Cat Diabetes and Diarrhea

Cat diabetes is a disease caused by a lack of the hormone insulin or an inadequate response to insulin. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, after a cat eats the digestive system breaks food down into various components, including glucose. Glucose is carried into the cells by insulin. When a cat does not produce insulin or cannot utilize it normally, blood sugar levels rise. This results in a condition called hyperglycemia. If left untreated it can cause numerous health problems for a cat. In addition, cats with diabetes may show the same symptoms associated with diarrhea.

  1. Cat Diabetes

    • Diabetes is a manageable disease which can be controlled with regular insulin injections. The exact cause of diabetes in cats is unknown; however, certain medications, pancreatic disease, genetics and abnormal protein deposits in the pancreas can play a part. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals notes important factors that may lead to the development of diabetes. These factors include obesity, gender or age.

    Symptoms of Diabetes

    • Symptoms of diabetes include, a change in appetite, weight loss, excessive thirst, increased urination, urinating in areas other than the litter box, lethargy, dehydration, unkempt coat, or a urinary tract infection. If you notice any of these symptoms it's important to visit your veterinarian immediately. If diabetes is left untreated, your cat can develop kidney disease, neurological disorders and other metabolic diseases.

    Cat Diarrhea

    • Unlike diabetes, diarrhea is not a disease. It is often a symptom of another disease and can usually be treated. Diarrhea is typically not a symptom of a life-threatening disease; however, if it is the result of a mild illness it could result in death. In severe cases of diabetes a condition called Ketoacidosis may occur. This condition occurs when the body cannot get energy from glucose due to diabetes. In addition to diarrhea a cat with this condition may also experience breathing problems, weakness and vomiting. Cats suffering from ongoing diarrhea should be treated early to prevent fluid and nutrient losses. Depending on the diagnosis, treatment may include antibiotics, fluid replacement or electrolyte replacement.

    Causes of Cat Diarrhea

    • Diarrhea may be the result of many factors including, a stomach virus, fungal or bacterial infection, hyperthyroidism, or inflammatory bowl disease. According to Pawprints and Purrs, Inc., "Some potential risk factors for diarrhea include dietary indiscretion, exposure to cats with certain illnesses, a feline leukemia virus and feline immunodeficiency virus, and travel to areas of endemic fungal infection."

    Connection

    • It's important to understand a cat that is experiencing diarrhea will have the same symptoms as a diabetic cat. Some of the symptoms include dehydration, loss of appetite and lethargy.