Feline Diabetes

-- Feline Diabetes --

It can come as quite a shock to some people when they learn that their little bundle of fur has developed diabetes, and for most pet owners the thought of having to administer medication, injections, change their cat's diet, and deal with the various changes that come with the condition can be very daunting.

However, dealing with feline diabetes these days is far easier than it once was, and pet owners will find plenty of support and information out there to help them.

Has Your Cat Been Diagnosed?

It is a natural reaction for people to feel shocked and worried when they are told that their cat has diabetes, as most people to not know what to expect or what that means for the cat.

However, whilst there will inevitably have to be some changes made to cater for this there is no reason why your cat shouldn't live a normal, happy life.

Having diabetes will not necessarily alter your cat's lifespan, and once your vet has determined the right treatment and regime for the cat you will find that it very quickly becomes a part of everyday life, even if you end up having to give injections. Of course, you will need commitment and you will need to exercise caution, but this will soon become second nature.

Symptoms

If your cat has started drinking and urinating a lot, and is losing weight, then you need to arrange a grip to the vets. This may be the symptoms for another health problem but could also indicate that your cat has diabetes – only your vet will be able to make a definite diagnosis.

Once a diagnosis has been made you vet will be able to determine the best course of action in terms of treatment, and will run through the details of what you need to do in order to control your pet's diabetes. Your pet may need to be hospitalised initially, especially if it has a more serious condition called ketosis, but as long as your cat is eating and drinking without vomiting, and is alert, it is unlikely that it will need to be hospitalised.

Changes Needed To Deal With Feline Diabetes

There are a number of changes that you will have to make in order to better control your cat's condition, and whilst some of these are subtle changes others may take a bit more getting used to, both for you and your cat. It is unlikely that your cat will thank you for grabbing the scruff of its neck and jabbing a needle in, but be assured that it probably hurts you more than your cat and is a necessary evil to keep your cat healthy!

Some of the changes that you may need to make, depending on the seriousness of the condition, your cat's general health and age, and various other factors include changes to your cat's diet, giving daily insulin shots, monitoring glucose levels, and even increasing your cat's exercise, as many cats with diabetes are overweight, which can lead to other health problems over time.

Give Your Cat a Healthy Life

It is worth considering the things you can do to give your cat a healthy and normal life following diagnosis. As is the case with humans your cat's diabetes can be controlled with proper care, so make sure that you get all the advice and tools necessary from your vet to look after your feline friend properly. You will be shown how to give insulin shots and provided with information relating to diet and exercise, which are all key factors in managing the condition.

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