If you have just been told that you have a diabetic cat, you may be afraid of what the future holds for your pet. The good news is that diabetes is not a death sentence for cats. Your cat may live a long and happy life with diabetes. All this requires is for you to care for your cat and provide the pet health supplies that he or she needs. The following information may help you understand what you need to do for your diabetic cat.
Regular checkups: If your cat has been diagnosed with diabetes, it is vital that you visit your veterinarian regularly. Your cat will need blood sugar checks to make sure that he or she is receiving the right amount of insulin. This should be done every 3 months or as frequently as your vet suggests. While diabetic humans can check their blood sugar levels at home, this is not possible with cats unless you buy a glucose monitoring system.
Giving your Cat Insulin: Diabetic cats insulin shots are usually given at 12 hour intervals. The amount of insulin that your cat will need will vary, but most cats will receive between three and five units of insulin in each injection. It is important that you establish a routine for your cat. It is best to give the cat insulin injection at the same time every morning and evening, and keep your cat around you for a while after, so that you will see if anything is wrong. Be sure to have phone numbers for at least two 24-hour emergency vet clinics available just in case your cat needs help.
It is not difficult to learn to give a cat insulin shots. Your veterinarian will walk you through the process so that you can repeat it at home. Most veterinarians recommend that you give your cat injections in the scruff of the neck, between the shoulder blades. As you become more practiced, your cat will barely feel the injections. In fact, most diabetic cats soon learn when it is time to get their shot and they may actually remind you!
Stocking the Correct Supplies: It is important that you have the right supplies on hand. You will need a supply of insulin in the refrigerator as prescribed by your veterinarian, syringes and alcohol swabs. It is always a good idea to order your insulin when you are about halfway empty, as it may take a few days to arrive. Your veterinarian may also recommend vitamin supplements for your cat vitamin supplements and perhaps prescription cat food.
Many people worry about the cost of caring for a diabetic cat. It is true that there are costs involved in buying insulin, syringes and prescription food. However, most cat owners do not hesitate spending this money on their pets. You can easily work out a budget as you will know the cost of each item and how long it will last, according to how much your vet has advised that your cat needs.
Most of all, you will need patience and love when caring for your cat. It is not always easy to care for a sick cat. Consult with your vet regularly and ask him or her all of your pet health questions. With good care, there should be many more years of happy life for your diabetic cat.
Discover the secrets of having a healthy pet at http://www.healthipet.com
Beating Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes can be beaten. It is a war with no quarter given but it can be won. Beating type 2 diabetes comes as we use the weapons we have to fight it.First let me say, I feel like I have a right to speak to this issue seeing as how I am a practicing diabetic.Usually diabetes causes kidney problems. My diabetes came as the indirect result o...
Tattoos and Diabetes
I was recently asked a question on our website that I thought deserved a lengthy answer.
J.C. of Buffalo, NY asks: I have diabetes and I take insulin. Is there any reason I should be concerned about getting a tattoo?So, J.C, youre thinking about getting a tattoo, but you have diabetes. Is this a good idea? Well, in most cases its not a problem. B...
Feeding Tips For Common Cat Ailments
Cat Tips-Pet Supplies for Cat illnesses and allergies.After chatting to Becky our online Vet, I thought cat owners might want to a few offering a feeding cats and coping with common ailments.Kidney Failure is common in older cats and causes some disturbing symptoms including excessive thirst and urination, weight loss and vomiting. If left untreate...
Overweight, Diabetes and Acid Reflux
One of the worst aspects of being extremely overweight and/or diabetic is the hidden problems that may be affecting your health in ways that are often not apparent or visible until considerable damage has already been done.GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), caused by acid reflux, is one example. Gerd is more than just frequent heartburn, alth...
Pancreatitis - Ten Things You May Not Know About It
The pancreas secrets about 1500-3000mls of fluid per day containing about 20 enzymes. These secretions provide the enzymes needed to affect the major digestive activity of the gastrointestinal tract. If the pancreas is attacked as in pancreatitis enough of these enzymes will not be secreted and there will be problems with digestion and metabolism o...
How Cats With Feline Diabetes Can Lead A Happy Life
Your cat has feline diabetes. If this is your vets 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...
Loss of A Beloved Cat
Have you experienced the loss of your beloved cat? If you have, you know that it is not easy. It was a year ago today that we had to make the most difficult decision ever with one of your cats. Cuddles was only five and a half years old but she was very sick. Her liver had quit working and we found out that she was also diabetic. She had also ...