by CeeGunn

Created on: January 15, 2009

Your cat has been diagnosed with diabetes. What now?

It's important to remember that diabetes can be managed but never cured. Your cat will live a long, happy life if you can devote the time and energy to caring for her properly.

Your veterinarian is your best resource for learning about the different treatment options for your diabetic cat. Be prepared to be visiting your vet more often with your cat than perhaps with your other pets. Cats with diabetes need careful monitoring to achieve optimal health.

There are two areas of effective treatments for diabetes in cats.

DIET

If your cat is overweight, your first priority should be to get your pet to a proper weight. Specialty cat foods for weight control can be found at most pet stores. However, your diabetic cat has need for an even more advanced food, one that regulates weight and regulates blood glucose levels. Often, weight control diets contain too many carbohydrates for the diabetic cat and can actually increase the problems, rather than cure them. Feeding your cat a food designed specifically for diabetic cats is the best way to control the disease.

There are two companies that offer specific food for diabetic cats, Purina and Hills. Both are only available from your veterinarian, not available in stores.

Purina's website says: "Purina Veterinary Diets DM Dietetic Management brand feline formula provides complete and balanced nutrition for the adult cat and has been formulated to achieve the following characteristics: high protein, source of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, low carbohydrate, high level of Vitamin E."

Hills' website says: "Royal Canin diet feline Diabetic S/O is a complete and balanced diet that has been formulated with high protein, moderate energy, and reduced carbohydrate concentrations to assist with the nutritional management of feline diabetes mellitus."

Your veterinarian will no doubt talk to you about changing your cat's diet when you meet with them regarding your cat's diagnosis of diabetes.

INSULIN

Your cat will likely undergo a 18-24 hour blood glucose profile test to determine how much insulin she will need. This test is done at the vet's office and involves giving your cat injections of insulin and closely monitoring the blood glucose (BG) values.

Once the vet has decided on how much insulin your cat needs to maintain proper BG levels, he will teach you how to administer the insulin to your cat, either by injections or by pills.

You may be unsure about giving your cat injections at first, but don't worry. The insulin needles are very small and your cat will probably not even notice it all. Some cats hate getting insulin pills more than they hate getting injections! Most cats will require two shots per day, but some cats only require one.

Once your cat has adjusted to the new insulin levels in her blood, you should notice an increase in her appetite and her regular personality shining through again. Be prepared to make plenty of trips to the vet for glucose and weight monitoring, but also be prepared for a long and happy lifetime with your beloved cat.

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