When you own a cat, perhaps cat diabetes never entered your mind when your brought your kitten home. Now that you have your cat, you want to do everything possible to provide good cat care that will give your pet a long and happy life. While it's unfortunate that diabetes strikes some cats, it is important for pet owners to be aware of the symptoms and learn what to do if it affects you cat.
There are two types of feline diabetes that may affect your pet cats. Type 1 is caused by an insufficient production of insulin while type 2 diabetes is characterized by the inability of the cat's body to process insulin more effectively. And just like in humans, diabetes can also strike cats at any age but is more likely to affect older cats. There is also a secondary feline diabetes that can be caused by drugs or by some diseases that may impair the natural processing of insulin in the body.
Owners often discover their cat has diabetes through routine cat care. Your cat may exhibit unusual thirst and urination, lose weight unexplainably, have vomit, weakness, a decrease in appetite and a change in skin/coat.
If your cat is experiencing any of these symptoms, it may be time for a check up at the vet. Have your vet test your pet for cat diabetes through a simple test of sugar levels. Taking two tests will give a true result, since the sugar levels may be elevated with stress for the first reading. This will help you determine if your cat genuinely has diabetes.
Just like diabetes in humans, the feline version has no cure yet available. Instead, feline diabetes can be controlled through a number of means. And for cats, it can be done through diet and weight control. A diet that is high in fiber and complex carbohydrates would be ideal for diabetic cats, especially the obese ones. This type of diet is maintained not only to control the cat's weight but also to control the cat's blood sugar levels. There are also oral medications available that can help your diabetic pet cat maintain a suitable blood sugar level.
Pet owners of diabetic cats may also need to carefully monitor their pet's glucose and insulin levels. For those pet owners who resort to giving their diabetic cats insulin injections for their diabetes, care to avoid overdose should always be maintained. An overdose of insulin can be a very fatal condition in cats. There are also some dietary supplements that can be used to help diabetic cats deal with their condition.
Cat care for your diabetic cats can provide a long life for your pet. By providing quality care, diabetic pets can be enjoyed by their pet owners for years. Your cat will appreciate your love and concern with your conscientious cat care and seeing that he does experience all nine lives - even if he would never admit it to you. - 31851
There are two types of feline diabetes that may affect your pet cats. Type 1 is caused by an insufficient production of insulin while type 2 diabetes is characterized by the inability of the cat's body to process insulin more effectively. And just like in humans, diabetes can also strike cats at any age but is more likely to affect older cats. There is also a secondary feline diabetes that can be caused by drugs or by some diseases that may impair the natural processing of insulin in the body.
Owners often discover their cat has diabetes through routine cat care. Your cat may exhibit unusual thirst and urination, lose weight unexplainably, have vomit, weakness, a decrease in appetite and a change in skin/coat.
If your cat is experiencing any of these symptoms, it may be time for a check up at the vet. Have your vet test your pet for cat diabetes through a simple test of sugar levels. Taking two tests will give a true result, since the sugar levels may be elevated with stress for the first reading. This will help you determine if your cat genuinely has diabetes.
Just like diabetes in humans, the feline version has no cure yet available. Instead, feline diabetes can be controlled through a number of means. And for cats, it can be done through diet and weight control. A diet that is high in fiber and complex carbohydrates would be ideal for diabetic cats, especially the obese ones. This type of diet is maintained not only to control the cat's weight but also to control the cat's blood sugar levels. There are also oral medications available that can help your diabetic pet cat maintain a suitable blood sugar level.
Pet owners of diabetic cats may also need to carefully monitor their pet's glucose and insulin levels. For those pet owners who resort to giving their diabetic cats insulin injections for their diabetes, care to avoid overdose should always be maintained. An overdose of insulin can be a very fatal condition in cats. There are also some dietary supplements that can be used to help diabetic cats deal with their condition.
Cat care for your diabetic cats can provide a long life for your pet. By providing quality care, diabetic pets can be enjoyed by their pet owners for years. Your cat will appreciate your love and concern with your conscientious cat care and seeing that he does experience all nine lives - even if he would never admit it to you. - 31851
About the Author:
David is an expert on pet health and care. Keeping your cat healthy and happy is a responsiblility of every owner. See his site for information on Cat Disease.
