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Articles » Home-&-Family » Pets >> View Article
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| Feline Diabetes |
By:
Debbie Foster |
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Knowledge about feline diabetes is important in order to take specific care of your cat. Diabetes is a serious illness which touches millions of humans, but your cat can also be affected by it. Cat care and diabetes control go hand in hand to ensure your cat can live an otherwise normal life.
There are two types of feline diabetes that might impact your pet: type 1 occurs when insulin is produced insufficiently, and type 2 when the body cannot adequately process the insulin produced. As happens with humans, the illness can affect a cat regardless of age, but it is seen usually with cats over six years old. It can present itself in any gender or breed. However, the typical patients are overweight, older, neutered male cats.
Cats show symptoms of feline diabetes that have some similarities with that of humans. These symptoms should tell informed pet owners and vets of the beginning of the disease. As the body becomes incapable of processing glucose, the cat shows symptoms of excessive thirst and hunger, frequent urination and may also lose weight. Being sick, loss of appetite, frequent napping and general fatigue often accompany cat diabetes. Additionally, the cat may suffer from breathing problems as well as loss of skin and coat sheen. Urine and blood sugar screening need to be conducted when owners see such symptoms in their pets. Since blood sugar may rise temporarily if the cat is frightened or is in any type of stressful situation, it is a smart idea to get both the screens done. These two tests will help affirm if your cat actually does have the condition.
Feline diabetes, like the human form, has no cure yet but it can be regulated through a number of means. With obese cats, the condition can be treated through a diet that is rich in fiber and complex carbohydrates. This diet is not only perfect for blood sugar control, but is also good for weight loss. Dietary supplements are also available to help diabetic felines deal with their condition. Drug therapy is another alternative to keep blood sugar levels within standard limits.
Regular monitoring of sugar and insulin levels of an at-risk cat is an owner's important responsiblity. For those who make the decision to personally give their cats insulin injections for their diabetes, care is imperative to avoid an overdose as it can cause their death. If you keep the diabetes in check, your cat's quality of life will be better, and you can be rewarded with many years of love from your furry friend. |
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