I found out my cat is diabetic

[skippysmom]

This morning my husband and I took the three little kitties to the vet for their annual check up. One of them, Silly, had always been a big cat but he had lost some weight over the past few months. He otherwise seemed fine -- he ate, he wasn't mopey or sad, etc.

The vet tested him, though, and they found out he is diabetic. He's 7 years old, and otherwise healthy. It looks like we'll have to give him insulin shots twice a day and otherwise give him extra care. The vet says he'll be okay, though.

Any other cat people have experience with this? Or any advice to offer?

[Lindacooks]

1. Yes, my cat Muffin was diabetic.

It's not difficult to take care of a diabetic cat. Just get over any squeamishness you have about giving shots, and monitor water and food intake (and output). As I recall, we had to feed her right after giving her the shot (which was only once a day). She really did very well on insulin and looked (and acted) years younger to me.

Your cat isn't on prednisone or any other med like that, is he? Those meds are 'glucogenic', or 'sugar creating' and often cause diabetes. Muffin was on prednisone, developed diabetes, then when we took her off prednisone the diabetes reverted.

Also, make sure you have corn syrup on hand. If, for some reason, the cat gets too much insulin, stick your finger in the corn syrup and rub it on his gums. That will balance the insulin overdose and stabilize him while you get him to the vet immediately.

[skippysmom]

3. Thankfully he's not on any other drugs

I'm not sure why or how he developed it. I'm a little squeamish about needles, but for this kitty, I'll get over it.

[hugo_from_TN]

2. One of mine is also

Hi Skippysmom,

My male Siamese Hugo was diagnosed with diabetes when he was 7 1/2. He also gets 2 insulin shots a day and will be turning 15 this summer! Here is my advice:

Make sure to ask you vet as many questions as you need to fully understand what diabetes is about and what the role of insulin is.

If you don't think your vet is giving you the info you need or have other concerns, CHANGE VETS!. I did that 3 times before I found a vet that I had a lot of trust in and was very involved in my cats health.

Diet is a huge factor in a diabetic cats health. If your vet is not recommending a change to prescription cat food (W/D), ask why not. W/D food was the last step in getting Hugo well regulated.

The shots are no big deal. You and the cat will be used to them in a week. When you are not around to give shots (vacation, etc.) get a cat sitter that works at a vets office. A vet tech from your vet's practice is ideal since they are used to shots and know the signs of hypoglycemia and dehydration. Plus if they have any concerns they will usually just take the cat into the office and let the doctors have a look.

The first few weeks are the toughest as you have to adjust insulin levels to get the cat regulated. Make sure you can recognize hypoglycemia (very low blood sugar) and take the appropriate steps. Remember that is always better to err on the side of higher blood sugar than lower.

Here's a good link for some info and a message board: http://www.felinediabetes.com

Good Luck! Hugo and I will be pulling for you.

[skippysmom]

4. Thanks for your good wishes!

And welcome to DU!

:hi:

[Catshrink]

5. Sorry to hear this...

sounds like you have a good handle on it.

I'm concerned that my Sammy is headed for this also. He's a porker -- and his diet begins July 9 once I'm back from vacation. (I don't want to saddle a cat sitter with a whole new routine.)

The advice other people offer on this board is phenomenal! They are such great resources.