How to Naturally Prevent Diabetes in Cats

According to Dr. Elizabeth Hodgkins, DVM, of YourDiabeticCat.com, diabetes in cats (feline diabetes) can be prevented by feeding your cat a diet that caters to its natural, carnivorous tendencies. In the wild, cats prey on other animals; hence, their "natural" diet would consist of high protein and low carbohydrates. As a result, their bodies are not equipped to produce the enzymes necessary to efficiently metabolize carbohydrates, according to Lisa A. Pierson, DVM, of CatInfo.org. Although remedies are available to manage feline diabetes, it is best to prevent the disease altogether with proper feeding and weight control.

Things You'll Need

  • Low-carbohydrate canned cat food
  • Fresh meats
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Instructions

    • 1

      Feed your cat fresh meat. Chop poultry, beef or fish into bite-sized pieces. Serve one ounce of meat to your cat three times a day.

    • 2

      Feed your cat canned food. Cats are carnivores and do not require the vegetable or grain products found in most commercial dry cat foods. Serve two to three ounces of canned cat food to your pet each day.

    • 3

      Exercise your cat and do not allow it to be sedentary (sit with little or no exercise). Exercise prevents feline obesity, which increases the risk that your cat will get diabetes, according to the website Vet Info. Purchase toys, such as cat balls, that your cat can hit, chase and pounce on to encourage it to run around.