Diabetes in cats is just as common as it is in people. It is also just as dangerous if not treated. Caring for a diabetic cat is not hard but does require consistency and diligence.

What are they symptoms of diabetes in your cat? The symptoms will be gradual and you may not think much about them at first. They will include increased eating and excessive water drinking and urination. He will likely become lethargic. And, in spite of eating more, he will lose weight.

As diabetes goes untreated, a cat may develop neuropathy. This will affect his ability to walk and jump. Instead of walking on the paws, the cat will begin walking on his haunches. This altered walk with be awkward for him and give him a hunchback posture. Jumps that would normally be simple are now impossible.

Basically, neuropathy is the interruption of signals being sent from the brain to complete movement. The cat will begin his leap onto the couch. But the signal will not reach the muscles and they will not complete the movement. The cat cannot finish his jump and will fall or slide down the couch, usually quite confused over it all. This is horrible to watch. Call a vet immediately.

The good thing about neuropathy is that it will clear itself up once the diabetes is under control. Diabetes is usually controlled by giving insulin which is usually produced in the pancreas. When the pancreas fails, blood sugar is too high. Insulin can be administered via pill but this method is effective in fewer than half of feline diabetics. The better option is injections. There are different kinds of insulin and certain syringes that work with each type. Your vet will figure out what is best for your cat’s needs.

This is usually determined with a few tests. Initially, the vet will perform a ‘glucose curve.’ Throughout the day, blood is drawn and sugar levels are checked. More of these curves are done a few weeks apart with different doses of insulin. This process is continued until the right dose is found.

Once the right dose is determined, the injections must be given regularly, usually twice a day. Missing a dose is not generally an issue, although several missed doses will cause sugar levels to stay elevated. The most important thing to keep in mind regarding insulin is that too much is even worse than too little. Too much insulin is extremely dangerous. Seizures and even death can occur instantly. Keep a record of shots given to ensure that he is getting his insulin an also that he isn’t inadvertently given shots by two different people.

Be sure to keep up with regular check-ups recommended by the veterinarian. This is always important but it is especially important in the case of diabetes. Unlike humans or even dogs, the pancreas of a cat can actually ‘re-learn’ to function properly over time. What this means is that a cat’s pancreas may actually start to produce insulin on its own. If you continue to give insulin, your cat will get too much and overdose. Again, this can lead to death.

Living with a diabetic cat is not complicated. It just takes care and dedication to proper care. In most diabetes cases cats may not even require a special diet. Just stay on top of the situation. A little ear scratching will be appreciated too.

It is critical to be aware of what you need to look for regarding diabetes symptoms and their impact on your health. The Diabetes Advice Online services provides you information and details on the steps you need to take when you might have diabetes.