Just like humans, diabetes is affecting our precious cats. Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease which is caused by the body’s inability to produce enough insulin to stabilize blood sugar or glucose levels. It can be difficult to tell if your cat is suffering from diabetes, but there are common symptoms to watch out for, such as changes in normal cat behaviour, drinking more water than usual, vomiting, an unstable or strange walk, and more.

Here are some ways you can help manage your feline’s diabetes:

1. Insulin shots
Giving insulin shots to your cat can manage the symptoms of diabetes. Cats tend to metabolize insulin faster than humans and dogs, so it’s important to use long-lasting insulin. Injecting a shot one to two inches from the middle of the back, near the shoulder blade or hip bone will be more tolerable for your cat. The shot should take effect within thirty to ninety minutes. You can give your cat an insulin shot twice a day, leaving twelve-hour intervals.

2. Oral hypoglycemic medication
While it is easier to inject your cat with insulin, there are medications that are known to help manage your cat’s diabetes. An oral hypoglycemic drug can help lower their glucose levels and/or produce more insulin. These medications are typically best for cats with type-2 diabetes.

3. Change your feeding habits
Our feline companions require special diets. Foods that are high in protein and low in carbohydrates, such as tuna, chicken, beef, and salmon are best for your furry friend. Dry cat food tends to be higher in carbohydrates due to the grains, so make sure to feed them wet, canned food that is higher in protein and fat.

4. Playtime
Playing with or walking your cat every day will not only help decrease their stress level but will also help manage the symptoms of diabetes. Weight gain is a common side effect of diabetes, and just like with humans, it’s important that your cat gets the exercise it needs. Even if your cat has maintained the same weight, playing with them will improve their quality of life for a long time to come.

5. Keep a log book
Logging your feline’s appetite, thirst, and energy levels can be helpful to your veterinarian on your next visit, but it can also provide you insights into your cat’s health. It’s also helpful to track the times of day your cat takes its medications. By doing this, your vet will have a greater understanding of your cat’s diabetes.

6. Talk to your veterinarian
Ask your veterinarian or nurse to show you how to monitor your feline’s urine dips and blood sugars at home. Doing this will empower you to understand your cat’s health.

7. Keep a scratching post
Your cat needs exercise! Scratching posts and cat trees will encourage your cat to play and exercise, which are normal and healthy cat behaviours. This will also help them remove the outer layer of their claws and mark their territory by using their scent glands. Or perhaps your feline just needs a place to stretch because laying around can cause their tiny bodies to get stiff.

8. Seek professional help
We love our cats and we do not like to see them suffer, so if you suspect your cat may be suffering from diabetes, do not hesitate to contact your local veterinarian to get treatment for your precious feline. Diabetes in cats is very common, but is manageable when you follow our helpful tips.