November is Pet Diabetes Month, a time to spread awareness about diabetes in pets and to educate owners on the condition and its implications. While both dogs and cats can be affected by diabetes, cats, in particular, have some unique challenges. As a cat parent, it’s important to understand what feline diabetes is, the signs and symptoms to look out for, the steps you can take to get an accurate diagnosis, and the available treatment options.
Feline Diabetes Overview
Feline diabetes, also known as diabetes mellitus, is a condition where a cat’s body can’t properly produce insulin, resulting in elevated blood glucose levels. There are two main types of feline diabetes.
Type 1 Diabetes: The body doesn’t produce enough insulin. It can be treated but there is no cure.
Type 2 Diabetes: The body doesn’t respond appropriately to insulin. Most commonly seen in cats, Type 2 can usually be managed with appropriate treatment.
Signs and Symptoms of Feline Diabetes
Since cats are naturally secretive and may hide symptoms, diabetes can be challenging to initially diagnose. Some common red flags to watch for include:
- Increased thirst and urination
- Increased hunger
- Weight loss (despite having a good appetite)
- Lethargy
- Poor coat condition (despite being well-groomed)
If you notice your cat presenting any of these signs, schedule a visit with your primary care veterinarian. Successful treatment and management relies heavily on an early diagnosis.
Confirming a Diabetes Diagnosis
Feline diabetes is primarily diagnosed through a series of blood tests and a urinalysis, though an evaluation of clinical signs is also a necessary component. The diagnosis process involves:
- A thorough physical exam and review of their medical history.
- A blood sample is taken to check blood glucose levels.
- A serum fructosamine test can also be performed to determine if the cat’s blood glucose has been elevated over a period of time.
- A urinalysis will check for glucose in the urine.
- In some cases, a veterinarian may run additional tests to rule out other conditions that cause similar symptoms, like an infection.
Treatment Options for Cats with Diabetes
Caring for a cat with diabetes can feel overwhelming, but with guidance from your veterinarian, many cats live comfortable lives as long as the condition is carefully monitored. Some common treatment options include:
Insulin Therapy and Blood Glucose Monitoring: Regular insulin injections will help stabilize your cat’s sugar levels. Your veterinarian can help with correct dosage amounts, teach you how to administer insulin at home, and guide you on how to check their glucose.
Dietary Changes and Weight Management: Prescription diets for diabetic cats often include high-protein and low-carb options. These diets will assist in regulating glucose levels and support a healthy weight, which may reduce the severity of symptoms.
Preventing Complications
Diabetes can unfortunately lead to other health complications, especially if not well managed, such as diabetic ketoacidosis, neuropathy (nerve damage), recurrent infections, cataracts, dehydration, pancreatitis, and kidney or liver problems. These issues can often be mitigated by:
- Visiting your veterinarian regularly to monitor your cat’s condition and adjust treatment accordingly.
- Addressing infections or abnormal blood work promptly.
- Maintaining a consistent diet, exercise regimen, blood glucose monitoring, and insulin administration.
We Are Open 24-Hours, 7 Days a Week
Caring for a diabetic cat takes commitment and consistency. If your pet experiences complications from diabetes, our team is ready and available 24/7 to help. You don’t need to make an appointment to visit the animal emergency room, but we always appreciate a call ahead so we can prepare for your arrival. If you are worried about your pet, do not hesitate to bring them in. Along with our sister hospital Animal Emergency Hospital DeLand, we are dedicated to caring for pets and their families. It’s why we’re here.
Plus, if you have a diabetic pet that needs to be boarded for any length of time, we welcome special needs patients. Our team will take excellent care of them while you are away.
