabetes?
When your cat’s eating and drinking and litter box use increase, it’s time to see your vet. Schedule an appointment by using our handy online form. Your cat will receive a thorough exam to rule out other injuries or diseases. Diabetes is officially diagnosed through blood and urine tests.
Can I Treat My Cat’s Diabetes at Home?
In most cases, home treatment is recommended. This will likely involve:
- Change in diet
- New feeding schedule
- Insulin shots
Your vet will discuss lifestyle changes for your cat and, with your help, adjust for the best outcomes. Talk to your vet if symptoms do not improve. A change in insulin or other adjustments may be recommended.
You and Your Cat Can Live with Feline Diabetes
Diabetes management takes a commitment of time and money. With proper disease management, your cat is likely to live a happy life! Good management of feline diabetes includes:
- Twice daily shots of insulin
- Regular blood tests at your pet clinic
- Glucose tests performed at home
- Watchfulness for changes in symptoms
Helpful Weight Management
You may not be able to prevent feline diabetes from developing in your cat, but here are some things you can do to keep your pet in top condition:
- Maintain a healthy weight for your cat. Don’t overfeed or over-treat.
- Encourage plenty of exercise to keep your pet’s body in shape.
- Always feed vet-recommended nutritious foods and kitty snacks.
- Do not feed your pet table scraps or allow them to get into kitchen garbage containers.
- Schedule annual or bi-annual wellness visits with us.
- If your cat does develop diabetes, follow management guidelines to the letter.
Your Pets Are Our Family Members Too!
At Leon Valley Veterinary Hospital, we love your pets like we love our own. We want only the best for their lives and offer compassionate and expert pet care. Call us at (210) 681-1391 with your questions and concerns about how you can help your pet live its best life. Schedule an appointment immediately if you observe changes in your pet’s behavior that just don’t seem right.