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How a Veterinarian Might Treat Your Cat's Diabetes

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If your cat is lethargic, losing weight, and has increased thirst and urination, the problem could be diabetes. Cats get diabetes just like humans do, and just like people, cats need proper treatment through diet and medications to control their condition. Here are some more symptoms of diabetes in cats and some treatments your veterinarian might recommend to keep your cat healthy.

Symptoms Of Feline Diabetes

Cats may have a variety of symptoms when they have diabetes. Many of the symptoms are also common in other cat diseases. Plus, other medical conditions can accompany feline diabetes, so it's best to take your cat to the veterinarian any time they seem to be acting differently or ill.

Your cat might stop using the litter box, urinate more often, have an increased appetite, have a decreased appetite, have trouble jumping, have a change in their walking pattern, or become lethargic. Some symptoms are due to the effects of high blood sugar and others are due to nerve damage caused by diabetes.

Lifestyle Changes Your Vet Might Recommend

Obese cats tend to have a higher incidence of diabetes, so your vet may want your cat to lose weight. This is done gradually by increasing your cat's exercise through play and decreasing the carbs in their diet. If your cat adapts to it, your veterinarian may put them on an all-wet diet that's lower in carbs than dry food.

Medication Your Cat May Need

If your vet discovers your cat has high blood sugar, you may need to give your cat insulin. There are different types of insulin for cats, so your vet will discuss how they differ. You need to choose one that fits your lifestyle so you don't miss giving your cat a dose. You might need to inject the insulin a couple of times a day.

While it might seem intimidating, insulin needles are very small and it won't take long for you and your cat to get used to the routine. Your cat might also need to take other medications, depending on their symptoms and accompanying medical problems. For instance, your cat might need to be treated for pain due to nerve damage.

Monitoring That's Required For Feline Diabetes

To help your veterinarian control your cat's medical condition, the vet will probably want you to keep a journal that shows when and what your cat ate, when they got insulin, and the symptoms they display each day.

With careful monitoring and treatment at home, your cat can live a comfortable life with diabetes. If the diabetes isn't controlled, your cat could need to be hospitalized, so following your veterinarian's instructions for care is important for your cat's health.


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