Feline Diabetes & Malt Syrup

Just like their human counterparts, cats are prone to many chronic diseases. Feline diabetes, according to Dr. Lisa Pierson, DVM, is one of the most common endocrine diseases found in cats. A good diet is one of the most important things pet owners can do to help their cat manage diabetes. Sugars and excessive carbohydrates should be avoided for the diabetic cat. Malt syrup is found in many cat products from treats to hairball preventatives and should also be avoided.

  1. Feline Diabetes

    • Feline diabetes, also called "sugar" diabetes or diabetes mellitus, is a condition where the cat is unable to produce or properly use insulin. Insulin is the hormone responsible for regulating glucose levels in the body. When insulin levels are insufficient, the body looks for other sources of energy and begins robbing the body's stores of fat and protein, leading to a buildup of sugar in the blood and urine. Diabetes is more common in male cats and is frequently seen in older or obese cats.

    Symptoms and Prognosis

    • Feline diabetes can be completely reversed, unlike diabetes in humans and many other animals. If the underlying cause is determined and corrected, many cats can experience a full recovery. However, a cause cannot always be determined. making dietary changes and insulin injections often necessary. Symptoms of the disease include excessive thirst and urination, increased or decreased appetite and possibly vomiting and diarrhea.

    Diabetes Diet

    • According to Dr. Pierson, cats are carnivores designed to use protein and fat for fuel, not carbohydrates. Most commercial cat foods, especially the dry variety, are high in carbohydrates derived from grain sources. Canned cat foods typically provide better protein sources with fewer carbohydrates. Prescription diets are available or cat owners may wish to make a homemade diet. Diabetic cats should have set feeding times, not free-choice feeding, as this aids with managing weight and monitoring insulin levels. They also need to stay away from products containing sugars.

    Malt Syrup

    • Many cat treats, vitamins and hairball preventatives contain sugars and fillers, which should be avoided with the diabetic cat. Malt syrup is made from barley and is a natural sweetener high on the glycemic index, which will spike blood sugar levels. Pet owners need to read labels and avoid using products with added sugars like malt syrup.

    Alternatives/Considerations

    • As many hairball preventatives contain malt syrup, a better alternative for hairball prevention is to provide indoor "kitty grass." This provides a natural aid to the digestive tract of the indoor cat. Diabetic cats need to be kept strictly indoors for close monitoring, as their blood levels will need to be checked, diet regulated and symptoms observed.