Diet for Diabetic Cats

For the middle aged feline excess weight can be detrimental as it can cause the onset of Diabetes Melitus, the most common form of diabetes in cats. Diabetic cats require special care whcih this article will discuss.

The Feline's System

The felines endocrine system is not designed for factors such as excessive weight and excessive intake of high carbohydrates as the feline's glands that release extracellular signaling molecules, also known as hormones, become damaged and the instrumental instruction of the endocrine system to regulate metabolism, development, growth and tissue function become laced with the onset of Diabetes Melitus. Destruction of the cells in the pancreas may occur which are responsible for producing insulin.

The pancreas produces cells called "beta cells" which when healthy, produces the feline's insulin. The insulin produced is determined by the level of glucose in the feline's blood. The hypothalamus, also affected, is responsible for glucose regulation and appetite.

Effects of Glucose Levels and Diet

With the feline with high glucose levels insulin and a constructed diet are two of the treatments which may be recommended by your veterinarian.

The diabetic cat should engage in a diet that is low in sugar and high in fiber. This includes staying away from the moist packaged cat foods readily available on the store shelf. A diet that slows the movement of food through the feline's stomach and intestines is necessary to maintain your cat's wellness. This would include a high fiber diet, which is much lower in sugar content and is absorbed over a longer period of time, making the blood sugar surge following eating less.

Foods lower in carbohydrates need to be selected. Your veterinarian may sell fiber diets in which you can purchase for your feline. However, if your feline will not eat the high fiber diets, you must have alternative treatments.

Fiber can be added to your cat's food in the form of powder or given to your feline in the manner of tablet form.

Select food without the additions of cereals, vegetables and fruits. Although they sound fit for the human, for the diabetic feline, they can be hazardous. Foods should contain a high dominance of meat ingredients, such as chicken, turkey, beef or meat by products, which your cat has preference to. Diabetes often times lessens the feline's appetite and palatability is important. Include in the feline's diet some raw, fresh or lightly cooked meat.

Natural Remedies for Feline Diabetes

Natural remedies for the diabetic feline may include fenugreek, astragalus, chromium and goat's rue. These remedies have shown to help regulate the amount of glucose in the feline's blood. Feline's often have the disadvantage of urinary tract infections with diabetes and with the ingestion of fenugreek the feline is promoting prevention, as it is known for the promotion of preventing urinary tract infections in the feline.

Meal times should be regulated and consistent. Most schedules recommend feeding the feline with each insulin injection or before the feline's meal and four hours after the feline's meal. The prime factor is consistency and the can should be monitored through testing for glucose levels and injections given at set times each day.

 

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