The cause of diabetes is a lack of insulin (a pancreas hormone) or the inability of the body to use it effectively (i.e. the resistance of tissues towards insulin). And it doesn’t matter if you’re a person or an animal. With diabetes, the sugar is accumulated in blood and harms the organs and upsets the body balance. The plasma density increases which results in the reduction of fluids in cells and their dehydration and damage. The cells decrease the creation of proteins and it results in the reduction of body weight, decreased immune system functioning, impaired wound healing, etc. Moreover, the organism has to obtain energy from other sources, mainly from fats and therefore a lot of waste is accumulated in the body.
The cause of diabetes is a lack of insulin (a pancreas hormone) or the inability of the body to use it effectively (i.e. the resistance of tissues towards insulin). And it doesn’t matter if you’re a person or an animal. With diabetes, the sugar is accumulated in blood and harms the organs and upsets the body balance. The plasma density increases which results in the reduction of fluids in cells and their dehydration and damage. The cells decrease the creation of proteins and it results in the reduction of body weight, decreased immune system functioning, impaired wound healing, etc. Moreover, the organism has to obtain energy from other sources, mainly from fats and therefore a lot of waste is accumulated in the body.
In dogs, diabetes is quite common and it can appear in cats as well. For example, Burmese cats have greater predispositions for diabetes, but any cat can have it. However, diabetes is more common in neutered male cats.
Other factors which increase the risk of having diabetes are higher age, obesity, chronic pancreatitis, metabolic diseases or hyperthyroidism. As I already mentioned, in most cases the diabetes is caused by a pancreatic disease, such as autoimmune reactions, inflammation or cancer.
Diabetes symptoms come one by one. At first, you will probably notice an increased intake of liquid an the related more frequent urinating. Then the cat starts to lose weight, even though it eats from the bowl as much as always or even more. In a more advanced stage, also a skin disease or urinary tract diseases might appear. Pay more attention if your animal is more tired than usual or breaths with difficulties.
If you ignore the symptoms for longer period of time or you don’t notice them (it’s usually more difficult with outdoor cats), the disease will develop to the terminal stage. The animal will gradually lose vision, suffer from vomiting, lack of appetite, apathy, dehydration, and shock and death may come. If you have a suspicion your cat companion has diabetes, have your cat tested and your concerns might be refuted by taking a blood sample or finding sugar in urine.
When diabetes is not cured, by skipping meals or before finding out the perfect insulin dose, a cat might suffer hypoglycaemia, i.e. the lack of sugar in blood (or insulin excess). You can recognize it when the animal is not calm, might have problems with movement or fall unconscious. In such moment, we have to provide first aid to the cat by supplementing sugar. If it is able and willing to eat, it’s enough to give her a bowl. If it’s not, put sugar to its mouth (grape sugar is a great choice) and if it’s not able to swallow, spread the dissolved sugar or syrup between its teeth and below its tongue. When your furry friend gets better, give it something to eat to balance the sugar level.
Diabetes treatment is for life, it’s the same as for people. It consists of diet and insulin doses. Fortunately, the market nowadays offers diet dry food for diabetics and even treats are made for them. So, also a pet with this disease can have a life almost like the others do when taking proper care.
Do you have experience with a cat with diabetes? How are you and your furry friend holding up?
In terms of winter mushing events, 2022 is going to be very busy! If you are as mad about this sport as we are, get your diaries ready so you don't miss out on any of the upcoming events. What can you look forward to in the world of mushing?
Dog is a man's best friend. And it's not only regular people who need a best friend but also celebrities. One of the most "famous" dogs of today is Mr. Amazing - Paris Hilton's Pomeranian. What are the dogs of other celebrities like? Johnny Depp's dog...
Every human-pet household has at least one Christmas photo. It used to sit in a frame on a shelf but in the past years more and more end up on social media. Many people take it even further and set up their pet friend's own profile. In the Czech...
Cats are the guardians of our fireplace so let's reward them at Christmas with our undivided attention and love but also with a present. The first choice might be something tasty. This will definitely not offend any cat companion. Then there are...
Christmas is a time for families to gather and spend time together, which will be enjoyed by both the two-legged and four-legged members. Because it wouldn't be the same without presents, we bring you a few original tips. Dogs will definitely...
If you've already bought Christmas presents for your loved ones, it's time to prepare a surprise for your pet rodents. Here are a few tips to make their eyes sparkle with joy. Treats are an old classic that will please pet rodents of all kinds. Other...
Dogs and other pets can be beneficial for their owners in terms of physical but also mental health. There is truth in saying that a dog is a man's best friend, stands by his owner even at the most difficult times and his presence can even help deal...
This world-famous dogsled race called Šediváček's Long is celebrating a quarter of a century's history. The stage race called the "sleddog trace" is held every year in Deštné in Orlické Mountains. Mushers from all over the world will be competing for...
Christmas is round the corner, together with the traditional cold winter and snow. A big change for our pets. Even cats that spend most of their time outside are going to feel it. How to prepare them for this challenging season?
Have you ever thought how great it would be if we could communicate with animals directly? Your dog or cat could let you know what exactly they need, what they are lacking or in certain situations, they could even help you. This is something that...
Getting your pet from a breeding mill is no longer just a matter of dogs. Nowadays, you are "guaranteed" to be able to purchase cheaply and quickly also cats, various species of rodents or even hedgehogs. What is more, breeding mill owners are...
Your favourite and most important family member is soon to have a rival. How will he react? Will he like the baby? Will he try to bite? What if he cannot cope with it mentally? Or you?
