Senior Cat Comfort & Care

Diabetes is a condition where your cat’s body can’t produce or respond to insulin. They’re unable to use carbohydrates for energy. When this happens, glucose accumulates to high levels in the blood, resulting in hyperglycemia. Other medical issues can increase their risk of diabetes or affect how your cat responds to treatment.

Early diagnosis and treatment are critical. The first step is recognizing symptoms.

• Excessive drinking
• Increased urination
• Weight loss
• Decreased appetite
• Chronic and recurring infections, especially of the skin and urinary tract

Treatment includes insulin injections, weight management, diet modifications, and regular monitoring of blood glucose values.

Now for the good news! Cats can live happy, long lives with diabetes if the condition is managed properly.

There are things you can do to decrease your cat’s risk. Maintain a healthy weight, feed a healthy, well-balanced diet, provide regular exercise, and manage conditions such as allergies and asthma to lessen the need for steroids.