Mary Allen
Diabetes mellitus, also known as diabetes, is a relatively common disease in cats that is caused by a lack of insulin. Learn all about the causes, symptoms, and treatment of diabetes in cats here.
Even while the cat is licking its paws with relish after a meal, the food components are being broken down by the body. Sugar ends up in the bloodstream in the form of glucose and from there it goes into the cells where it is converted into energy. The hormone insulin, produced by the pancreas, plays a key role in this process: it ensures that glucose can be absorbed by the cells.
An absolute or relative lack of insulin is the hallmark of diabetes mellitus. This metabolic disorder has also become a widespread disease in cats, and as in humans, type II diabetes is the most common form: it occurs when the body’s cells no longer respond adequately to insulin.
Symptoms Of Diabetes In Cats
The risk group includes above all older cats as well as overweight and male, castrated animals. Indoor cats are also often affected. A study in healthy cats showed that with a 44% increase in weight, insulin sensitivity decreased by 50% and the risk of diabetes increased accordingly. Breeders in Australia and Great Britain also report that Burmese cats are more prone to diabetes mellitus. To avoid obesity and thus prevent diabetes as much as possible and to keep your cat healthy, a balanced and healthy diet is necessary.
The main symptoms of diabetes in cats are:
- increased water intake
- Passing large amounts of urine
- Increased feed intake with simultaneous emaciation.
About 10% of diabetic cats also show plantigrade gait, where the cat puts the whole hindfoot down when walking.
Diagnosis Of Diabetes In Cats
Only a veterinarian can make a definitive diagnosis of diabetes. For this purpose, the fructosamine value is determined by a blood test. This long-term value is not subject to stress-related fluctuations, as can be the case, for example, when measuring blood sugar. An increased fructosamine value in the cat indicates the presence of diabetes mellitus.
Therapy Of Diabetes In Cats
Therapy for diabetes always aims to regulate blood sugar in such a way that the symptoms no longer appear or only appear to a lesser extent. This condition is called “remission”. In order to achieve it, diabetes therapy is based on two pillars:
- regular injection of insulin in combination with blood glucose controls
- Change in diet and lifestyle
Insulin is injected under the skin twice a day. The principle applies: measure, eat, inject. This means checking blood sugar levels before each injection and making sure the cat has eaten to avoid the risk of dangerous hypoglycemia. The insulin therapy is started with a low dose, which is increased individually until the cat is optimally adjusted.
Dietary Changes To Treat Diabetes In Cats
Dietary changes for cats with diabetes mellitus after proper adjustment are essential. Low-carb foods cause blood sugar to spikeless. Hidden sugars on the ingredient list should be avoided. Reducing body weight helps the cat, as does regular physical activity: one study showed that active play for ten minutes was just as effective in achieving weight loss as reducing the calories in the food.
It usually takes 2-3 months after the start of therapy until the blood sugar level is optimally regulated. The initial check-up at the vet should be repeated after one, three, six to eight, and ten to twelve weeks after diagnosis. Not only are the daily blood sugar profiles prepared by the owner discussed, but the cat’s weight and fructosamine levels are also checked.
How to measure your cat’s blood values correctly!
Blood sugar is measured with a glucometer. This only requires a tiny drop of blood for the measurement, which is usually taken from the ear. To stimulate blood flow, the ear should be gently massaged and thus warmed up. The results are documented and discussed with the veterinarian. The blood sugar level is subject to constant fluctuations and should be logged over a longer period of time.