How can I Keep my Cats from getting diabetes?
Diabetes cannot be prevented, per se, but the risk for cats getting diabetes can be reduced. Do not allow your cat to become obese—encourage exercise, feed cat-appropriate food and avoid long-term use of steroids if possible. If your cat does get diabetes, then the goal is to prevent complications from developing while also trying to reverse ...
What to do if your cat has diabetes?
What is diabetes?
- Diabetes is often easily diagnosed and controllable. ...
- Diabetes can absolutely be managed and your cat can still lead a long and happy life.
- Routine veterinary care and evaluation are important, as is achieving and maintaining an appropriate weight in your cat and feeding him an appropriate diet.
How can diet prevent diabetes in cats?
6 Tips on How to Prevent Feline Diabetes
- The first step in preventing feline diabetes: watch your cat’s weight. Fat cats may be cute or funny, but the consequences of obesity could mean feline diabetes. ...
- Feed your cat a species-appropriate diet. Cats are obligate carnivores. ...
- Provide exercise and enrichment. ...
- Make sure your cat gets regular checkups. ...
- Have regular blood and urine screenings done. ...
How much does it cost to treat diabetes in cats?
The cost of insulin treatment for cats is $25 to $75 per month. In addition to insulin treatment, there are regular diagnostic costs associated with feline diabetes. These costs include glucose monitoring and regular health checks. You can expect to pay $700 to $1,200 per year to adequetly monitor a diabetic cat.
Can diabetes in cats be treated without insulin?
“Some diabetic cats can be managed on a low-carb food alone, without insulin,” says Koble. ”This is the only 'natural' treatment that sometimes works by itself. Many cats need a combination of a low-carb food and insulin.”
How long do cats live after being diagnosed with diabetes?
Cats who are treated effectively for diabetes can live for very prolonged periods after diagnosis. Average length of life after diagnosis is variable dependent on which study is examined, however, average lifespans of up to around three years are reported in some studies.
How do you treat a cat with type 1 diabetes?
Feeding a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet allows the insulin to work better and helps the cat to lose weight. Canned food is better than dry food, since it is lower in carbohydrates, is not as calorie-dense and contains more fluid.
How long can a cat live without treatment for diabetes?
The effects of possible predictors on survival time were determined by calculating hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: Median survival time of diabetic cats was 516 days (range, 1 to 3,468 days); 70%, 64%, and 46% lived longer than 3, 6, and 24 months, respectively.
What is the cost of treating a diabetic cat?
You can typically expect to pay $50-$100 per month, but prices can be as high as $300 per month.
Should I put my diabetic cat down?
Diabetes Treatment You should only consider putting down a cat if they're resistant to the treatment, which usually includes regular blood tests, insulin injections, and a specific diet, or if the quality of your pet's life is poor.
What happens if a diabetic cat goes untreated?
Untreated, the condition leads to increasingly weak legs in cats, and eventually malnutrition, ketoacidosis and death. Early diagnosis and treatment by a qualified veterinarian can not only help prevent nerve damage, but in some cases even lead to remission so that the cat no longer needs injected insulin.
Is a cat with diabetes in pain?
Affected cats usually develop an odd, crouching gait and have difficulty jumping up but they can have milder nerve pain that doesn't cause clinical lameness. (Human diabetics can suffer from this as well and report pain and tingling in their feet.)
Can cats recover from diabetes?
Not all cats go into remission, but those that do may stay that way for months or years. One estimate states that 17 to 67% of cats experience remission after insulin therapy. Other estimates predict remission is possible in 90% of cats.
What are the final stages of diabetes in cats?
In the final stages, the cat starts wasting, with the body breaking down its own fat and muscle to survive. Lethargy/limpness and acetone-smelling breath are acute symptoms of ketoacidosis and/or dehydration and constitute a medical emergency. Untreated, diabetes leads to coma and then death.
What is the best food for a diabetic cat?
The 11 Best Diabetic Cat FoodsSmalls Human Grade Fresh Cat Food – Best Overall. ... Purina Pro Plan Vet Diet DM Canned Cat Food – Best Value. ... Wellness CORE Grain-free Classic Pate Canned Cat Food. ... Wysong Epigen Salmon Canine/Feline Canned Cat Food. ... Instinct Original Grain-free Pate Canned Cat Food.More items...•
Do diabetic cats sleep a lot?
