Feline diabetes is a common but complicated medical condition in which a cat’s body is not able to produce or use insulin, resulting in blood sugar imbalance.
Insulin refers to the hormone made in the pancreas, which is then released into the blood cells so that they can change proteins into glucose. Most of the foods that cats eat are broken down into a type of sugar called glucose, which is used by the body for energy. When insulin is not used properly or when there is not enough of it, the liver and muscles will try to get glucose from the body’s blood cells to maintain energy levels. This will wreak havoc to a cat’s bodily functions.
If it goes undiagnosed, diabetes in cats can worsen and cause severe weight loss, dehydration, depression, and motor function problems. This is why early detection is key in providing your kitty with effective, immediate treatment. Here are the early signs of diabetes in cats to watch out for.
Increased Urination and Thirst
When glucose is not able to get into the blood cells, the levels of glucose in the bloodstream shoots up, resulting in a condition called hyperglycemia. Glucose is then filtered out by the kidneys and goes to the urine, carrying more water with it. This increases urine flow, which makes your pet lose more water and feel thirsty all the time. You may also notice that your cat will be urinating just about anywhere.
Loss of Appetite or Overeating
Cats who may have diabetes usually don’t eat a lot because they’re not feeling well. But there are cases where diabetic cats have a voracious appetite, also referred to as polyphagia. It’s important to monitor sudden and unexplained changes in your pet’s appetite, if there’s any.
Weight Loss
Cats who are not able to eat well tend to drop weight. Also, since the cat’s body is not able to use the calories from the food he or she consumes, the body makes up for it by breaking down its own fat to use for energy. This results in gradual or sudden weight loss.
Changes in Walking
Diabetes is known to affect a cat’s motor functions, including his or her gait or walking. You may notice your cat walking with their hind legs mostly on the ground.
Weakness and lack of physical activity
Even if your cat has not lost his or her appetite and is still eating well, you may see them moving around less and less. That’s because their body cannot metabolize calories for energy. Low energy levels may also cause your kitty to be lethargic and depressed. Sometimes, diabetic cats are not able to groom themselves, or have noticeably less interest in activities they used to enjoy.
It’s important as a pet owner for you to know the early signs of diabetes in cats so you can give them immediate and appropriate treatment before complications arise. Give us a call at Sykesville Veterinary Clinic if you’re seeing any of these symptoms in your kitty.
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