Pets Information

How Cats With Feline Diabetes Can Lead A Happy Life


"Your cat has feline diabetes." If this is your vet's message after examining your beloved friend, it will come as a shock. Yes, your cat has a serious disease. But you can treat it!

I got the message myself early 2003. My (then) 10-year-old neutered cat Duvelke had been urinating and drinking more than usual for a few weeks. First it was thought to be connected with a previous medication. But after urine and blood tests the veterinarian was certain. "Your cat has feline diabetes."

Now what is diabetes?

Blood contains sugar (glucose). The blood sugar level is controlled by the hormone insulin, which is produced by the pancreas. If this organ produces not enough insulin, we speak of diabetes.

Symptoms of feline diabetes differ. Duvelke started to pass more urine than usual, and had an increased thirst as a result of this. Other possible symptoms are weight loss, decreased appetite, lethargy and a poor coat condition.

Cats with untreated diabetes will become inactive, vomit regularly, stop urinating and fall into a coma. But if you treat feline diabetes correctly, your cat might still be able to lead a long and happy life. It does take effort and dedication, though.

Your cat will need to get food at set times, and preferably should stay indoors.

And - this is essential - you will have to give your cat insulin shots. Once a day, often two times daily. Your vet will determine the quantity and tell you how to do it. It is not scary!

But keep an eye on your friend. Your cat should have had food before getting the insulin shot! If not, a hypoglycemic shock (a 'hypo') may occur. This is also possible if your cat gets too much insulin. And this is really dangerous. If you are not there to help, your cat might die from a hypo.

Duvelke has had a few hypos since 2003. He survived. How? By putting glucose in his mouth, on the inside of his cheeks. Honey on his tongue also worked well.

Duvelke's quantity of insulin has been reduced considerably the past year. And he's doing really fine. If you didn't know about his disease, you would assume he is a perfectly healthy cat.

So, with a proper treatment, diabetic cats can still lead a happy life!

© 2004, Marc de Jong. Journalist, web site builder and cat lover Marc de Jong lives in Belgium. He is the owner and editor of http://www.cat-pregnancy-report.com on which you will find a longer, more detailed version of this article.


MORE RESOURCES:

PetFit Challenge Helps Keep Pets - and Pet Owners - Healthy
MarketWatch - 4 hours ago
Unfortunately, our pets -- they really do look like us -- mirror us with similar health issues. The Campaign to End Obesity, a public/private partnership ...


Pet Doors Opening at Assisted Living Centers
U.S. News & World Report, DC - 1 hour ago
Brooke Grove is now among a growing number of assisted-living facilities that are actively encouraging seniors to bring along their well-behaved pets -- or ...


Hantie battles to save pets
News24, South Africa - 5 hours ago
Vanderbijlpark - Hantie Olivier, 48, tried to crawl into her burning house several times to rescue her six pets - only to be dragged out by her feet every ...


TripAdvisor Proclaims People Picky About Pro-Pet Properties
PR Newswire (press release), NY - 3 hours ago
Survey Reveals Nearly Half of Travelers Get Annoyed about Pets on Planes NEWTON, Mass., July 24 /PRNewswire/ -- TripAdvisor(R), the world's largest travel ...
Obama's big decision - which dog San Jose Mercury News
"The Power Of Paws" 9NEWS.com
all 9 news articles


Chow Wagon running low on food for families with pets
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, PA - 10 hours ago
During the past year, the organization distributed almost 15000 pounds of donated pet food and treats. But the program faces a shortage of food for the ...


WHAG

Animal Shelters Offer Food Bank As Alternative To Owners Giving Up ...
WHAG, MD - 14 hours ago
"People losing their homes, their jobs, just whatever, they still place their pets as a priority, which is wonderful," said Brigitte Farrell, the executive ...
Donation of $10K will help soldiers, memorialize fallen hero Business Gazette
all 2 news articles


Oswego mulling ownership limit on pets
NewsChannel 9 WSYR, NY - 10 hours ago
Oswego, New York (WSYR-TV) - The Oswego Common Council is considering a limit on how many pets residents can own. Councilors say they've heard complaints ...


The Burnside News

The rescue of unwanted pets takes money, many hands
Daily Gleaner, Canada - 4 hours ago
However, when we become pet owners, these adorable little critters grow into larger, adult animals with specific needs such as food, regular exercise, ...
See Spot roast The Burnside News
Surrey homeless man wants seized dog released AOL Canada
Posted By ANGELA SCAPPATURA, THE SUDBURY STAR Sudbury Star
all 4 news articles


In brief: Adopted pets in DeSoto to get microchips
Memphis Commercial Appeal, TN - 9 hours ago
... and assistant director Monica Mock said the microchipping will help owners find lost animals and the county keep better track of the pet population. ...


Consider pets when vacationing
Milford Times, MI - 3 hours ago
Although car trips can be stressful for many household pets, experts agree that they do not have to be if drivers take some simple precautions. ...

Pets - Google News

home | site map
© 2006