Knowledge about feline diabetes is important in order to take specific care of your cat. Diabetes is a serious illness which touches millions of humans, but your cat can also be affected by it. Cat care and diabetes control go hand in hand to ensure your cat can live an otherwise normal life.

There are two types of feline diabetes that might affect your pet: type 1 is induced by an insufficient production of insulin, and type 2 is characterized by the inability of the cat's body to process the insulin effectively. As happens with humans, the illness can affect a cat regardless of age, but it is most typical with cats over six years old. It can present itself in any gender or breed. However, the typical patients are overweight, older, neutered male cats.

The early signs and symptoms of feline diabetes are very similar to what one expects in humans, which vets or pet owners can easily spot. These symptoms should tell informed pet owners and vets of the onset of the disease. As the body becomes incapable of processing glucose, the cat shows symptoms of excessive thirst and hunger, frequent urination and may also lose weight. Other symptoms of feline diabetes include vomiting, loss of appetite and overall weakness and lethargy. In addition, the cat may have bad skin and coat condition as well as respiratory problems. Urine and blood sugar screening ought to be done when owners see such symptoms in their pets. Since blood sugar may rise temporarily if the cat is frightened or is in any type of stressful situation, it is a good decision to get both the screens done. These two tests will help affirm if your cat actually does have the condition.

While feline diabetes can be regulated through a number of ways, there is no cure, just like in humans. With obese cats, the condition can be controlled through a diet that is rich in fiber and complex carbohydrates. This diet is not only good for dealing with diabetes, but also helps the cat to lose weight. Dietary supplements are also available to help diabetic cats deal with their condition. Using anti-diabetic drugs is another option to keep blood glucose levels in acceptable range.

Owners with at-risk cats will need to regularly monitor their pet's glucose and insulin levels. For those who resort to personally give their cats insulin injections for their diabetes, care is required to avoid an overdose as it can cause their death. If you keep the diabetes in check, your cat's quality of life will be better, and you can be rewarded with many years of love from your furry friend.