Cats And Feline Diabetes
Cats are popular and rather preferred pets across the world, including in Malaysia. They are loving and capable of providing a pet parent with years of companionship.
But like every animal, cats too can fall sick. One of the common ailments that cats suffer from includes feline diabetes – which is a serious disease. Fortunately, with proper management, it can be treated by a seasoned veterinarian.
Cause of diabetes in cats
Diabetes is more common with humans than with cats or other animals. Diabetes is diagnosed when sugar, or glucose, is found in the blood. When the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin to regulate the blood sugar, diabetes occurs. The level of blood sugar in the body of the animal is typically kept under control with external input of the hormone insulin.
Symptoms of diabetes in cats
The symptoms of feline diabetes varies. The most common symptoms include an increase in urine and an increase in thirst. An increase in thirst is easy to detect, as you can easily notice the water dish empty throughout the day. However, other symptoms of diabetes in a cat include a loss of appetite, weight loss, and a poor coat.
Treatment of diabetes in cats
If you don’t get your cat treated for feline diabetes immediately, the cat will eventually become inactive, may vomit on a regular basis, and can eventually fall into a coma. If the cat gets treated in time, it will more than likely continue to lead a normal and healthy life. Keep in mind that treatment for feline diabetes doesn’t happen overnight. It takes time and perseverance.
Cats that have feline diabetes will need to be given food at the same time every day. During treatment stage, cats should be prevented from going outside as well. If your cat has diabetes, you will need to give it insulin shots once or twice or a day, depending on what the veterinarian has prescribed.
Before you give your cat his insulin shot, always ensure that it has had some food first. If your cat hasn’t eaten and you give him a shot anyway, he or she could end up in a hypoglycemic shock. This can also occur from too much insulin as well. A hypoglycemic situation can be really dangerous, and should be avoided at all costs. If your cat gets a hypoglycemic shock and you aren’t around, it may be fatal.
If you have to give insulin shots to your cat due to feline diabetes, you should always keep a watchful eye on it after you have administered the shot. After your cat has been on insulin for a period of time, your vet may reduce the amount of insulin. Follow your vet’s instruction to a tee. Even if your cat may have to stay on insulin the rest of his life, it can possibly lead an otherwise healthy life just like when human beings are on diabetes too. The key is in regulating and controlling diet.
