Cat Q&A

Do you share your home with a diabetic cat?  If you do, you already know that it’s necessary to pay a lot more attention to your kitty’s health.  Although cat diabetes doesn’t cause circulatory problems or blindness like diabetes in people does, there are four dangerous complications of feline diabetes that you need to know about. 

Feline Neuropathy

The cat owner will notice weakness in the pet’s legs.  Be aware that your kitty may have feline diabetes if you notice her walking on her “wrists” on her front legs, or on her “elbows” in the back.  This is a result of nerve damage from high blood sugar levels.  Sometimes this condition is reversable when cat diabetes is treated.

Feline Ketoacidosis

This problem is often seen in an untreated feline diabetic.  The kitty’s body usually breaks down glucose for energy for bodily processes.  But in cat diabetes, the body can’t break down this glucose, so the body starts breaking down fat instead.  This process produces ketones, which are a waste product.  A ketone build-up results in ketoacidosis, which requires immediate veterinary care to save the cat’s life.

Symptoms of ketoacidosis in cats include:

• Breath either smells sweet, or like nail polish remover
• Dehydration
• Either excessive thirst, or not drinking any water at all
• Not eating for more than twelve hours
• Fast breathing
• Vomiting
• Weakness and lethargy
• Frequent urination

Feline Hypoglycemia

If a diabetic cat is given too much insulin, or doesn’t eat on schedule, her blood sugar levels may drop to dangerously low levels.  The cat may act strangely and stagger around, and even have seizures.  A fatal coma may follow. 

Treat feline hypoglycemia by rubbing a little corn syrup or honey on the cat’s gums.  Take her to the vet as soon as possible, since this is an emergency.

Hepatic Lipidosis

This problem results when a heavy cat suddenly stops eating.When the kitty’s body breaks down fat for energy instead of glucose, it causes a build-up of fat in the liver.  Symptoms are similar to ketoacidosis, and also include jaundice, or a yellowing of the cat’s eyes and gums.  Again, get Kitty to the vet right away, as this is an emergency.

Is It Possible To Avoid Complications Of Diabetes In Cats

Preventing the complications of feline diabetes is often dependent on keeping the cat’s blood sugar at normal levels.  Research shows that natural remedies for cats, which include the herbs astragalus, fenugreek, and goat’s rue, along with chromium, are very effective for regulating blood sugar levels in kitties.

Don’t wait for your feline diabetic to fall victim to these complications.  Click on any link above to learn more.

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