Cats develop diabetes in much the same way that people get diabetes type 2. Cats develop problems not being able to manufacture or process blood sugar. Symptoms of feline diabetes include vastly increased thirst, hunger and urination. Feline diabetes is treatable, as long as you work with your vet.
Things You'll Need
- Insulin
- Sterile hyperdermic needles
- Prescription diet cat food
- Cat toys
Instructions
Take your cat to the vet for any immediate help needed to stabilize the cat's blood sugar. The vet will need to weigh your cat in order to determine the proper insulin dosages.
Learn from the vet how to give your cat an insulin shot in the back of the neck. Your cat will need insulin every day in order to stay alive. You may need to dilute the insulin with water. Check with your vet.
Give your cat the required insulin injection every day. The insulin dosage will often need to be adjusted, because each cat reacts differently to insulin. Some cats will be on one shot a day, while others will need two shots per day.
Feed your cat a prescription low-calorie diet recommended by your vet. Stop feeding your cat regular cat food and table scraps, as these have too many calories. Along with changes in food, you must also feed your diabetic cat at regular times. The best time to feed is after the insulin shot. Cats on one shot need three small meals a day, while cats on two injections need four meals a day.
Make sure your cat exercises regularly in the form of play. Exercise is especially important with overweight cats, because taking off weight can help regulate blood sugar. Use a variety of cat toys to help encourage your cat to play.