Either could mean an imbalance in your cat's glucose levels. Sluggishness. All cats enjoy 20 or so hours of sleep every day, but excessive lethargy may be caused by diabetes. For example, if your cat suddenly no longer runs or jumps, it may be worth a trip to the vet.
What is the treatment for DM in cats?
In cats, initial treatment of DM may include dietary changes, oral medications ,* weight loss and insulin therapy .
How long does it take for diabetes in cats to go away?
The good news is that if you are a dedicated cat owner, you can help make the diabetes go away quickly – within 1-2 years, if not sooner! That’s because in cats, DM is often transient and with appropriate therapy (including insulin injections, diet changes and veterinary care), your cat can be successfully treated – and even cured. ...
How to tell if a cat has diabetes mellitus?
It’s important to recognize the clinical signs of diabetes mellitus in cats, because the sooner you recognize it, the sooner we can treat it and the better the long-term prognosis for your cat. Signs of DM in cats include: Larger clumps of urine in the litter box (e.g., excessive urination)
Why is my cat diabetic?
So what exactly is diabetes? Diabetes mellitus is an endocrine problem where your cat’s pancreas fails to produce enough of the hormone, insulin. With DM, the body doesn’t make enough insulin, which is the hormone that helps push sugar (“glucose”) ...
Why is my cat's blood sugar so high?
Without the insulin, the body’s cells are starving for sugar; unfortunately, this then stimulates the body to produce more and more sugar ( in an attempt to feed the cells). That’s why your cat’s blood sugar is so high (what we call a “hyperglycemia”).
Can diabetes be transient?
With aggressive treatment for Type II DM, diabetes can be transient and may only require a diet change and short-term insulin therapy (months). Hence, one of the reasons why veterinarians are always fighting against pet obesity! Treatment of diabetes mellitus.
Does glipizide work on cats?
Concurrent weight loss is a must also! Oral medications (e.g., glipizide) work by causing a lower blood sugar – they are called hypoglycemic agents; however, they only work in cats, not dogs .
What is the best diet for diabetic cats?
Some cats respond best to a diet high in fiber and complex carbohydrates, which is believed to help control blood sugar levels after eating. Other cats respond well to carbohydrate-restricted diets. Each diabetic cat is an individual, and each responds differently to treatment.
How do you know if your cat has diabetes?
The four classic signs of diabetes are ravenous appetite, weight loss, increased urination and increased water consumption . There are two different types of diabetes in cats: insulin-dependent and non-insulin-dependent. About 75 percent of cats affected have the insulin-dependent type and will require insulin injections.
Can cats give insulin injections?
Learning to give insulin injections may seem daunting initially, but most people become quite adept after receiving instruction from their veterinarian. Many cats don’t seem to even notice the injections; the needle used is extremely tiny and cats have loose skin, which means several anatomic areas can be used for injections.
Can cats be diabetic?
Although diabetes in cats is generally not curable, some cats will no longer be diabetic after a time and will go into “remission.” Also, sometimes insulin requirements will increase or decrease over time, especially if the cat’s weight changes. Therefore, it is important to monitor your cat after starting on insulin at regular intervals for the remainder of his life, to make sure he is regulated on the current course of treatment. Seek veterinary treatment if your cat is acting ill or showing the clinical signs of diabetes that you initially noticed. Illness can cause disruption in response to the current insulin dosage, so assessment by your vet is necessary.
How much insulin does a cat need?
Most cats are well regulated on insulin at an average dose of 0.5 U/kg q 12 hr, with a range of 0.2–0.8 U/kg. OR. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------. PZI (Prozinc), at a typical starting dose of 1–2 U per cat q 12 hr. ...
Can a diabetic cat be hospitalized?
A clinically sick, diabetic, ketotic cat should be hospitalized to initiate aggressive therapy. If 24 hr care is not feasible, the patient should be referred to an emergency or specialty hospital.
Can you use oral hypoglycemic medication for long term use?
Oral hypoglycemic drugs are neither recommended nor considered appropriate for long-term use. Their use is considered temporary and only if combined with dietary modification if the owner refuses insulin therapy or is considering euthanasia for the pet.
Is DM a good goal for cats?
