Diabetes mellitus is an ailment in which your cat’s body does not respond to the hormone insulin. Blood glucose rises, insulin production increases if the condition is type II diabetes, and decreases in type I diabetes. In type I and type II diabetes, cells cannot access the nutrients they need even though adequate sugar is available. For cats in Matthews, type II diabetes is more common.

Some of the signs of diabetes in cats include increased eating, weight loss and increased thirst and urination. Some of the other symptoms include poor hair coat, muscle weakness, and dilute urine. If you are mindful of these common signs of diabetes, you will be able to help your cat in time.

Your veterinarian in Matthews, NC will diagnose diabetes by checking for consistently elevated glucose levels in your cat’s blood and urine. The testing will confirm whether your cat is diabetic. Consult with your veterinarian for the appropriate treatment.

Early Signs of Diabetes in Cats in Matthews, NC

The clinical signs of diabetes mellitus are associated with elevated concentrations of blood glucose and the body’s inability to distribute glucose as an energy source properly. You can spot the signs early if you know what to look for.

Below are some of the signs of diabetes in cats:

• Eating more than average without weight increase
• Weight loss
• Lethargy and disinterest
• Poor hair coat
• Frequent urination
• Muscle weakness
• Obesity
• Dilute urine
• Excessive thirst
• Unusual flat-footed stance and walk on hind legs

If cat diabetes is not treated early, your cat’s blood sugar escalates to high levels. The excess glucose level prompts your cat to urinate more frequently. Constant urination can make them dehydrated and put their electrolytes out of balance.

The combination of an overload of glucose and dehydration can make your cat sick. Their brain is affected by this. If this occurs, it can lead to depression, seizures, and can potentially put them in a coma. Once you see any of these signs in your cat, you should call your veterinarian in Matthews immediately.

How Do Vets Diagnose Diabetes in Cats in Matthews, NC?

Checking for diabetes in your cat is a rather simple process where multiple components of your cat’s overall health will be looked at.

Conduct a Complete Physical Exam

Your cat will get a complete physical wellness exam at the vet. You will need to tell the veterinarian exactly what symptoms you are seeing in your cat. At this time, your veterinarian will likely order a complete blood count, biochemical profile, and urinalysis.

Check Your Cat’s Blood Count

The blood count from your cat’s exam will check the red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelet components. If there are not any complications, your cat’s blood count will be normal. Dehydration can be determined on the CBC. It could show changes within the blood cells which indicate dehydration.

Check the Blood Sugar Level of Your Cat

Your cat’s blood sugar level, water, and electrolyte balance will be determined. Your veterinarian in Matthews will also check to see how well your cat’s organs are functioning. These tests also reveal if anything is exacerbating your cat’s diabetes if they have it.

Check Your Cat for Anemia

In some of the more serious diabetic cases, loss of electrolytes causes decreased red blood cell numbers. The test could show that your cat is anemic. Elevated serum glucose is necessary to diagnose diabetes mellitus.

Multiple Tests May be Necessary

It is challenging to produce a definite diagnosis with cats until more than one blood sample is collected. This obstacle is because your cat’s blood glucose level can increase just by the stress of the vet visit. Their blood glucose levels can also rise for several hours after eating.

Typically, more than one blood sample is required.

What Things Should You Consider When Choosing the Best Food for Your Diabetic Cat in Matthews, NC?

Weight management and nutrition are crucial for the health of the diabetic cat. You need to be careful of food and mindful of what they need to help them with their condition. You should understand nutrition, blood sugar levels, and the hormone insulin plays in their lives.

The following are some recommendations you should take into consideration if you want to give your diabetic cat the proper nutrition:

Watch Calories

Control food amounts and weigh them often.

Feeding Schedule

Feed them measured amounts of food twice daily with insulin, or any other schedule your veterinarian in Matthews recommends for your cat.

Protein

Protein helps maintain muscle mass, and is therefore something important to keep in mind when determining the best food for your cat.

Balanced Food

When it comes to looking for the best balanced cat food, look for 50% protein 40% fat.

Low Carbohydrate

Having foods with low carbohydrates helps keep blood sugar intact.

Consistency is Key

Consistency is the most critical component to feeding a cat with diabetes. Cats in Matthews should eat the same amount of food at the same time each day. This schedule will get their body acclimated to a feeding schedule.

The majority of diabetic cats receive two daily insulin injections 12 hours apart. They should be fed their meals with their insulin so that if they do not consume all their food, the insulin can be decreased.

Maintain Moderation with Treats

Diabetic cats can still enjoy their favorite treats. However, they should be given in moderation only. Maybe two treats each night. Some good options are protein-rich treats such as freeze-dried chicken, beef, salmon, and tuna.

Call Us for More Information about Cat Diabetes in Matthews, NC

Cat diabetes is not a death sentence. With proper treatment, your feline companion can live a long, happy, and healthy life. Many cats can return to being non-diabetic if they are diagnosed early, and treatment is successful. With you and your vet’s help, your cat will be thriving and living out their years experiencing love and companionship.

If your pet is experiencing signs of diabetes in cats, or if you have questions about how to treat this condition, contact our team at Caring Hearts Animal Hospital in Matthews today by calling us at (704) 893-2799 or making an appointment online. There’s nothing more important to us than your cat’s health and happiness, and our goal is to help them live a long and happy life with you. We’ll get to the bottom of your cat’s condition and will develop the best course of treatment to give your pet the quality of life they deserve.