Can food cause diabetes in cats?

How do cats get type 2 diabetes?

Diet, Exercise, and Obesity. Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes in cats, which is good news since, in many cases, it is preventable. The disease typically develops because of a combination of lifestyle factors, including lack of exercise, a high-carbohydrate/low-protein diet, and obesity.

Is it common for cats with diabetes to have an appetite?

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.

Is feline diabetes really a human-caused disease?

Dr. Elizabeth Hodgkins, cat nutrition expert and author of Your Cat: Simple New Secrets to a Longer, Stronger Life, describes feline diabetes as “a human-caused disease that kills cats.” Dr. Hodgkins has a point.

What is the best diet for a diabetic cat?

This is especially true for diabetic cats. “The ideal diet for a diabetic cat is one that has increased protein and decreased carbohydrate content,” Nelson says. Most canned cat foods are already high in protein and low in carbs. But many dry cat foods are made with starch,…

What is type 2 diabetes in cats?

Type 2 diabetes is the most common form in cats. Insulin is a hormone that allows glucose to be taken up by cells from the bloodstream and allows it to be stored in various forms. When there is not enough insulin or the body does not respond to insulin, too much glucose remains in the bloodstream.

What causes a cat to get diabetes?

What Causes Diabetes In Cats. The pancreas can initially respond by producing more insulin, but the cells that make insulin eventually “wear out.” While diabetes is more likely to happen in obese, middle-aged, indoor cats, it can affect any feline at any age and weight.

Can a cat with Type 2 diabetes go into remission?

If at this point a cat is treated with extra insulin, eats a high-protein/low-carbohydrate food, and loses weight, it is possible for her diabetes to go into a remission that can last for years. If treatment is delayed, however, cats with Type 2 diabetes often need life-long insulin treatment.

How can I Help my Cat with Type 2 diabetes?

Treatment Options for Cats with Type 2 Diabetes. The treatment can be individualized for every cat. A change in diet is required: a high-protein and low-carbohydrate diet is recommended. Portion-control is also essential. Exercise is a very important part of the weight control and may reduce insulin dependence as well.

Why do cats with diabetes have 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.

Why is my diabetic cat losing weight and not eating?

Diabetes in Cats and Weight Loss Because the excess or shortage of insulin can cause changes in your cats appetite, you cat can lose weight whether they experience and increased or decreased appetite. Weight loss from a decrease in appetite is cause by lack of nutrients.

What is diabetic mellitus in cats?

Diabetes mellitus in cats is similar to insulin resistance in humans. With diabetes, the pancreas does not produce enough insulin, a hormone needed for the body to take up glucose from the blood. When the body does not have enough insulin, excess glucose builds up in the blood (high blood sugar, or hyperglycemia).

What are the symptoms of feline diabetes in cats?

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?

How much should a diabetic cat eat a day?

How to Feed Diabetic Cats. Treats should be limited to 10 percent of a diabetic cat’s diet and given at the same time every day. Good options like freeze-dried chicken, beef, salmon, tuna, and liver are high in protein and low in carbohydrates, just like the foods recommended for diabetic cats.

What is the best diet for cats?

Ideally, your cat’s food should mimic his natural prey diet. An optimal feline diet is about 52% protein, 46% fat, and 2% carbohydrates.

What is a good carbohydrate level for a diabetic cat?

Many diabetic cats do well on foods that are less than 10 percent carbohydrate, but some may need to go below 5 percent. Carbohydrate levels are not often listed on pet food labels, but they are relatively easy to calculate.

What is the best food for a diabetic cat with diabetes?

Protein A homemade food high in protein from chicken is the best bet for your diabetic cat. Some people advocate a raw meat diet for cats, and although that would be a step in the high protein direction, there is a chance that your cat will become ill from eating raw meat.

How common is type 2 diabetes in male cats?

While it is the more common form in the cat, many Type II diabetes still require insulin to maintain normal blood glucose levels. An estimated one in 1,200 cats will develop diabetes during its life-span. At heightened risk are obese cats and male cats.

What is the best insulin for cats with diabetes?

There are multiple types of insulin preparations that can be used for cats in the treatment of diabetes, such as lente insulin (Vetsulin), ProZinc or glargine insulin.

What is diabetic diabetes in cats?

Diabetes in cats is a common endocrine disease and it refers to an inadequate processing of the insulin in the body. There are three types of diabetes mellitus: Type 1, Type 2 and Type 3.

What is excessive blood sugar in cats?

Excessive blood sugar is also referred to as hyperglycemia. Diabetes, a common condition for humans, is also relatively common in domestic animals like cats. Type I diabetes (insulin dependent diabetes mellitus – IDDM) occurs when the body is completely unable to manufacture insulin.

Can cats get diabetes mellitus?

Like humans, cats can develop diabetes mellitus, also known as sugar diabetes, a disease that occurs when the body can no longer produce or use insulin properly, says Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine.

Is it normal for a diabetic cat to be underweight?

As you watch the type of food you give your cat, you’ll also need to keep an eye on her weight. Although the tendency in feline diabetes is for cats to be overweight, some cats may actually be underweight if their diabetes went undiagnosed for a long time.

What happens if a diabetic cat is given too much insulin?

Another complication can arise from treatment of diabetes — hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, can occur when too much insulin is given, resulting in weakness, listlessness and lack of coordination, and in some cases it can cause convulsions and even coma. If your diabetic kitty displays signs of low blood sugar, try to get her to eat something.

How long do diabetic cats live?

According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, the average indoor cat lives for 13 to 17 years. Properly medicated diabetic cats have the same average longevity as healthy non-diabetic cats. But cats with untreated diabetes may succumb sooner, due to health problems that can develop as side effects of diabetes.

Can cats go into remission from diabetes?

If you’ve finished this article and wonder why I kept referring to cats regarding possible remission, it is because cats usually start as type 2 diabetics (non-insulin dependent diabetics). Some cats may later become type 1 (insulin dependent diabetics), but initially we have a chance of turning their diabetes around.

Can feline diabetes be treated?

Feline diabetes can be treated, but if your cat doesn’t get care quickly, the disease will kill him. Symptoms When cats aren’t feeling well, their instinct is to try to hide it, which means cat owners have to be vigilant. One of the major early signs of feline diabetes is drinking excessive amounts of water.