It can be frightening to learn that your cat has diabetes.Some owners wonder how they can help their cat.Taking care of a cat with diabetes is manageable.You may be able to reverse the disease if you catch it early.There are several steps you can take if your cat has diabetes.You can manage their care, learn how to give injections, and watch out for signs of diabetes in cats.
Step 1: Feed your cat a good diet.
Humans and cats alike have to be careful with what they eat.The ideal cat diet is low in calories.Most cat foods at the supermarket are high in calories and low in vitamins.The cat food you need is geared for your cat's needs.Premium pet food companies are known for their high prescription diet.The companies include Royal Canin.The diet comes in wet and dry varieties.The formula is fine if the cat has access to drinking water.Your cat's body can reduce the amount of excess sugar it produces if you feed it a high-quality diet.Your cat's body will be helped by this.Some cats don't need anything more than a high-quality diet.After a few months of this new diet, these cats may go back to normal.
Step 2: A feeding schedule can be created.
The best time to feed a cat with diabetes is after an injection.Scientists now know that your cat will become hungry after 3 to 6 hours after the injection.The principle is to match the main meal to the peak Insulin activity, which happens around 3 hours after you give them an injection.It is important to make sure that your cat is eating normally before you give them an injection.It's a good idea to give them a snack before they get their injection.Give your vet a call if you notice that your cat won't eat.Giving a full dose of the drug could cause an overdose if the cat is sick.This means splitting your cat's daily allowance into four small meals.Before each injection, give two small snacks and the rest in two meals.A typical regime would consist of 7am snack, 10am meal, and 10pm snack.
Step 3: You should get regular check-ups with your vet.
Your cat will need a lot of vet visits.The vet will teach you how to give shots for diabetes, but there will still be some tests the vet can't perform.The tests might include testing of the organs.If your cat's diabetes is being managed and there are no problems, a vet visit every three months should be sufficient.Know the warning signs.The volume of urine the cat produces is a sign that something is wrong.If you notice a cat is more thirsty than usual, that could be a sign that their blood sugar is not well controlled.If this happens, you should take your cat to the vet.
Step 4: When you are away, look for reliable care for your cat.
When you can't be at home because of work, school, or travel, look for someone to care for your cat.If you will be out for a long time, hiring someone to care for your cat will give you peace of mind.Cats with diabetes can be recommended for cat sitters at most veterinary clinics.If a friend will be taking care of your cat, be sure to show them how to give injections.Educate them on how to respond in an emergency and teach them who to call.
Step 5: There are online support groups on cat diabetes.
The websites FelineDiabetes.com, CatInfo.org, and Diabetic Cats In Need are great resources for people with diabetes.It will be helpful to have information and support on hand.Constant veterinary care can cost a lot.Financial support is offered to owners of cats with diabetes by groups like Diabetic Cats In Need.
Step 6: Prepare a needle.
You will need a new sterile needle for each injection.It will help to do this.The vet told you to prepare the syringe.While your cat is around, don't prepare the needle.If you want to find your cat, prepare the cat's treat, and let them do whatever they want.
Step 7: Establish a routine.
Try to give your cat the injection at the same time each day.If you have a snack for your cat, approach them with the snack and a prepared needle.Your cat will associate positive things with getting an injection if you give them a treat.You will be less likely to forget if you give the injections at the same time each day.If you are worried about forgetting, you can set a reminder on your phone.
Step 8: Sit by the cat.
If you are worried that your cat will try to get away from you, have a person who the cat trusts hold onto them with both hands.Make sure you can easily reach the cat.Help the cat get used to this routine by keeping it calm.Don't frighten the cat.
Step 9: The cat has skin.
To pinch the cat's skin, use your thumb and forefinger.You will usually give the injection in the hip or shoulder.Pinching the skin will help you insert the needle.If your cat has long fur, try using a brush or comb to cut the hair so that you can see the skin when you give the injection.Contact your vet if you don't know where to give the injection.
Step 10: The needle should be inserted into the skin.
If you're giving an injection, make sure it's under the skin and not into the muscle.The cat will be hurt if it is put into the muscle.You can hold the needle so that it is parallel to the cat's skin.The needle should be inserted into the skin where you are holding it.As you can, do this quickly and smoothly.The needle may be more painful for the cat if it is jabbed into the skin.A quick and smooth insert is possible because the needle will be sharp.The tip of the needle should be pointed up when you insert it.This will allow the needle to pierce the skin cleanly and painlessly.Push the plunger if you want to inject theinsulin underneath the cat's skin.You can remove the needle once you have done this.
Step 11: Give your cat lots of attention.
You should praise your cat after you have finished the injection.You can tell them they did a good job by petting or brushing them.Don't skip this part if you want your cat to know that they behaved well.Your cat won't try to hide from you around injection time if you keep a positive routine.
Step 12: Take care of your cat's blood sugar.
Blood sugar levels are the gold standard in diabetes control.Digitalglucose monitors can be used to check your cat's blood sugar levels.The normal range for cats is between 80 and 120.The sugar levels in normal cats will go up after a meal.The blood sugar of a cat with diabetes should be within the normal range since it is maintained by injections.It is possible to avoid the effects of low blood sugar.Hypoglycemia may occur if there is an accidental overdose.In extreme cases, the animal may suffer weakness, confusion, lack of coordination, and coma.If your cat has high blood sugar after an injection, it's time to consult your vet.
Step 13: Make sure you check your cat's urine.
You might have been told by your vet to test your cat's urine with a dipstick a couple of times a week.A typical urine dipstick has two pads that change color depending on the amount of glucose and ketones in the urine.The main use is to check if the cat is ketone-negative, rather than monitor urine sugar levels.Your vet will show you how to use the dipsticks.Ketones are produced when the blood sugar is too high.If ketones are present in the urine, you should seek veterinary advice because the cat is not stable.
Step 14: Take the time to observe your cat's behavior.
If your cat has diabetes, you should always keep an eye on it.Cats can't tell us when they're not feeling well.It is important to know what is normal for your cat.If you notice that your cat is drinking a lot more water than usual, urinating frequently, and losing weight for no apparent reason, contact your vet immediately.
Step 15: You can learn about feline diabetes.
Cats can suffer from two different types of diabetes.type 1 diabetes is the first type.The pancreas can't produce theinsulin needed to maintain healthy blood sugar levels, so this type usually requires injections.type 2 diabetes is the second type.If your cat has this type of diabetes, they may or may not need injections.This depends on whether or not the pancreas is making enoughinsulin.There are four main symptoms of diabetes.Frequent and high amounts of urination, increased water consumption, unexplained weight loss, and increased appetite are included.Cats with diabetes can return to normal when the disease is caught early enough and treated carefully.They need to control their condition with injections.