If you’ve recently discovered that your beloved feline companion has diabetes, don’t worry. There are ways to ensure that your cat can lead a relatively normal life. With proper care and commitment, your diabetic cat can experience a fairly normal life expectancy.
While there is no complete cure for diabetes in cats, it is possible to manage the symptoms effectively by following a consistent feeding, insulin shots, and glucose check schedule. Here are four essential tips to help you provide the best care for your diabetic cat.
Tip #1: Choose Prescription Foods for Diabetic Cats
Prescription foods specially formulated for diabetic cats are often the best options. These foods typically contain higher protein levels than regular cat foods. Brands like Royal Canin and Purina offer diabetic cat foods that can help regulate your cat’s glucose levels effectively.
Although prescription foods may be more expensive, they can potentially lower your overall veterinary expenses. With regulated glucose levels, you’ll require fewer visits to the vet, thus offsetting the higher cost of the food.
Tip #2: Timing is Everything – Feed Before Insulin Shots
It’s important to make sure your diabetic cat eats before receiving an insulin shot. Be cautious not to lower your cat’s glucose levels too much. Try to feed your cat twice a day before administering the insulin injections.
If your cat has a healthy appetite, consider serving two equal servings of food per day. Your veterinarian can help you determine the exact amount to feed your cat to maintain an optimal weight.
Tip #3: Managing Multiple Cats? Plan for Separate Feeding
If you have multiple cats at home, it’s essential to prevent the non-diabetic cat from eating the diabetic cat’s food, and vice versa. You can try placing food bowls in strategic locations around your home or feeding each cat in separate rooms. There are also innovative options available, such as special collars that trigger the right cat’s food bowl to open. Consult your veterinarian for personalized tips on managing multiple cats’ feeding routines.
Tip #4: Maintain a Consistent Schedule for Insulin Shots and Glucose Checks
To help your diabetic cat feel better, it’s crucial to establish a treatment plan. This may involve dietary changes, increased activity, insulin shots, or a combination of these. After one to two weeks of at-home care, regular glucose checks at the veterinarian will determine if your cat’s glucose levels are regulated.
The frequency of vet visits will vary depending on your cat’s progress and the diligence with which you follow the treatment plan. Once the glucose levels stabilize, the check-ups will become less frequent. Ultimately, the goal is to reduce the need for frequent vet visits while maintaining your cat’s overall health.
For more information on cat diabetes, take a look at our article titled “Cat Diabetes: What Colorado Pet Parents Should Know.”
At Katten TrimSalon, we understand the challenges of caring for a diabetic cat. Our goal is to help you and your feline companion feel more comfortable and minimize stress. If you have specific concerns or questions about your diabetic cat’s care, please reach out to your local veterinarian. If you’re in the Castle Rock area, we are here to assist you.