Being able to identify the main signs of diabetes in cats can save your furry friend's life. When our cat got sick, at first we weren't sure whether it was something serious or not. I wish we'd had this kind of information at the time because it would have saved us much anguish. When the vet diagnosed Fluffy with diabetes, I asked many many questions because I did not understand the relation between diabetes in cats and the constant eating. This post gives a very brief overview of the signs of diabetes in cats and the insulin required to process glucose.
- Excessive urination (polyuria) is caused by the body's need to flush out excess blood glucose. Your cat urinates more frequently or more abundantly as more water needs to filter through the kidneys. (Incidentally if cat urine odor is a problem, get a copy of Nancy Wigal's free tips!)
- Excessive thirst (polydipsia) is a direct consequence of this process. Because so much water is required to clear the blood glucose, your cat drinks a lot and remains thirsty.
- Excessive appetite or excessive eating (polyphagia) is the third most common sign to look out for. When insulin is lacking, the body is unable to use glucose for energy leaving it constantly hungry.
- Unexplained weight loss may also take place despite a higher food intake. Unable to process glucose, the body instead burns fat for energy.
- Blindness caused by diabetes in cats is much less common than in dogs but can appear along diabetes if there is hypertension. Look out for such signs.
Other signs to look out for include: lack of energy (lethargy), loss of appetite (anorexia), depression or vomiting.
If you notice any of the above signs in your cat, get your cat to your family vet for proper diagnosis. Diabetes in cats can be managed successfully if detected early. Based on urine ketone tests or blood glucose tests (they are completely painless to the animal) and physical examination, your vet will be able to diagnose diabetes and determine the best diet and treatment for your four-legged friend.
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- Excessive urination (polyuria) is caused by the body's need to flush out excess blood glucose. Your cat urinates more frequently or more abundantly as more water needs to filter through the kidneys. (Incidentally if cat urine odor is a problem, get a copy of Nancy Wigal's free tips!)
- Excessive thirst (polydipsia) is a direct consequence of this process. Because so much water is required to clear the blood glucose, your cat drinks a lot and remains thirsty.
- Excessive appetite or excessive eating (polyphagia) is the third most common sign to look out for. When insulin is lacking, the body is unable to use glucose for energy leaving it constantly hungry.
- Unexplained weight loss may also take place despite a higher food intake. Unable to process glucose, the body instead burns fat for energy.
- Blindness caused by diabetes in cats is much less common than in dogs but can appear along diabetes if there is hypertension. Look out for such signs.
Other signs to look out for include: lack of energy (lethargy), loss of appetite (anorexia), depression or vomiting.
If you notice any of the above signs in your cat, get your cat to your family vet for proper diagnosis. Diabetes in cats can be managed successfully if detected early. Based on urine ketone tests or blood glucose tests (they are completely painless to the animal) and physical examination, your vet will be able to diagnose diabetes and determine the best diet and treatment for your four-legged friend.
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