In cats, diabetic remission is a reasonable goal. 4 Successful management of DM in cats consists of minimal or no clinical signs, owner perception of good quality of life and favorable treatment response, avoidance or improvement of DM complications, (specifically, diabetic ketoacidosis and peripheral neuropathy), and avoidance of hypoglycemia.
What does it mean when a cat has diabetes?
If your cat is diagnosed with diabetes mellitus, it means that his pancreas is not producing enough insulin to regulate the amount of sugar in his bloodstream. In most cases of feline diabetes, insulin is the treatment of choice. 1 Though giving injections to a cat can be a scary prospect for many cat owners, ...
What is the best food for a diabetic cat?
The most commonly recommended food for a cat with diabetes is a diet containing high levels of protein and low levels of carbohydrates. 1 If you are feeding your cat commercial food, canned cat foods are preferred (as opposed to kibble or dry food).
What to do if your dog is sick?
If you suspect your pet is sick, call your vet immediately. For health-related questions, always consult your veterinarian, as they have examined your pet, know the pet's health history, and can make the best recommendations for your pet. Article Sources.
Can cats with diabetes eat strictly controlled food?
Feeding your cat special food by itself may or may not be completely effective, and it is most likely to work for cats who do not have severe diabetes. The most commonly recommended food ...
Can diabetic cats be diagnosed by themselves?
It is important to understand, all diabetic cats are diagnosed and managed under the guidance of a veterinarian no matter the treatment (even diet) and it is important to never diagnose or try to manage diabetes by yourself. Oral Hypoglycemics. We discussed there may be other treatment options that are worth exploring in a situation ...
Can cats with diabetes be in remission?
Another important consideration in treating a cat with diabetes, especially if the disease is caught early, is that remission is possible if the regulation of blood glucose levels can be controlled effectively. 2 For that reason, aggressive treatment started early is considered to be ...
Do insulin injections help cats?
In many cases, insulin injections provide better glycemic control (control of blood sugar levels) than other medications. Insulin injections, particularly combined with a proper diet of high-protein, low-carbohydrate foods, are effective in converting many cats to a state of remission. This means that insulin injections may be necessary only ...
What is the best food for diabetic cats?
Fancy Feast Chunky Chicken or Turkey is a good food for a diabetic cat.
How many cats will return to normal after a diabetic diagnosis?
Anywhere from 30–90% of cats will return to normal with early diagnosis and treatment. 3. Better diets are helping diabetic cats live healthier lives. A poor diet may have brought on your cat’s diabetes in the first place. Now it’s time to get back on the right track.
How to get my cat's blood sugar back on track?
Early intervention with diabetes, as with so many other diseases, gives your cat the best chance of a better life, and possible remission. Daily insulin injections, along with watching what the cat eats, can help get blood sugar levels back on track and allow the cat to act normal. 2.
Can a diabetic cat drink water?
Proper diabetes care for a cat allows many patients to lead normal lives. There are certainly exceptions, and some diabetic cats have many problems — no 2 diabetics are the same. If we catch the illness early, a diabetic cat will stop drinking tons of water, have a normal amount of energy and lead a happy life. 8.
Can cats with diabetes get insulin injections?
Insulin injections for cats with diabetes are actually not complicated. Injections are not that difficult to give, even when cat, Mr. Mug, is acting like Mr. Angrypants. Stick the furry face in some food and pop in the tiny amount of insulin, and it’s over.
Is diabetes a death sentence for cats?
Caring for a Diabetic Cat: The Good and The Bad of Diabetes Care. No, diabetes is not a death sentence for your cat. Here’s what you should know, including symptoms, treatment — and the cost of insulin for cats. One of the classic cat diabetes symptoms is when you notice your cat drinking more water than usual.
Can cats go into remission?
With proper diet and the correct insulin therapy , a significant number of cats can go into remission or have their diabetes reversed.
What are some good treats for diabetic cats?
Vitamins and minerals: There are some diabetic cat treats that are made with a blend of essential vitamins, minerals and amino acids which help to encourage your cat’s good health. Examples of these are taurine for heart health and vitamin B for skin and coat.
What is the best food for cats with diabetes?
High in protein:The best treats for your cat with feline diabetes will be high in protein and low in carbohydrates and fat. Some treats are made with hydrolyzed protein, which is easier for a cat’s stomach to digest.
