Diet control. Aside from increasing the risk of getting diabetes, obesity is a problem that can cause numerous health issues for your cat. So controlling snacking frequency, regulating the amount of food and type of food will help.
Older cats also are at higher risk of getting diabetes. So pet owners need to monitor these seniors and their weight more regularly.
Step 3
Regular health checks. It is not just diabetes that can affect your cat. Regular health checks gives your pet a better chance at early detection for most diseases. In the long run and compared to a late-stage diagnosis, regular checks will save you more money and heartache when it comes to your pet’s health.
Step 4
Be observant and watch out for these symptoms:
Increased thirst
Increased urination
Sudden weight loss despite eating normally
Lethargy
Vomiting
It might be hard to track the amount your cat drinks but you can check how often the litter tray needs clearing. This allows you to monitor if the amount of urine is abnormally high.
Is diabetes in cats reversible?
“Some people say the disease can be reversed but a better term is “in remission”, which means there is no evidence of the disease (NED). This doesn’t mean your cat will never be diabetic again, it just means that she is cleared of it at the point in time. Like cancer, diabetes can recur.” - Dr Claire Tan, Chief Veterinary Surgeon, Gaia Vets
Studies have shown that early diagnosis and treatment gives affected cats a better chance of remission. Cats in remission for diabetes can maintain this state for months or even years. But not all cats go into remission stage despite early treatment.
To be sure your cat’s diabetes is in the remission stage, we recommend regular blood and urine tests to check the status.
What type of treatment is given?
Upon diagnosis, your vet will prescribe suitable treatments and diet plans based on your cat’s condition. Common treatments include implementing a low-carbohydrate diet and insulin injections to regulate the blood sugar levels in your cat’s bloodstream. For obese cats, controlled weight loss will be of paramount concern, because these cats are less responsive to the effects of insulin.
Needless to say, a healthy pet makes a happy owner. Diabetes is a chronic disease which requires a lot more effort and expense for pet owners like you. But, if your cat is diagnosed, it is not the end of the world. We are here for you. So, make an appointment with our vets today!
