How Cats With Feline Diabetes Can Lead A Happy Life

"Your cat has feline diabetes." If this is your vet's message after examining your beloved friend, it will come as a shock. Yes, your cat has a serious disease. But you can treat it!

I got the message myself early 2003. My (then) 10-year-old neutered cat Duvelke had been urinating and drinking more than usual for a few weeks. First it was thought to be connected with a previous medication. But after urine and blood tests the veterinarian was certain. "Your cat has feline diabetes."

Now what is diabetes?

Blood contains sugar (glucose). The blood sugar level is controlled by the hormone insulin, which is produced by the pancreas. If this organ produces not enough insulin, we speak of diabetes.

Symptoms of feline diabetes differ. Duvelke started to pass more urine than usual, and had an increased thirst as a result of this. Other possible symptoms are weight loss, decreased appetite, lethargy and a poor coat condition.

Cats with untreated diabetes will become inactive, vomit regularly, stop urinating and fall into a coma. But if you treat feline diabetes correctly, your cat might still be able to lead a long and happy life. It does take effort and dedication, though.

Your cat will need to get food at set times, and preferably should stay indoors.

And ? this is essential - you will have to give your cat insulin shots. Once a day, often two times daily. Your vet will determine the quantity and tell you how to do it. It is not scary!

But keep an eye on your friend. Your cat should have had food before getting the insulin shot! If not, a hypoglycemic shock (a 'hypo') may occur. This is also possible if your cat gets too much insulin. And this is really dangerous. If you are not there to help, your cat might die from a hypo.

Duvelke has had a few hypos since 2003. He survived. How? By putting glucose in his mouth, on the inside of his cheeks. Honey on his tongue also worked well.

Duvelke's quantity of insulin has been reduced considerably the past year. And he's doing really fine. If you didn't know about his disease, you would assume he is a perfectly healthy cat.

So, with a proper treatment, diabetic cats can still lead a happy life!

© 2004, Marc de Jong. Journalist, web site builder and cat lover Marc de Jong lives in Belgium. He is the owner and editor of http://www.cat-pregnancy-report.com on which you will find a longer, more detailed version of this article.

---

5 Tips For Choosing the Best Vet For Your Dog

Find a vet, if possible, who specializes in small animals... Read More

Which Of These Horse Catching Mistakes Do You Make?

The other day, I was invited to see my friend's... Read More

Dog Safety: How to Keep Your Pups Safe From Loss or Theft

According to the American Humane Society, just 15% of dogs... Read More

Does Your Dog Miss You Too Much?

Your dog seems to be driving you up the wall... Read More

Canine Mastitis

Canine mastitis is a breast infection in brood bitches, usually... Read More

Clicker Training For Dogs: Positive Reinforcement Training

There is nothing more adorable than a new puppy. Large... Read More

How to Choose a Dog for Children

Since having a dog is such a common thing, do... Read More

Starting a Home-Based Pet Related Business

If you're contemplating the idea of starting a home-based business... Read More

You Should Teach Your Puppy Proper Chewing Behavior

As much as you may love your cute, new puppy,... Read More

Dogs & Kids: Happy Together

Dogs and kids, it's a combination that at it's best... Read More

Your Pets Medicine Chest - Medications To Keep On-Hand

We all know that good food, a loving home and... Read More

Hamsters; The Perfect Starter Pet

As a parent, you want to be able to give... Read More

Dog Training Collars: Teaching Your Dog Basic Obedience and Breaking Bad Habits

Dog Training CollarsHaving a pet means having to provide for... Read More

Essential Fatty Acids for Parrots

You may be hearing more talk these days about "Essential... Read More

West Highland White Terrier - Picking the Right Breeder

Do you want a Westie as a pet? What are... Read More

Doggie Day Care is an Awesome Alternative

Doggie day care is becoming more and more prevalent in... Read More

Five Snake Care Tips for Beginners

If you're looking for an unusual, eye-catching pet, it's hard... Read More

Good Dog Health and Happiness For Charlie

Our Charlie's dog health was a very important issue to... Read More

Dogs - Mans Best Friend

Dogs have been known as man's best friend for decades.... Read More

Lemon Tetra - A Perfect Addition for Your Community Aquarium

Lemon TetraGlassily transparent, the lemon tetra (hyphessobrycon pulchripinnis) could appear... Read More

Toy Dog Breeds

Toy dog breeds include greyhounds, terriers, pinschers, pugs, chihuahuas, pekingese,... Read More

17 Tips Thatll Safeguard You and Your Family From Dog Bites or Attack

Did you know that more than one million north americans... Read More

Buy Dog Supplements Online

Dog SupplementsA good nutritional program of dog supplements is just... Read More

You Can Help Reduce the Number of Unwanted Cats - Spaying and Neutering of Cats

Every year, hundreds of thousands of cats and kittens are... Read More

Reincarnating Pets

It is always sad when a beloved animal family member... Read More

Larger Dog Food Isles

Grocery Stores could use some larger Dog Food Isles. Not... Read More

Tips For Keeping Your Pug Happy And Healthy

Bringing home a Pug can change our life, but it... Read More

Two Tails Are Better Than One

Training one dog can be hard enough, but two, now... Read More

10 Questions Im Most Asked about Dogs in Heat

1. What is heat?Heat is more properly called the estrous... Read More

Horse Training Techniques From The 1800s

Was he the world's greatest horse trainer of all time?... Read More

Determining Skin Disorders In The Aquarium

Many different skin problems can arise in the aquarium. thankfully,... Read More

Goldfish Tips - Finding Out The Gender of Your Goldfish

Boy or Girl?How can you tell whether your Goldfish is... Read More

The Truth About Declawing

There seems to be an alarming trend to have cats... Read More