Here is some more information about cat diabetes. Pretty comforting really.
Diabetes is not a death sentence. Diabetes in cats is a treatable disorder. Many cat owners are able to control their cat’s condition for years, and the animals lead normal, happy lives. The treatment generally entails giving insulin injections once or twice a day, though a small number may be controlled through diet and oral medication.
People are often initially reluctant to give injections to their pets, but it isn’t really that distressing. Insulin needles are very small, and pets usually do not react at all to getting the shots. When one begins to treat a diabetic cat, their veterinarian will go over all the procedures, including feeding instructions and symptoms of too much or too little insulin and what to do in these cases. The veterinarian will also set up a schedule of regular recheck visits to gauge how the therapy is working and to adjust the insulin dose. A diabetic cat’s need for insulin may fluctuate up and down requiring a change in the insulin dose. Some cats’ need for insulin will actually cease as the pancreas resumes the secretion of adequate insulin. This reprieve is commonly referred to by owners as a “honeymoon”.
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So, since I was diagnosed with Feline (Cat) Diabetes I’ve been looking up the subject on the Internet. Very interesting stuff. Here is an overview. I will update you on my treatment regime.
The disease appears to be most common in cats over six years old and in males (I guess that makes me special since I am female), particularly those who have been neutered. Certain breeds may be more at risk than others, but evidence of this is still unclear. Obesity is also considered to be a factor, although its precise role in this condition is not yet clear either.
An affected cat passes more urine than normal: this is because, when blood glucose levels are too high, glucose is lost together with water through the kidneys. Other symptoms may include:
- Increased thirst, due to the increased production of urine.
- Altered appetite: this is sometimes increased, but more commonly decreased.
- Weight loss.
- Poor coat condition.
- Lethargy.
- Depression.
Remember I told you that I wasn’t feeling well? It got worse, and my owner started getting worried about my strange behavior and a little annoyed that i started peeing all over the house (something I had not done for about 17 years). Anyway - she took me to the vet (HATE the car ride. HATE the dogs at the vet’s waiting room), and it took him 3 minutes to say he suspects I have diabetes. Then he pricked me with a needle to measure my blood sugar and guess what? The smart vet was right! I HAVE DIABETES !! HELP!
So, we were relieved it wasn’t cancer and that I’m not going to die tomorrow. And we were surprised to know that cats can have diabetes. But, OK. Now we know.
Now my owner has to buy some medicine - insulin, and give me injections every day (we’ll see about that), she also needs to monitor my blood sugar level so we need to visit the vet more often now (ughhh). She bought special diabetes canned food for me (hurray!! canned food), which I like!!
A very exciting day. I think i will go lay down now. I will let you know how it goes. Let me know if you have any questions…