Cat Training

Posts Tagged ‘feline diabetes’

Feline diabetes is a growing problem among the feline population.  Unfortunately, there are several myths circulating about diabetes in cats.If you share your home with a diabetic cat, you can provide better care for him by knowing the facts about how to keep him healthy. 

Myth #1. The Only Treatment For A Diabetic Feline Is To Put Him Down

This isn’t necessarily true.Most cat owners manage this disease quite successfully; however, it may be harder to do in elderly cats or in kitties with other health issues. 

However, you do need to realize that there’s a learning curve involved in learning to check your diabetic cat’s blood sugar, and giving him insulin injections. 

Myth #2. Feline Diabetes Cannot Be Prevented

Quite a few pet experts believe that this disease is a man-made condition that can be prevented by feeding your kitty a high-quality canned food, not dry cat food.

Why shouldn’t you feed your feline companion dry food?  It’s made mostly from grains, which contain way too many carbs for a cat.  Cats have evolved to eat meat, not grains.  Free-feeding dry cat food will more than likely lead to a fat cat, and overweight kitties are predisposed to many health problems, including diabetes in cats.   

Myth #3.  It’s Too Hard To Check Your Kitty’s Blood Glucose Levels At Home

It can be challenging at first, but anyone who lives with a feline diabetic should learn how to check their cat’s blood sugar levels.Avoid giving an insulin injection if you don’t know what the cat’s blood sugar levels are.  Plus, it’s much less expensive for you, and less stressful for your cat, if your vet teaches you how to do this simple test at home.

Myth #4. Your Kitty Will Need Insulin Injections For The Rest Of His Life

Not true.Sometimes it’s possible to reverse feline diabetes simply by switching your kitty from dry food to canned food.  Losing weight can help, too.If you kitty loses weight too quickly, it can cause serious problems for him, so always check with your vet first.

Mild exercise is a natural way to manage blood sugar.It’s important to get off to a slow start.  Gradually work up to two or three ten-minute exercise sessions every day.

Myth #5. Don’t Waste Your Time With Natural Remedies For Cats

On the contrary, researchers have found that the mineral chromium, along with certain herbs, including goat’s rue, astragalus, and fenugreek, are all very effective in helping to control blood sugar levels in human diabetics.  These remedies are also effective for kitties, as well.  Many cat owners have found that a combination of dietary changes, daily exercise, and natural remedies for cats has made it possible to discontinue insulin injections for their pets.

Don’t believe any of these myths about feline diabetes.  Click on any link in this article to find out how natural remedies for cats can help keep your favorite kitty healthy.