Cat diabetes is caused by inadequate insulin production in the pancreas. Without insulin, the body cannot utilize sugar. This elevates blood glucose levels. Excess sugar is processed by the kidneys, causing frequent urination.
Signs of Feline Diabetes
- Excessive thirst
- Frequent urination
- Increased appetite with unexplained weight loss
Feline diabetes treatment begins with diet. Obesity is a leading cause of feline diabetes; food must be monitored and adjusted to obtain optimum weight.
Your cat may be placed on a special prescription diet that is high in fiber and low in fat. Dry cat foods are recommended for diabetic cats.
After a diagnosis of feline diabetes, insulin injections may be required. Insulin requirements vary with a cat's diet, so it is important to keep food intake consistent. Keep to a strict insulin injection schedule as well.
Regularly monitor your cat's urine. In some cases, the condition improves and insulin requirements change. Too much insulin can drop the blood sugar below normal.
Signs of Insulin Overdose
- Disorientation
- Shivering
- Seizure
- Collapse or coma