Left untreated, diabetes can threaten your cat’s quality of life and longevity. As our cats are now living longer than ever before, diabetes is being diagnosed in senior cats more often than it used to be. Our Pittsboro vets explain risk factors for diabetes in cats, treatment options, and when to seek assistance from your vet.
What is cat diabetes?
Diabetes mellitus can become an issue in cats whose bodies cannot produce or effectively use insulin, created by the pancreas, to control the flow of glucose (blood sugar) to cells throughout the body. This glucose is converted into energy that is used by the body. Without enough insulin, the cells don’t receive glucose. Instead, the body uses protein cells and fat for energy.
The unused glucose lies in the bloodstream and eventually builds to excess amounts.
Diabetes is being diagnosed more often in senior cats in particular because medical advancements have allowed our cats to live longer. Simply put, the longer a cat lives, the longer they could be exposed to potential causes.
Fortunately, if caught early, diabetes can be very easily managed and cats can go on to live regular lives even with the condition.
Types of Cat Diabetes
Similar to humans, it’s possible for cats to get one of the following two types of diabetes.
Type I (Insulin-Dependent)
The body does not produce or release enough insulin in the body.
Type II (Non-Insulin Dependent)
While the body may produce enough insulin, tissues or organs resist insulin. They need more insulin than a healthy cat’s body would need to produce glucose properly. This type of diabetes is most common in overweight male cats over eight years old, and those that eat a high-carbohydrate diet.
They sometimes have an insatiable appetite, since their bodies are unable to use the fuel in their food.
Senior Cat Diabetes Signs & Symptoms
Because a diabetic cat’s body breaks down protein and fat instead of using glucose, even cats with a healthy appetite and who are eating regularly will lose weight. Untreated diabetes in cats can lead to other health complications and symptoms, such as:
- Increased urination
- Increased thirst
- Lethargy or weakness
- Diarrhea or vomiting
- Dehydration
- Unhealthy coat and skin
- Bacterial infections
- Liver disease
Subtle Signs
- Decrease in physical activity (unable/uninterested in jumping)
- Walking flat on backs of their hind legs (from nerve damage)
Treatment Options for Senior Cats with Diabetes
Though no cure has been found for cat diabetes, treatment usually involves getting an official diagnosis using blood and urine tests and managing the illness via daily insulin injections, which your vet may train you to give at home.
Pancreatitis, hyperthyroidism, some medications, and some corticosteroids all have the potential to cause or mimic diabetes in a cat, so it's important to get a firm diagnosis.
Potential changes to your feline companion’s diet may be required to make sure they’re getting the right combination of protein, carbohydrates, and fiber. Your cat may also receive a prescription food for diabetes.
What You Can Do
The best way to prevent diabetes in your cat, even before they are a senior, is to make sure they get a healthy diet, and plenty of exercise. If your cat is obese, they are more likely to become diabetic.
Additionally, bringing your cat to the vet annually throughout their life for checkups will help catch signs of any conditions before they get bad. In senior cats, it is recommended to bring your cat to a vet every six months.
If your cat is diagnosed with diabetes, it is important to see your vet regularly to have your cat’s blood sugar and response to treatment monitored. If you prefer, ask your vet if testing your kitty’s glucose at home is an option.
Though cat diabetes must be closely monitored, your fur baby can still enjoy quality of life with the disease. Appetite and litter box use should be tracked, and any complications will need attention right away.
It’s best to diagnose and treat diabetes in cats early. If any symptoms mentioned above appear in your cat, bring them in as soon as possible..
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.