Cat Training

Posts Tagged ‘Cat Diabetes’

Is a diabetic cat part of your life?  If you do, you already know that it’s necessary to pay a lot more attention to your kitty’s health.  Although cat diabetes doesn’t cause circulatory problems or blindness like diabetes in people does, there are four dangerous complications of feline diabetes that you need to know about. 

Feline Neuropathy

The cat owner will notice weakness in the pet’s legs.  Be aware that your kitty may have feline diabetes if you notice her walking on her “wrists” on her front legs, or on her “elbows” in the back.  When blood sugar levels are too high over a period of time, this can damage the nerves.  When cat diabetes is treated, sometimes this problem goes away.

Feline Ketoacidosis

This problem is often seen in an untreated feline diabetic.  The kitty’s body will normally break down glucose for energy.  But in cat diabetes, the body can’t break down this glucose, so the body starts breaking down fat instead.  This process produces ketones, which are a waste product.  The build-up of ketones causes ketoacidosis, which is a fatal condition unless the kitty receives immediate veterinary care.

Symptoms of ketoacidosis in cats include:

• Breath either smells sweet, or like nail polish remover
• Dehydration
• Either excessive thirst, or not drinking any water at all
• Not eating for more than twelve hours
• Fast breathing
• Vomiting
• Weakness and lethargy
• Frequent urination

Feline Hypoglycemia

If a diabetic cat is given too much insulin, or doesn’t eat on schedule, her blood sugar levels may drop to dangerously low levels.  The cat may act strangely and stagger around, and even have seizures.  A fatal coma may follow. 

Treat feline hypoglycemia by rubbing a little corn syrup or honey on the cat’s gums.  She needs to see the vet as soon as possible, because this is an emergency.

Hepatic Lipidosis

This problem results when a heavy cat suddenly stops eating.Instead of using glucose for energy, the kitty’s body breaks down fat instead, which causes a build-up of fat in the liver.  Symptoms are similar to ketoacidosis, and also include jaundice, or a yellowing of the cat’s eyes and gums.  Again, get Kitty to the vet right away, as this is an emergency.

The Best Way to Prevent These Four Complications of Diabetes in Cats

These complications of feline diabetes can often be avoided by keeping the cat’s blood sugar at normal levels.  Research shows that natural remedies for cats, which include the herbs astragalus, fenugreek, and goat’s rue, along with chromium, are very effective for regulating blood sugar levels in kitties.

Don’t wait for your feline diabetic to fall victim to these complications.  Click on any link above to learn more.