You might want to be a fat cat, but you sure don't want your feline to become one. Feline diabetes is very different from diabetes in dogs. Q: What’s the treatment for a cat with feline diabetes? It causes increased thirst, urination, appetite, and weight loss. It can become severe and life-threatening. Because one of the symptoms was, Increase in thirst. Q: Will I have to test my cat’s blood every day and give them shots? Treatment is insulin therapy. But there also are some breeds of cats that get diabetes more than others do, so that suggests there may be a genetic component involved as well. To find out why so many cats are being diagnosed with diabetes, and what owners can do, WebMD talked to Thomas Graves, a former feline practitioner who is associate professor and section head of small animal medicine at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine. You have to make sure they get all the amino acids that they need, and their needs are different from dogs and people and other omnivores. Hyperglycemia, hypoglycemia, and gastroparesis can cause nausea in cats leading to vomiting, lost appetite, and lethargy. But there also are some breeds of cats that get diabetes more than others do, so that suggests there may be a genetic component involved as well. Some people just don’t like dealing with canned food. Diabetes mellitus is a chronic, and potentially debilitating, condition in cats. Diabetic cats mostly suffer from Type II diabetes, where the body cells can no longer adequately respond to insulin, leading to elevated levels of glucose. If you suspect your cat is sick, visit your veterinarian as soon as possible. There are some severe but rare complications of untreated diabetes, although the cataracts commonly seen in diabetic dogs and people are not reported in cats. obesity Graves’ research focus is on diabetes and geriatric medicine. It’s felt that a low-carbohydrate diet is probably best for cats with diabetes. Inability to Jump & Loss of Interest © 2005 - 2019 WebMD LLC. All of these are key signs that his glucose levels are going unregulated and are symptoms of feline diabetes — the lack of insulin is preventing his cells from absorbing and getting energy from glucose, and the resulting excess glucose in his blood is making him thirsty. An alarming number of Your cat may be suffering from Type I or Type II diabetes if they are urinating frequently. This is done in conjunction with your veterinarian. Left untreated, it can lead to weight loss, loss of appetite. Lack of Appetite, Vomiting, Lethargy Q: Should I only feed them dry food or just wet food or both? Feline Outreach has recognized us as superior in the field of Feline Diabetes education. Feline diabetes is a relatively common medical condition in older cats. People are often afraid of that whole thing. Feline Diabetes Symptoms. Take a deep breath and relax; we're here to help you. So the diet they would eat, if they were running around outside eating the animals that they prey upon, would be a very high-protein, very low-carbohydrate diet. Q: Will it be better for my cat if I cook instead of buying them food? A: The true incidence isn’t known, but it’s estimated at 0.5% to 2% of the feline population. Diabetic cats aren’t able to absorb and use glucose properly, which leads to abnormally high levels of glucose being filtered out through the urine. The easiest way to find that your cats got Diabetes, was by checking your cat water dish. A: The true incidence isn’t known, but it’s estimated at 0.5% to 2% of the feline population. What Are The Complications Of Feline Diabetes? 5. Notice if your cat has increased thirst. So the argument is, that is what they have evolved to eat and that is healthier for them. Feline Diabetes Symptoms Polyuria (excessive urination) Polydipsia (excessive thirst) Increased appetite Weight loss Lethargy Diabetic neuropathy (causes progressive weakness in the rear legs) 4. But once you teach an owner how to do it properly, it’s something people find quite easy. But the owners will have to give their cat shots. It is usually associated with obesity, and the onset of symptoms can be quite gradual. Like humans, cats can suffer complications from diabetes. But for the most part diabetes is a disease that we control and don’t really cure. Other symptoms of diabetes include sticky sugar-filled urine, a ravenous appetite, lethargy, and weight loss. A: Nobody can tell you that you can prevent your cat from getting diabetes with diet because those studies haven’t been done. Feline Diabetes Seborrhea sicca associated with diabetes mellitus, which is the inability to produce enough insulin to balance blood sugar, or glucose, levels Insulin is involved in moving glucose into the cells of his body. There are some commonly held beliefs, based on a handful of clinical studies, that support the use of low-carbohydrate diets in helping diabetic cats control their blood sugar better. If a cat displays a combination of the following symptoms, they could be in critical condition and require intensive care. Cats most commonly have type 2 diabetes caused by decreased insulin production or insulin resistance and it often is associated with obesity. 520-327-5624. Later signs of diabetes include the following: 3. The cat may lose weight in a failed attempt to fill the void left after burning fats and proteins, and as a result, their appetite increases. A complete diagnosis always requires a visit to the vet, but a closer look at your cat at home can tell you if there’s a problem. By clicking Subscribe, I agree to the WebMD, Smart Grocery Shopping When You Have Diabetes, Surprising Things You Didn't Know About Dogs and Cats, Coronavirus in Context: Interviews With Experts, Health News and Information, Delivered to Your Inbox, Cat Coat Care: How to Keep Your Cat’s Coat Shiny. Most patients come in every three or four months. The cat feels the need to eat more and more to provide fuel for their cells. If insulin was not produced enough by the pancreas, then you can get Diabetes. Treatment of diabetes involves regular injections of insulin to keep blood glucose levels within normal limits. There are some commonly held beliefs, based on a handful of clinical studies, that support the use of low-carbohydrate diets in helping diabetic cats control their blood sugar better. The kidneys attempt to remove the excess glucose from the body through urine. So the diet they would eat, if they were running around outside eating the animals that they prey upon, would be a very high-protein, very low-carbohydrate diet. Feline Diabetes Symptoms. Cat diabetes is a treatable, manageable condition. So the argument is, that is what they have evolved to eat and that is healthier for them. Change in Gait Q: Will diabetes shorten my cat’s lifespan? If your cat can no longer jump on furniture they used to be able to, they may be sick. A: That’s the raging argument right now. In late stages, diabetes can cause complete loss of appetite, vomiting, lethargy, abdominal pain, lack of coordination, weakness and death. mellitus, which is the inability to produce enough insulin to balance blood sugar, or glucose, levels. ? As a result, starved cells will trigger the breakdown of the fats and proteins available in the body as an alternative source of energy. , severe depression, problems with motor function, coma, and even death. A: That’s the raging argument right now. Typically, diabetes mellitus is a disorder that results when the cells develop a resistance to insulin, a hormone that aids the entry of glucose into the cells. Signs of hypoglycemia in cats might include: Dull mentation or disorientation Profound weakness or lethargy Gastrointestinal signs (vomiting, diarrhea, not eating)
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