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Armitage Animal Clinic

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Call us today! 905-836-4001
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Newmarket, ON L3Y 8C9

Caring For A Cat With Diabetes

December 1 2021

Has your feline pal been diagnosed with diabetes? This may sound quite daunting at first, but it’s not an uncommon condition. The good news is that proper care can go a long way towards keeping Fluffy healthy. In this article from Armitage Animal Clinic, an East Gwillimbury veterinarian discusses caring for a diabetic kitty.


Treatment

There are a few general goals for treating kitty diabetes: controlling Fluffy’s blood sugar, keeping her at a healthy weight, and monitoring her water intake and outtake (urination). Of course, every kitty is different. Your vet can make specific treatment recommendations based on your pet’s health.


Insulin

As with people, diabetes in pets is often treated by insulin injections. There are several different types available to choose from. Ask your vet for more information. You’ll also need to learn how to give the injections. Don’t worry, though: once you have the hang of it, this shouldn’t take long at all! 


Food

A good diet is also crucial. It’s worth pointing out that sometimes increased hunger can be a sign of diabetes. You may have to brace yourself against Fluffy’s pleading meows. We know, kitty theatrics can be hard to resist, but you can do it! Spoil your cat with toys, catnip, and playtime instead of food. Be consistent with brands, portion sizes, and feeding times. Changing these things could cause fluctuations in your kitty’s blood sugar levels. 


If your furball is getting insulin, you’ll also need to be aware of the way insulin and food interact. There may be times when you may need to adjust her dosage. Ask your vet for specific advice.


Exercise

You probably won’t have much luck getting Fluffy on a treadmill. You can, however, keep her active by playing with her. If your cat is bold and playful, and likes to explore, you can even try walking her on a leash. (Results may vary.) 


Veterinary Care

Your vet may recommend more frequent appointments, so Fluffy’s condition can be monitored closely. At home, watch for signs of trouble. These can include trembling, lethargy, dizziness, fever, and vomiting. Call your vet immediately if you see any of these, or anything else that just seems off.


Fluffy can still do quite well, and enjoy a good quality of life, with proper care and careful monitoring. Contact Armitage Animal Clinic, your East Gwillimbury pet hospital, to learn more.