What is a savory cat treat?
These savory lamb treats will surely be having your cat purring for more. They are made from lamb meat plus organs. The meat is sourced in New Zealand from 100% grass fed lamb. The treats are great for cats with diabetes because they are high in protein and don’t contain any additives, fillers, grain or gluten.
What is the best treat for a cat with sensitive teeth?
Crunchy or soft:If your feline friend has sensitive teeth, there are a plethora of soft, moist treats that your cat will love. Crunchy treats often help to promote good dental health.
How many calories are in blue buffalo cat treats?
These Blue Buffalo cat treats only have 1.5 calories per snack, and they are enhanced with vitamins and nutrients to promote your cat’s overall wellbeing.
Why are diabetic cat treats low in calories?
Diabetic cat treats are typically low in calories to ensure that offering a reward isn’t adding to the number on your cat’s scale. Of course, it’s up to cat parents to feed treats responsibly.
Can diabetic cats eat whole bags?
Many cats would eat the whole bag if given the opportunity! High in protein, but low in fat and carbs: Diabetic cats may have difficulty when attempting to digest carbohydrates. The best treats for diabetic cats will be comprised mostly of a protein source with very little to no fat and carbs.
How many cats have diabetes?
Cat diabetes is increasingly being diagnosed, and currently it affects more than 1 in 400 cats. Diabetes is very treatable, and does not need to shorten your cat’s life span. This article will go over the signs of diabetes in cats, along with the various suspected causes. I will review the most common solutions, ...
How long does it take for a cat to respond to insulin?
If your cat is to have low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), you’ll need to be able to recognize it, and respond quickly. This usually happens within an hour of giving the insulin injection. Your cat will be weak, trembling, dazed and may begin to shake or seizure. If you suspect this, immediately give a sugar boost.
How to help a cat that can't swallow?
Have corn or maple syrup on hand and give 1-2 tablespoons. Rub it on the gums if he cannot swallow, then take him to your veterinarian immediately. Recent studies have shown that cats benefit greatly from higher protein, lower carbohydrate diets. These resemble diets that they would eat in the wild.
How much vitamin E should I take for diabetics?
Diabetes affects the other cells in the body, damaging tissue and organ cells. Antioxidants limit this damage. Vitamin E (100 IU per 10 lbs twice daily) and Vitamin C (100 mg per 10 lbs twice daily) are two common antioxidants I would suggest.
Can you give insulin injections at home?
The insulin injections can be given at home, and at the same time each day. Your veterinarian will show you how to give injections – they are not painful and usually not even noticed. The proper type of insulin, dose, and frequency of administration needs to be determined by your veterinarian.
How to treat diabetes in cats?
So your first line of attack, if you have a cat developing a blood sugar problem and are looking for alternative treatments for cat diabetes, is to suitably modify the diet by gradually cutting out the breakfast cereals and turning to a high protein diet. You will need to monitor blood glucose all the while either by testing the urine, or preferably with actual blood testing.
Why do cats have diabetes?
Such foods are a long way away from the fresh meat the animals have evolved to eat, and a lot of the blame for obesity and diabetes in modern cats is surely due to their diet which is extremely high in carbohydrate.
Why is meat used in cat food?
Some fresh meat is useful because processed cat food in cans is subjected to cooking or heat treatment of some kind that destroys or depletes certain nutrients such as vitamins, and certain amino acids like taurine.
What do cats eat?
In their natural state all cats eat meat and sometimes fish, but very little else, putting to bed the idea of all mammals having to have a “balanced diet” in order to stay healthy.
What is the best way to treat diabetics?
A high protein, low-carbohydrate diet, preferably including at least some fresh meat would seem to be the best option and may help to slowly turn around a developing diabetic condition if not left too late.
How to reverse a cat's condition?
In order to reverse the condition it would seem therefore logical to look to the diet first and foremost , and to significantly reduce the amounts of carbohydrate your cat consumes. This is best done gradually though in order to give adequate time for re-adjustment.
Why are veterinary treatments for cats based on research conducted with dogs?
Many veterinary treatments for cats were based on research conducted with dogs because it was wrongly assumed that cats were very similar. Recently, there have been giant strides in feline veterinary research. This classic reference is fully updated and revised to reflect these advances.