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Feline Diabetes Information You Can Use

Cat owners who have just been told that their cat has feline diabetes will need to find out all they can about this disease so that they can feel confident when helping their cat. While feline diabetes is treatable it is a serious disease. Your vet will give your instructions regarding feeding your cat, danger signs to watch out for, exercising your cat, monitoring your cat's thirst and how to give your cat the insulin shots that he will need as part of his treatment.

To prevent hypoglycemic shock you must make sure that you cat has eaten before giving him the insulin shot.

Your cat probably exhibited some of these signs before he was diagnosed: increased appetite, weight loss, lethargy and possibly weakness in the rear legs. You may have noticed poor hair coat, and your cat may have had a secondary bacterial infection. Sometimes the dangerous condition known as ketoacidosis may have developed.

Your vet probably did some blood and urine tests in order to make the diagnosis of feline diabetes.

The disease diabetes is a complex disease and it is not going to be possible for a cat owner to understand all the information available right away. Your vet will be there to help educate you and will also steer you to some good resources and support groups.

The sad fact is that if you do not treat your cat's diabetes, your cat will die. Your cat will not object too terribly much to the injections, in fact he will get used to them. Insulin is very inexpensive, and home testing is doable, and an inexpensive way to monitor your cat's condition. Working closely with your vet and learning how to monitor and treat your cat can lead to many more happy years with your cat.

A few cats may be treated with only diet and oral medication though most cats will need to have insulin shots once or twice a day. The need for insulin may fluctuate. Your vet will help you to determine when the need for insulin changes.

Your cat will need to have regular vet visits to check how he is responding to treatment and to make any needed adjustments to his treatment.

Initially your cat may be hospitalized in order to regulate and treat his diabetes. However, most cats do not need to be hospitalized in order to start the treatment plan.

You will need to monitor your cat's diabetes at home using either urine or a blood test system. Your vet will go over your options with you and you can then decide which method is right for you.

Warning Signs:

Warning signs that your cat may not be getting enough insulin include excessive urination, high glucose in the urine, weight loss, depression, dull or dry fur, dandruff, lethargy and a change in pupil size (in some cats)

Signs that you cat is doing well on his diabetes therapy are:

Purring, Peeing, Pooping, Playing and Preening as well as having a normal amount of appetite and thirst.

Jason Burton is an expert on cat care and has had a lifelong love for all animals.

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