Diabetic Cats & Carbohydrates

Diabetes is a condition that causes high blood sugar. Cats are not immune to this disease, and it is very important to keep it under control. Work closely with your veterinarian in order to make sure your cat is eating the proper diet and that its glucose levels are carefully monitored.

  1. Feline Diabetes

    • Diabetes is a disease of the feline endocrine system. Certain factors, such as obesity, activity level and diet, can contribute to diabetes. Some cats may need insulin in order to keep their blood glucose at an appropriate level.

    Carbohydrates

    • Cats are carnivorous animals, so a high-carbohydrate diet is not natural for them. A cat's system is designed to use protein and fat for energy; it does not process carbohydrates well or convert them into energy. Too many carbohydrates can cause a cat's blood sugar to rise and makes the pancreas work harder. Carbohydrates only need to make up about 3 to 5 percent of the cat's diet, with a maximum of 10 percent.

    Cat Food

    • According to Dr. Lisa A. Pierson, DVM, all dry cat foods contain too many carbohydrates, and some wet foods may also be high in carbohydrates. Some cat foods consist of as much as 50 percent carbohydrates. Dr. Pierson warns that even some prescription cat foods that are made for diabetic cats are still too high in carbohydrates---they just contain less than regular cat food---and are often made with poor-quality ingredients.

    Dietary Changes

    • Discuss your diabetic cat's diet with your veterinarian. Feeding a diet that is high in fat and protein but low in carbohydrates may help keep the diabetes under control. Muscle meats are best to use, and byproducts, organ meats and soy products should be avoided. It is also important to maintain your cat's weight and make sure it is not eating too much food, even if the food is low in carbohydrates.

    Precautions

    • According to Dr. Pierson, it is very important to adjust your cat's insulin if you switch him to a low-carbohydrate diet; some cats can be taken off their insulin completely. Failure to do so could result in hypoglycemia, and the cat's blood sugar could get low enough to result in brain damage or death.