Living With Cat Diabetes
While we often think of diabetes as being a relatively common human health issue, did you know your cat can also get diabetes? Understanding diabetes in cats and how to care for them is vital for ensuring your cat remains happy and healthy while dealing with this condition. Northwood Veterinary Hospital in Northwood, NH, can help treat or manage several pet health issues, including diabetes. We are here to tell you about cat diabetes and how to care for your cat.
What Is Cat Diabetes?
Diabetes in cats works similarly to diabetes in humans. The body of diabetic cats does not produce enough insulin to move sugar from the bloodstream into cells. This imbalance leads to high blood sugar levels and causes your cat to get sick. Diabetes typically occurs due to obesity, diet, or genetics. Age can also increase your cat’s risk of developing diabetes.
How to Care for Your Cat
Your veterinarian will examine your cat to determine the severity of its diabetes. They will then discuss a treatment and pain management plan with you. This plan will likely include insulin injections, specialized nutrition, exercises, and more frequent monitoring.
Your veterinarian will educate you on how to inject insulin and manage your cat’s diabetes, including how often you need to give your cat insulin injections. You need to check your cat’s blood sugar levels with a glucose monitor by pricking its ear and placing a drop of blood on a test strip. You must also change your pet's diet to a low-carb and high-protein diet with wet food.
You need to monitor your cat to catch signs of falling blood sugar levels. These signs can include:
• Loss of appetite
• Excessive thirst
• Lethargy
• Shaking or tremors
Contact your veterinarian immediately if you notice any of these signs. Your veterinarian can promptly treat your cat and balance its blood sugar levels.
Contact Northwood Veterinary Hospital to Keep Your Cat Happy and Healthy
Understanding what to do when your cat has diabetes is essential for maintaining its health and well-being, so contact Northwood Veterinary Hospital in Northwood, NH, to learn more about this condition and how to manage it. Call us and schedule an appointment at (603) 942-8368 to get your cat the treatment necessary to continue living a long, healthy life.
