Insulin Overdose Symptoms in Cats

Hypoglycemia. Just the word strikes fear into the hearts of people caring for diabetic cats. If caught in time though hypoglycemia, or insulin overdose, can be reversed without causing permanent damage. Know the symptoms of insulin overdose in cats, and have your "hypo toolkit" ready, just in case.

  1. Warning Signs

    • Symptoms of mild to moderate insulin overdose in cats include sudden ravenous hunger; shivering; weakness or lethargy; disorientation; problems with vision (bumping into furniture); staggering, walking in circles or acting drunk; restlessness; urgent vocalization or meowing; changes in head or neck movements; and aggressiveness.

    Medical Emergency

    • Seizures, convulsions and unconsciousness caused by insulin overdose are life-threatening emergencies, and the cat needs immediate veterinary care.

    Neurological Damage

    • Because the brain doesn't store glucose for later use, it's the first organ affected by an insulin overdose. If not treated quickly, the overdose can cause permanent neurological damage.

    High-Carb Food

    • High-carbohydrate canned food reaches the bloodstream faster than dry food does and can bring a cat's blood glucose up to normal. Most canned foods with "gravy" or "sauce" are high-carb.

    Hypo Toolkit

    • In addition to high-carb wet food, a well-stocked hypo toolkit includes Karo or pancake syrup, a feeding syringe, the phone number for the nearest animal emergency clinic and driving directions, and printed instructions for treating an insulin overdose.

    Prevention

    • The best way to prevent an insulin overdose is to learn to home-test so you can catch those falling blood glucose numbers before they drop dangerously low (see Resources section). Avoid distractions while drawing up your cat's dose of insulin, and write down the time the last shot was given, to help avoid giving too much insulin. Cats who haven't eaten should not get insulin. Food keeps blood glucose levels from dropping too low.