Feline Stress & Hyperglycemia

Cats, like humans, can experience stress. And much like you, stress can heighten, correlate or cause another illness in your feline companions. One such correlation is stress and hyperglycemia.

  1. Hyperglycemia Definition

    • Hyperglycemia is caused by high blood sugar and is the primary symptom of diabetes.

    Feline Stress

    • Cats can become stressed due to a number of factors. Changes in their environment, whether you have moved or introduced a new cat or dog, can cause stress.

    Connection

    • Stress can cause an increase in blood sugar, and sometimes levels can be high enough in your cat that they approach the glucose levels of a diabetic cat.

    Diabetes Symptoms

    • Cats with hyperglycemia due to diabetes can display symptoms that cats with stress-related hyperglycemia would not. Diabetic cats usually drink and urinate in excess, and they experience weight loss, dehydration, weakness and vomiting.

    Diagnosis

    • Cats can be diagnosed with diabetes by having a veterinarian perform a full blood test as well as tests to check the function of all organs in order to differentiate hyperglycemia caused by stress from hyperglycemia due to diabetes. These tests can also rule out kidney and thyroid issues.