In the last decades, there has been an alarming increase in the number of cats developing Diabetes Mellitus. This post is all about warning signs of cat diabetes.

The reason for more cases of cat diabetes isn’t far-fetched.

Cats nowadays are fed more of carbohydrate rich commercial foods by their owners.

The disorder diabetes mellitus, is a chronic and debilitating condition in a cat that occurs when the body cells begin to resist insulin – the hormone responsible for aiding the entry of glucose into the cells. This resistance to insulin causes glucose levels in the bloodstream to build up – a condition known as “hyperglycemia.” Diabetes in cats is very serious, please read on to understand how you can help your diabetic feline.

What role does insulin play in cat diabetes?

According to the Drake Center Veterinary Care, insulin plays an important role and understanding it’s relationship to cat diabetes is key to managing your feline’s good health.

“Without an adequate amount of insulin, glucose is unable to get into the cells. It accumulates in the blood, setting in motion a series of events which can ultimately prove fatal.

 

When insulin is deficient, the cells become starved for a source of energy. In response to this, the body starts breaking down stores of fat and protein to use as alternative energy sources. This causes the cat to eat more, but ultimately results in weight loss.

 

The body tries to eliminate the excess glucose by excreting it in the urine. However, glucose attracts water, so the urine glucose that is excreted also contains large quantities of the body’s fluids. This causes the cat to produce a large amount of urine. To avoid dehydration, the cat drinks more and more water.”     –The Drake Center Veterinary Care

In diabetic cats, the pancreas still produces insulin.

The problem is that the body of the cat is overly bombarded with carbohydrates due to excessive intake of junk food. At this point, the insulin receptors on each cell stops responding to insulin – in other words, they just choose to ignore the signal to take up glucose.

Dogs tend to get Type l diabetes

This is quite similar to juvenile diabetes in humans, cats on the other hand mostly get Type ll diabetes a condition similar to what we refer to as “Adult Onset” or “Non-Insulin Dependent” diabetes in humans.

Although cats of about eight years of age and older have been known to be the most affected by this medical condition.

Recent studies and diagnosis have revealed that even juvenile cats can fall victim to this ailment. This is why it is important that you learn to identify the warning signs a diabetic cat displays.

How can you tell if a cat has Diabetes?

Excessive peeing, thirstier than usual, change in eating habits, weight gain and lethargy can all be red flags to cat diabetes. 

5 Warning Signs Your Cat Has Diabetes

1. Excessive Cat Urination

This is one clear warning sign you are sure to pick up if you’re observant enough. The reason for a change in a diabetic cat’s urination pattern is due to the fact that their kidney tries to clear out excessive glucose from the body, and this can only be done through constant urination. The more she urinates is the more she thirsts and the more she consumes water is the more she urinates. The cycle continues.

2. Excessive Water Consumption

If you notice your beloved feline suddenly drinks more water than usual, then your cat may very well be suffering from a Type ll diabetes. Diabetic cats tend to drink more because their body loses a lot of liquid due to frequent urination. They only drink to quench their thirst and fill the void excessive urination leaves within them.

3. Appetite Swings and Weight Gain

Has your cat suddenly increased its food intake over an extended period of time or has she added a few pounds? If yes, this may be a sure sign that she’s developed diabetes. Cats in their early stages of diabetes tend to eat more not because they want to, but because their hypothalamus keeps creating false feelings of hunger within them. And when a cat consumes more, you’d agree with us that weight gain is inevitable.

4. Changes In Weight

As a cat owner, you should know just how your cat walks and goes about. This is crucial as changes in the way a cat walks may indicate it’s gone diabetic. Diabetes in a cat results into what is known as peripheral neuropathy – a medical condition where its hind legs become weak. Cats in their early stages of diabetes will

definitely display such signs related to peripheral neuropathy as walking in a drunken like state, walking on their hocks and having difficulties climbing or jumping.

5. Decreased Activity

If your cat known for its active and energetic nature suddenly show signs of weakness or loss of interest in activities that once excited her, then it may be that she’s gone diabetic. Another warning sign to look out for is excessive sleeping. A young cat shouldn’t spend a great deal of her time sleeping. If she does, she may be suffering from diabetes or other serious medical issues.

All of the signs mentioned above are pointers that a cat is diabetic, and if it turns out your kitty currently displays any of these warning signs, you should immediately take her to a vet for thorough check-up. And if it eventually turns out your cat is diagnosed with diabetes, no reason to fret about that. There are medications and treatments on ground to help your feline friend manage the ailment.