Reviewed by Dr. Terry White, DVM
Taking care of a diabetic senior cat at home can be overwhelming. You may be concerned about the challenges of managing their diet, administering insulin, and monitoring their health. The key to successfully managing your cat's diabetes lies in understanding the condition and implementing a comprehensive care plan.
Our expert veterinary team at EverPal are here to provide practical advice on how to care for a diabetic senior cat at home, ensuring they live a comfortable and healthy life.
Understanding Diabetes in Cats
Diabetes mellitus is a condition where the body cannot properly produce or respond to insulin, leading to elevated blood glucose levels. It is a chronic condition that usually require life-long treatment and monitoring. Common symptoms include:
Increased thirst and urination
Weight loss despite a good appetite
Lethargy
Changes in coat condition
Diagnosis typically involves blood tests to measure glucose levels, and in some cases, a fructosamine test to get an average blood glucose reading over the past few weeks.
Administering Insulin and Diabetes Medications
Many EverPal clients have asked about tips for properly give insulin injections at home. We provide some guidance below to help ease your concerns.
Types of Insulin
There are several types of insulin available for cats, including lente (Vetsulin), ProZinc, and glargine. Each type varies in cost, duration, and concentration. Discuss with your vet to determine which insulin is best for your cat.
Administering Injections
Insulin injections are given under the skin every 12 hours. While it might seem daunting at first, most owners quickly learn to administer injections comfortably. Using the correct syringe size (U-100 or U-40) is vital for accurate dosing.
New Oral Medications
Recently, SGLT2 (sodium-glucose cotransporter 2) inhibitors, a new class of medications, have been approved for treating feline diabetes. It's important to know that SGLT2 inhibitors are not insulin. These are oral medications that help reduce blood glucose by increasing its excretion through the kidneys. However, they have safety concerns and are not suitable for all cats. You should discuss the side effects with your vet.
Two drugs that have been recently approved by the FDA, Bexacat (bexagliflozin tablets) and Senvelgo (velagliflozin oral solution), belong to the class of SGLT2 inhibitors. Read more about these medications, how they work, and their side effects from the FDA.
Dietary Management
Best Cat Food for Diabetic Cats
We've had many EverPal clients ask, "What’s the best diet for a diabetic cat?" A diet low in carbohydrates is crucial for managing diabetes. Prescription foods designed for diabetic cats are available in both wet and dry forms, but wet food is often recommended for better glucose control. Brands like Hill's Prescription Diet and Royal Canin offer specialized diabetic formulas.
Schedule a same-day virtual visit today, and our Medical Director Dr. Terry White will provide a personalized treatment plan for your kitty.
Feeding Schedule
While the optimal timing of meals can vary, many vets recommend feeding at the time of insulin injection to avoid hypoglycemia. Some cats may benefit from free-choice feeding with low-carb food, especially if they are on a longer-acting insulin. Always consult with your vet to determine the best feeding schedule for your cat.
Diabetic Cat Treats
Choosing the right treats is important to avoid spikes in blood sugar. Opt for low-carb treats or use a portion of their regular diabetic food as treats. Some popular options include freeze-dried meat treats or specially formulated diabetic cat treats.
Can Too Many Treats Give Cat Diabetes?
While treats alone are unlikely to be the sole cause of diabetes in cats, overfeeding treats, especially those high in carbohydrates and sugars, can contribute to obesity, a significant risk factor for feline diabetes.
Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning their diet should primarily consist of protein, with limited carbohydrates. A diet too rich in sugary or high-carb treats can lead to weight gain and insulin resistance, increasing the likelihood of diabetes. It's important to limit treats and ensure they are part of a balanced, low-carb diet, particularly for senior or overweight cats.
Monitoring and Routine Care
Blood Glucose Monitoring
Regular monitoring of blood glucose levels is crucial. Blood glucose curves, where blood sugar is checked at intervals throughout the day, help determine the effectiveness of the insulin dose. These should be performed every few weeks initially, and then every few months once the diabetes is stable.
Signs of Hypoglycemia
Hypoglycemia can be a life-threatening condition. Some EverPal clients have asked: "What signs of hypoglycemia should I watch for?" Recognizing symptoms of low blood sugar, such as weakness, confusion, and seizures, is important.
If you suspect hypoglycemia, rub a small amount of honey or corn syrup on your cat’s gums and contact your vet immediately.
Routine Vet Visits
Regular vet visits are essential to monitor your cat's condition and adjust treatment plans as needed. These visits often include checking blood glucose levels, assessing weight, and evaluating overall health.
At EverPal, we make it easy for you to care for your senior diabetic cat. Our in-home blood tests conducted by our experienced vet nurse team takes out the hassle of commuting to a clinic and keeps your cat comfortable, so you can enjoy more moment with your fur baby.
Improving Quality of Life
Weight Management
Keeping your cat at a healthy weight is important for diabetes management. Controlled weight loss under veterinary supervision can help regulate blood glucose levels. Regular exercise also helps maintain a healthy weight and improve overall well-being.
Exercise and Activity
Encourage gentle exercise to keep your cat active. Interactive toys and short play sessions can help maintain their physical health without overexerting them. Ensure that any exercise routine is suitable for your senior cat’s age and physical condition.
Comfort and Stress Reduction
Creating a comfortable and stress-free environment can significantly impact your cat’s health. Ensure they have a quiet space to rest, and try to keep their daily routine consistent. Stress can affect blood glucose levels, so minimizing stress is crucial.
Hydration
Diabetic cats are prone to dehydration due to increased urination. Ensure they have access to fresh water at all times. Wet food can also help maintain hydration.
If your diabetic cat is drinking a lot of water, don't limit it. Let your cat drink all they want. Limiting water access for a diabetic cat can be dangerous.
How Long Do Cats Live with Diabetes?
With proper care and management, many diabetic cats can live long and healthy lives. The most comprehensive source on this topic, The Cornell Feline Health Center, confirms that with timely diagnosis and proper management, cats with diabetes can have a good quality of life and live for several years after diagnosis.
Managing diabetes in senior cats requires a comprehensive approach that includes proper insulin administration, dietary management, regular monitoring, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. With the right care and attention, your diabetic cat can live a comfortable and fulfilling life.
Are You Seeing Your Cat with Increased Thirst and Urination, or Hungrier?
We can help! EverPal's Medical Director, Dr. Terry White, brings 40 years of experience and is ready to meet your fur baby same-day for any concerns about your cat's health. Each visit is twice as long as your typical in-office visit, allowing our vet to understand your kitty's unique needs, explain multiple treatment options, and provide thorough guidance on caring for your diabetic cat at home.
EverPal is your personal guide through caring for your fur baby. Schedule your online vet visit today.
Virtual vet visits are currently available for residents in California. We are more than veterinary telemedicine - diagnostic testing available for residents and pets living in San Francisco, Daly City, South San Francisco, Oakland, Berkeley, San Mateo and the San Francisco Bay Area. Medications, including compounding medications, are delivered to your home.
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