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Cats with diabetes lose the control of their blood sugar levels. When food is consumed, glucose is processed and used as energy. When a cat's body is working properly, insulin is secreted thus telling the body to convert the glucose to energy. Feline diabetes is the failure of the body to regulate these levels.

Veterinarians agree that the most common cause of feline diabetes is excess weight. Middle-aged and overweight cats have an increase risk of contracting the disease. However, many times there isn't a known cause for a cat to suddenly become diabetic. Genetics, medications and other diseases are believed to be contributors to feline diabetes.

Two types of diabetes are diagnosed with felines. Type 1 diabetes is associated with the pancreas not producing enough insulin while type 2 corresponds with the body's cells not responding properly to insulin. Both types can be serious to a cat's health and can lead to death if not properly treated.

Symptoms of feline diabetes can depend upon how long the cat has been struggling with the disease. These common signs can include increased urination and thirst, loss of weight with an increase or decrease in eating, vomiting, halitosis (bad breath), and weakness in the back legs. Perceptive cat owners may notice that their cat's urine is "sticky" resulting from the high sugar content.

It is important to seek veterinarian care for a cat with feline diabetes. Mild cases of diabetes can be treated with a change in the cat's diet and simple weight loss for obese cats. Medications and insulin injections are available for cats that are diagnosed with disease. In some cases, a change in a cat's diet along with weight loss can fully treat the disease.

Cat owners are often surprised to find that feline diabetes is common in both cats and dogs. The disease can affect any cat breed, any age of cat and either gender but is more commonly seen in male cats, cats that are middle aged and older and those that are obese.

Cat owners should be noticeable of any changes in the eating and bathroom behaviors of their pets especially if they are older and/or overweight. Cats need proper nutrition and regular exercise for their overall health. Feline diabetes does not have to mean a death sentence for a beloved pet. With proper treatment and regular veterinarian care, cats with this disease can go on to live a long and happy life.

References:

CATS FOR DUMMIES by Paul D. Pion, DVM, DACVIM, Gina Spadafori, copyright 2000.

http://www.felinediabetes.com/

Learn more about this author, Angela Pollock.
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