Instructions
Identifying Risk Factors and Illness That Mimic Feline Diabetes
Some medications can cause diabetes in cats, and some illnesses also mimic the disease.. Pancreatitis and hyperthyroidism can cause and mimic the illness. Some cats have a higher risk of developing diabetes, such as Burmese cats. Older, obese cats. are at the highest risk of becoming diabetic. Kidney dysfunction and antifreeze poisoning can also mimic diabetes.
It is important to familiarize yourself with the symptoms of feline diabetes so you are able to inform your veterinarian about how your cat has been acting. It is also important to note that other conditions can mimic the disease in cats.
Extra glucose in cats is disposed of by the kidneys, which causes them to urinate frequently. Therefore, one of the first signs of diabetes is excessive thirst. Cats will also begin to eat more and more food to make up for their body's inability to metabolize glucose. As malnourishment sets in, the cat will begin to eat. Diabetes left untreated will eventually result in the presence of a condition known as ketoacidosis. Symptoms include "sweet-smelling" breath (similar to nail polish remover), difficulty breathing and eventually diabetic coma. Later, there may also be the presence of vomiting, weakness and dehydration.
It is important to listen carefully when your vet diagnoses your cat. The type of treatment it will need depends on what type of diabetes it has.
There are three types of diabetes in cats. The first is Type I. Type I cats are insulin-dependent and need daily injections of the hormone in order to live.
Type II diabetes is the most common type of the disease in cats. As many as 70 percent of these cats will require insulin at some point, but many will be able to take oral medications to manage their condition.
Lastly, transient diabetes cases are actually Type II cats that require regular insulin at first, but eventually their bodies regulate themselves and they are able to go off the insulin and be treated with a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet.
Preventing diabetes is easy and can also be fun if you enjoy playing with your cat. All it takes is a little added attention to detail and a few extra minutes out of your day.
Because obesity can lead to diabetes, it is important to feed your cat a healthy diet, make sure it gets plenty of exercise and play time, and stays within a healthy weight range. Your veterinarian may suggest putting your cat on special cat food to meet his dietary needs. Although each cat's routine may be different, it is extremely important to make sure your cat is fed in a proper and timely manner. If a cat does not eat enough, it may be unsafe to administer his insulin, which could result in diabetic complications. If your cat is not eating enough, contact your veterinarian. It is also important to monitor your cat's water consumption, weight and blood sugar. Your cat's blood sugar can be tested either at home or by the vet. In some cats, diabetes goes into remission with proper treatment. This does not mean the condition is cured; it means it is under control. Although cats may experience flare-ups throughout their lives, they can also live happy, healthy lives and be normal, lovable companions for years to come.
How to Identify and Treat Feline Diabetes
Many cats develop diabetes simply because they spend too much time napping and not enough time playing, or because their diet is lacking. This article will tell you how to identify the disease and how to treat it.