What is diabetes?
Diabetes mellitus is a condition that develops when your cat cannot use sugar (glucose) effectively and control the sugar level in her blood. Insulin, which is made in the pancreas, is essential for regulating the use and storage of blood glucose. Insufficient insulin production is potentially life threatening.
There are two types of diabetes, and although there is no cure, cats with either type can be successfully managed through nutrition, exercise, and if necessary, regular insulin medication. With the right cat food and advice from your veterinarian, your diabetic cat can enjoy a happy, active life.
What causes diabetes?
A reduction in insulin production is usually caused by damage to the pancreas. The pancreas is responsible for producing the proper amount of insulin to control sugar levels. If your cat's pancreas is damaged, long-term and potentially life-threatening symptoms could occur and must be managed. In some cats hormonal changes or medications can reduce the effect of insulin. Other factors that increase the chance of your cat developing diabetes include:
Body condition: Overweight cats are more likely to develop diabetes. Severely obese cats are most at risk.
Age: Cats can develop diabetes at any age, but the peak onset is around 8 years.
Gender: Diabetes in cats is more prevalent in males
Breed: Burmese are more at, risk than other breeds.
Other Factors: Poor nutrition, hormonal abnormalities, stress
Does my cat have diabetes?
The signs of diabetes are difficult to recognize because they are similar to those of other disorders like chronic kidney disease and hyperthyroidism. If you notice any of the following, it could mean your cat has diabetes.
Signs and symptoms of diabetes:
- Increased thirst
- Rapid weight loss
- Not eating
- Tired, lack of energy
- Vomiting
- Increased urination
* Noted in cats by “clumping” in the litter box and the need to change litter more often
If your cat appears weak or thirsty, frequently urinates, has rapid weight loss, is depressed, or has abdominal pain, she could be diabetic.
IMPORTANT: Once diabetes is diagnosed, it is important that your cat is regularly monitored. Your veterinarian will check your cat’s glucose levels and will adjust medication to keep your cat stable.
Dicas Saborosas
Establish a routine: The key to keeping a diabetic cat healthy is routine. Feeding, exercise and, if necessary, giving medication should take place at the same times each day. This helps maintain stable blood glucose levels. Your veterinarian will give you advice.
While there is no cure for diabetes mellitus, veterinarians recognize it can be controlled with insulin, exercise and proper nutrition. Fiber is key in managing the disease because moderate to high-levels of fiber lower insulin requirements and blood glucose levels. Fiber also makes the body more responsive to insulin.
Diabetes Treatment: The importance of nutrition
It’s also very important to be consistent in the food you give your cat. The food your cat eats plays an important role in her overall health and well-being. Balanced nutrition is an essential part of an active, healthy lifestyle. When your cat has diabetes, it’s even more important to feed the right cat food.
Feeding a veterinarian-recommended cat food with a consistent nutrient profile --- one that doesn’t vary from batch to batch --- will help keep your cat's metabolism level stable so she can stay healthy.
For accurate diagnosis and treatment options, always consult your veterinarian and ask them to recommend the best food for your cat’s diabetes.
Questions to Ask Your Veterinarian about Diabetes
- What are the treatment options for my cat’s diabetes?
- Ask how nutrition works with other available options
- Should nutrition be a part of my cat’s treatment regimen? Would you recommend a Hill’s® Prescription Diet® cat food for my cat’s health and management of diabetes?
- What if I have multiple cats? Can I feed them all the same cat food?
- How can nutrition help? What is the benefit of feeding therapeutic nutrition as part of treatment which may include administering pills or shots?
- ,
- What are the pros and cons of using nutrition to help manage my cat’s diabetes?
- How long will I need to feed the recommended cat food to my cat?
- What is the best way (email/phone) to reach you or your hospital if I have questions?
- Ask if you need a follow-up appointment.
- Ask if a reminder email or notice will be sent.
Produtos relacionados
Digestão Perfeita para Gatos Adultos
Hill's Science Diet Perfect Digestion é uma ração super premium para gatos que promove o bem-estar digestivo e contribui para um microbioma saudável.
Pele Sensível para Gatos Adultos
Hill’s Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin é uma ração super premium seca, suave para o estômago enquanto nutre a pele e promove uma bela pelagem, indicado para a manutenção de gatos adultos.
Cuidado Dental para Gatos Adultos
Hill's Science Diet Oral Care é uma ração super premium para gatos com tecnologia clinicamente comprovada para reduzir a formação de placa e tártaro, e ajudar no hálito fresco.
Peso Perfeito para Gatos Adultos - Alimento Úmido
Hill's Science Diet Perfect Weight possui uma nutrição avançada que auxilia na perda de peso de forma eficaz. Mais de 70% dos gatos alcançaram resultados em até 10 semanas.
Artigos relacionados
Why You Should Consider Adopting a Cat from an Animal Shelter
When you adopt a cat, you don
How to Transition Your Cat to Hill's Senior Age Defying Cat Food
Making the informed decision to move your cat to Hill’s Age Defying 11+ cat food is an important one transitioning your cat to a new food needs to be done the right way. Follow these simple steps for the transition.
Nutrição precisa para cada etapa da vida
Seja seu gato um filhote no primeiro ano de vida ou um gato maduro em seus anos dourados, você desempenha um papel muito importante na tarefa de mantê-lo feliz e saudável.
Nutritional Needs of an Indoor Cat
The lifestyle of an indoor cat differs greatly from that of an outdoor cat. Often, an indoor cat has a lower exercise level than one that lives outside. And, since she has more time to groom, an indoor cat is more likely to develop hairballs.
Coloque seu gato em dieta sem que ele saiba
Nossa fórmula de baixa caloria ajuda você a controlar o peso do seu gato. Ela é rica em proteínas de alta qualidade para a construção de massa muscular e elaborada com ingredientes específicos para uma refeição saborosa e nutritiva. Antioxidantes clinicamente comprovados, como vitamina C+E, ajudam a promover um sistema imunológico saudável.
Coloque seu gato em dieta sem que ele saiba
Nossa fórmula de baixa caloria ajuda você a controlar o peso do seu gato. Ela é rica em proteínas de alta qualidade para a construção de massa muscular e elaborada com ingredientes específicos para uma refeição saborosa e nutritiva. Antioxidantes clinicamente comprovados, como vitamina C+E, ajudam a promover um sistema imunológico saudável.