Cat Diabetes

Diabetes mellitus is not just a human disease--cats can develop this condition. too. Cat symptoms are similar to those found in humans and many times, by the time the disease is discovered in cats, it's in the advanced stages. Diabetes is a condition that requires treatment; with that treatment, cats can live normal, healthy lives.

  1. Facts

    • Diabetes occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin, which is needed for the body to regulate the flow of glucose from the bloodstream into the cells of the body. This is Type 1 diabetes and Type 2 occurs when cells don't respond properly to insulin. Both conditions cause high blood sugar. The early stages of diabetes often include weight gain because of insulin levels rising and falling. Because the body is unable to process sugar into energy, the diabetic cat can lose weight and can eventually starve to death, according to Feline Diabetes.

    Symptoms

    • Increased appetite accompanied by weight loss are two common signs associated with cat diabetes. Neuropathy is another disorder associated with diabetes in cats, which causes the hind legs to become very weak. Most cats remain alert during the early stages of the disease but, as it progresses, liver disease, bacterial infections and ketoacidosis can occur.

    Treatment

    • Veterinarians can check a cat's blood and urine for signs of diabetes. Once diagnosed, treatment involves controlling blood glucose levels so they stay close to normal range. Some cats may respond to an oral hypoglycemic medication that lowers blood glucose levels but most cats will require insulin injections. Another factor is diet. If obese, the cat should be put on a high-fiber, high complex-carbohydrate diet. This may also help control blood sugar levels after eating. Underweight cats should be fed a high-calorie diet until they gain their ideal weight. In other general cases, diabetic cats may respond to either a high fiber or carbohydrate-restricted diet. Trial and error is the best way to determine which one is appropriate for the cat.

    Prognosis

    • Feline diabetes has no known cure. It is important to stay on top of your cat's health because the disease is complex. The disease does have stages where the cat may not need insulin, so it is important to follow the advice of the veterinarian. Cats with diabetes can live long lives but this results from a concentrated effort on the owner's part.

    Warnings

    • Untreated, diabetes can severely shorten a cat's life. In addition, ketoacidosis, a fatal condition, can set in. Decreased appetite, diarrhea, vomiting, dehydration and weakness are symptoms of this disorder. This disorder must be treated promptly for the cat to recover, according to Cornell University.