What are signs of diabetes in a cat?

What kind of diabetes does a male cat have?

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic, and potentially debilitating, condition in cats. The disorder is most prevalent among obese cats, male cats over eight years old, and those on a diet high in carbohydrates.

What to do if your cat has a ravenous appetite?

Some cats with diabetes have a ravenous appetite because their bodies cannot use the fuel supplied in their diet. Q: What’s the treatment for a cat with feline diabetes? A: Diet is certainly a component. It’s felt that a low-carbohydrate diet is probably best for cats with diabetes. Treatment is insulin therapy.

Why does my diabetic cat pee so much all the time?

It is important that cats with excessive urination be evaluated by a veterinarian to determine the underlying cause. Increased appetite (polyphagia) often accompanied by weight loss: Many diabetic cats have a ravenous appetite, often pestering their owners for more food after clearing out their bowl.

Is it common for male cats to have diabetes?

Diabetes, and Type II diabetes specifically, is a very common disorder in cats. The condition is most common in overweight, neutered male cats over 8 years of age, and those that exclusively eat a high carbohydrate diet (which includes pretty much any diet of dry cat food).

What causes diabetes in an older cat?

Diabetes in Older Cats. Pancreatitis, hyperthyroidism, medications such as megestrol acetate (Megace), and some corticosteroids all have the potential to cause or mimic diabetes in a cat. Obesity is a predisposing factor for all cats, and Burmese cats may have a genetic predisposition. Male cats have twice the risk of females.

How do I know if my cat is diabetic?

A cat’s symptoms, their physical exam findings (especially if weight loss is noted since the last visit), and lab work can all be used to help confirm diabetes. Lab work includes a blood glucose (BG) check, which is a direct measurement of blood sugar. However, one single BG measurement doesn’t show the whole picture.

When does a cat get type 1 diabetes?

Type I diabetes can occur early on, typically before the cat reaches the age of 7 years. This type of diabetes is considered to be hereditary. Certain cat breeds are also more prone to develop this type of diabetes. Type II diabetes, also known as diabetes mellitus, is determined by the insufficiency of insulin produced by the pancreas.

What happens when a cat has type 2 diabetes?

When cats have Type 2 diabetes, their cells no longer adequately respond to insulin leading to chronically high blood sugar levels. The pancreas reacts by producing more insulin, but eventually the organ essentially wears out, and the cat will need insulin injections to survive.

What are the symptoms of a diabetic cat with diabetes?

Feline Diabetes Symptoms to Watch For. Weight loss, even though your cat has a good appetite. Increased water consumption (most common symptom) Increased urination, possibly urinating outside the litter box. Increased appetite (early stages) or loss of appetite (late stages) Lethargy. Vomiting.

How can I help my diabetic cat with weight loss?

Due to this, weight management is critical in preventing and managing feline diabetes. Many veterinarians will prescribe a special diet to help diabetic cats lose weight and keep their glucose levels lowered. In some cases, weight loss may even resolve diabetes in cats.

How can I Help my Cat control his appetite?

Approaches that can be used to help your cat may include a high fiber diet with close supervision of food intake, while measuring food amounts into smaller servings throughout the course of the day (as opposed to two to three large meals) to help effectively control your pet’s appetite.

Why does my cat have a ravenous appetite?

Hyperthyroidism: A ravenous appetite is one of the most common symptoms of hyperthyroidism in cats —a disease that causes an excess of thyroid hormone in your cat’s body. This ramps up your cat’s metabolism, causing them to burn through energy too quickly.

What can I do to help my cat’s appetite?

Approaches that can be used to help your cat may include a high fiber diet with close supervision of food intake, while measuring food amounts into smaller servings throughout the course of the day (as opposed to two to three large meals) to help effectively control your pet’s appetite.

How common is diabetes in cats with blood and urine tests?

Blood and urine tests are necessary to diagnose the disease and most cats (once diagnosed and treated appropriately) live very normal lives. Diabetes develops in about 1 in 100-200 cats 1.

Why do diabetic cats urinate so much?

In diabetic cats, excess glucose is eliminated by the kidneys, producing frequent urination. There is a need to compensate for the increased urination by drinking unusual amounts of water.

Why is my cat’s blood sugar so high?

The excessive glucose is a direct result of the cat’s abnormally low insulin. Insulin, a protein hormone, normally control the blood’s amount of glucose. The chronic disease is caused either by the absence of insulin or by the body’s insufficient reaction to it. Diabetes can strike any kitty, young or old.

Can older cats have diabetes?

Diabetes in Older Cats. An increased incidence of diabetes mellitus has been noted in Burmese cats in Australia and the UK. Diabetes mellitus can occur due to a deficiency of insulin or because of an inability of the body to respond to insulin 2. Without insulin, the body can’t utilize glucose.

What is feline diabetes?

Feline diabetes is a relatively common medical condition in older cats. It is usually associated with obesity, and the onset of symptoms can be quite gradual. Diabetes occurs when there is insufficient insulin produced by the pancreas. Insulin is involved in moving glucose into the cells of his body.

Are diabetic cats more likely to get diabetes?

Obese cats are four times as likely to develop diabetes, while older cats (those over seven years) and male cats are at higher risk. It is also common for diabetic cats to suffer from other diseases too, such as inflammation of the pancreas or urinary tract infections. What are the signs of diabetes in my cat?

What are the symptoms of feline diabetes?

A: The main symptoms are increased thirst and increased urination. And while we do see it in cats with appropriate body weight, it’s more common in obese cats. Some cats with diabetes have a ravenous appetite because their bodies cannot use the fuel supplied in their diet. Q: What’s the treatment for a cat with feline diabetes?

Do Burmese cats have diabetes?

Diabetes in Older Cats. Obesity is a predisposing factor for all cats, and Burmese cats may have a genetic predisposition. Male cats have twice the risk of females. At greatest risk are neutered male cats over 10 years of age and over 15 pounds in weight.

How is stress-induced hyperglycemia diagnosed in cats?

In cats, stress-induced hyperglycemia is a frequent problem, and multiple blood and urine samples may be required to confirm the diagnosis. Measurement of serum fructosamine can assist in differentiating between stress-induced hyperglycemia and diabetes mellitus.

What kind of lesions do diabetic cats have on their pancreas?

Cats with diabetes mellitus usually have specific degenerative lesions localized selectively in the islets of Langerhans, whereas the remainder of the pancreas appears to be normal. The selective deposition of amyloid in islets, with degenerative changes in β cells, is the most common pancreatic lesion in many cats with diabetes.

Can I leave my diabetic cat with a pet sitter?

Have Karo or corn syrup on hand. Be sure that any pet sitter or kennel staff that you leave in charge of your diabetic cat’s care when you leave town is well versed in the management and complications of diabetes. You should download our Treatment Authorization form, sign it and give it to your cat sitter.