Diabetes in cats is just as common as it is in people. It is also just as dangerous if not treated. Caring for a diabetic cat is not hard but does require consistency and diligence.

What are they symptoms of diabetes in your cat? The symptoms will be gradual and you may not think much about them at first. They will include increased eating and excessive water drinking and urination. He will likely become lethargic. And, in spite of eating more, he will lose weight.

Another sign will be the development of neuropathy. This is a side effect of diabetes in cats which will be noticeable in how he walks. Rather than walking on his back paws, he will use his haunches. This will distort his posture giving him a hunchback. He will not be able to jump onto a bed or couch that would normally not be a problem to reach.

Neuropathy is a nervous system problem where signals delivered from the brain do not reach their targets. For example: a signal is sent to the leg muscles to jump. The cat starts his jump. But the signals stop before reaching the muscles. He cannot complete the jump and falls. It is sad to see and can be scary. Call the vet right away!

The good thing about neuropathy is that it will clear itself up once the diabetes is under control. Diabetes is usually controlled by giving insulin which is usually produced in the pancreas. When the pancreas fails, blood sugar is too high. Insulin can be administered via pill but this method is effective in fewer than half of feline diabetics. The better option is injections. There are different kinds of insulin and certain syringes that work with each type. Your vet will figure out what is best for your cat’s needs.

This is usually determined with a few tests. Initially, the vet will perform a ‘glucose curve.’ Throughout the day, blood is drawn and sugar levels are checked. More of these curves are done a few weeks apart with different doses of insulin. This process is continued until the right dose is found.

Once you know the right dose, it is vital to maintain the injections regularly. This will usually be twice a day. Missing a dose is not a threat but you do not want to miss multiple doses. The more serious danger is actually too much insulin. This will send the body into shock causing seizures and possibly death. If you can’t remember whether you gave the cat his shot or not, play it safe and do NOT give him insulin, as you do not want to risk overdose. To prevent uncertainty, it is a great idea to keep a calendar and mark when shots were administered.

Be sure to keep up with regular check-ups recommended by the veterinarian. This is always important but it is especially important in the case of diabetes. Unlike humans or even dogs, the pancreas of a cat can actually ‘re-learn’ to function properly over time. What this means is that a cat’s pancreas may actually start to produce insulin on its own. If you continue to give insulin, your cat will get too much and overdose. Again, this can lead to death.

Living with a diabetic cat is not complicated. It just takes care and dedication to proper care. In most diabetes cases cats may not even require a special diet. Just stay on top of the situation. A little ear scratching will be appreciated too.

It is important to know what you should look for regarding diabetes symptoms and the impact on your health. The Diabetes Advice Online services provides you details and information on the steps you should take when you might have diabetes.

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