Feline Diabetes Signs and Symptoms

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Did you know that diabetes is a common endocrine illness in cats? Could you spot a cat with diabetes?

Which Cats are At Risk?

Any breed or sex of cat may be affected by diabetes. Diabetes is more often diagnosed in neutered male cats. If your cat is overweight or middle aged to senior, he or she may also be in danger. Other factors, such as Cushing's disease, genetic predisposition, hyperthyroidism, chronic pancreatitis, and medications (corticosteroids) have also been connected to feline diabetes.

Symptoms to Look For

The most common, and easy to notice, sign that your kitty is suffering from diabetes is a seemingly insatiable thirst. You may feel as though you're constantly filling the water dish. All of that extra fluid needs to go somewhere, so it's no wonder that another sign of feline diabetes is excessive urinating. A cat may also begin relieving himself in inappropriate areas, even though house trained. Another classic sign of diabetes includes a significant increase or decrease in appetite, accompanied by weight loss. If the disease is not caught in the early stages and is allowed to advance, the symptoms can become more severe and possibly fatal.

Complications if Left Untreated

Cats will not develop as many complications with their diabetes as humans can. This is due to the fact that cats have a much shorter life span. One of the complications could include their hind legs becoming weak. Cataracts are also a possibility, yet this is seen more often in canines than in cats. Untreated diabetes can also lead to a condition called ketoacidosis which can includes symptoms such as a loss of appetite, diarrhea, vomiting, weakness, dehydration, and irregular breathing. The ultimate complication of feline diabetes is death.

Seek Help from a Veterinarian

Your cat's veterinarian will be able to diagnose the illness and rule out any other causes of your cat's symptoms. Feline diabetes can be determined after blood and urine tests are completed, sometimes over a period of several weeks, to measure the amounts of glucose. If your feline friend has developed ketoacidosis, he may require hospitalization.

What You Can Do

A diabetes diagnosis is not a death sentence. Your cat is going to need a lot of help from you to be well again. It's vital to provide your kitty with a well balanced diet to return to health. If overweight, your cat will also need to shed those extra pounds gradually. Your vet will be helpful in suggesting any medications that may be needed. An option that you may want to investigate is all natural Dia-IonX which contains natural blood sugar support. With dietary changes, veterinary help, weight control, and Dia-IonX, your kitty can lead a happy and long life.

Photo Credit: MissBlythe