DIABETES IN CATS
Overview:
Diabetes is a complicated condition caused by either an absolute or
relative deficiency of insulin which results in hyperglycemia (elevated
blood glucoselevels) and glycosuria (glucose in the urine). Diabetes
mellitus is most common in older cats. Male cats and obese cats are at
an increased risk of developing this condition as well as cats with a
Genetic predisposition to diabetes.
Common Symptoms:
In diabetic cats, the hyperglycemia is so severe that glucose is excreted
in the urine. Glucose takes water with it so an increased volume of urine
is produced. To compensate for this, and so that dehydration is prevented,
the cat develops an increased thirst. Weight loss and a voracious appetite
are also frequently seen and these may be the first signs of a problem.
The main clinical signs seen in a diabetic cat are: increased and excessive
appetite, and weight loss. However, these signs are not always present
or may pass unnoticed. Other clinical signs which may be seen in diabetic
cats include: Straining to pass urine and/or passing bloody urine associated
with a bacterial urinary tract infection, liver disease, and poor coat.
Next Steps:
In addition to insulin therapy, diabetes can be managed through diet
changes. Low- carbohydrate, high-protein diets help to reduce the requirements
for insulin and improve diabetic management. Many cats that were once
in a diabetic state no longer need any insulin when they are finally
fed an appropriate diet. If the diabetes has been a long-standing condition
brought about by years of feeding a high carbohydrate diet, or another
disease process, these cats may always need some insulin-- but the amount
necessary to maintain proper blood glucose levels is nearly always significantly
reduced once the patient is on a low carbohydrate diet.
Recommended Foods:
For diabetic cats who are overweight, it is important to treat the
obesity first (which may actually eliminate the diabetes). Wellness Super5Mix
Lite® contains less fat and calories to meet your cat’s special
needs and is an Ultra Premium Food. For all other diabetic cats: Only
canned or Raw Varieties are recommended. Muttropolis carries only ultra-premium
foods whose canned varieties are the highest in protein and lowest in
carbohydrates.
Choose from: Nature’s Variety® canned or raw, Halshan’s® raw,
Wellness® canned, Natural Balance® canned, or Merrick® canned.
Ask a Muttropolis associate about feeding guidelines.
Recommended Treats:
Halo’s Liv-a-Littles® all natural, freeze-dried protein treats
as well as Catswell® Cat treats. |
