by CeeGunn

Created on: January 15, 2009

Feline diabetes is a health disorder affecting the way the cat's body processes the glucose in its food. In a normal cat, the food is digested and turned into glucose which is taken up in to the bloodstream. The pancreas secretes insulin that regulates the amount of glucose in the bloodstream that is taken up by the cells.

In a diabetic cat, there isn't enough insulin to regulate the glucose or the insulin secreted doesn't work effectively on the glucose. This may be because the pancreas is infected or injured or because the mechanism was just defective from birth.

To make up for this problem, the kidneys try to help get rid of the excess glucose in the blood by working harder. This makes the cat excessively thirsty as the kidneys are using up water to flush the sugar away.

This is why the first major noticeable symptom of diabetes in cats is excessive thirst and excessive urination. You may notice that your cat is always emptying its water dish, and that you're always emptying the litter box!

The second symptom is that the cat eats a lot but is still losing weight, although sometimes diabetic cats will become too lethargic to want to eat at all.

As a cat owner, you should be aware of how your cat behaves when he's feeling "like himself". You should be able to notice if your cat is under the weather and not acting normally. He may hide more, become more aggressive for no reason, or become excessively passive. He may meow or cry more often. Behavioral changes such as these are something you should always talk to your veterinarian about. You know your cat's behavior better than anyone, so don't hesitate to point out abnormalities to your vet.

As the disease progresses, the cat will develop poor skin and fur, liver disease, and secondary infections such as eye and ear infections. Some cats demonstrate neurological difficulties that affect their rear legs, making them walk strangely.

In advanced stages of diabetes in cats, a dangerous condition called ketoacidosis can develop. Symptoms of ketoacidosis include not eating, throwing up, diarrhea, tiredness or sleeping too much, muscle weakness, dehydration, and breathing abnormalities. This condition can be fatal, so speak to your veterinarian immediately if your cat shows any of these symptoms.

Diabetes in cats can be treated with medication and nutritional adjustments. It is best if it is caught early. Always take your cat to the veterinarian if your cat seems unwell or exhibits any of the symptoms of diabetes.

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