Spokane cat lovers are successfully handling feline diabetes

Feline diabetes is not uncommon and Spokane cat lovers know this. Many have learned to live with this illness and their cats are doing amazingly well. Although obesity increases the risk of diabetes, even young and lean cats can get the disease.

Diabetic cats should not consume dry food. A large majority of veterinarians suggest a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet for diabetic felines, and no dry food is low in carbohydrates. Even the grain-free dry foods have a lot of substitute carbohydrates such as peas, potatoes, or tapioca. Carbohydrates have a tendency to make blood sugar levels ebb and flow quite a lot. There are low-carbohydrate foods offered at every price point,

Just the same as diabetic humans, cats with diabetes need their blood glucose tested on a regular basis. You can do this right at home with a regular glucometer and testing strips that can be purchased at a drugstore. Be sure to record your cat’s blood glucose level, along with the date and time, after each test. The tiny vein running around the edge of the ear is the easiest location to get a blood sample for the test. Your veterinarian will give you precise instructions on how to carry this out.

If your diabetic cat requires insulin, you will have to give it by injection. Cats have an ample amount of loose skin between and around their shoulders, and this is the perfect location for giving shots. Once again, your veterinarian will show you how to do this.

Your feline will likely need more recurrent examinations, for the most part as his/her insulin dosage is being stabilized, and you should also send records of your cat’s home-test blood glucose levels to your veterinarian for professional input. You’ll also have to obtain prescriptions from your veterinarian to purchase your feline’s insulin and syringes.

Caring for a diabetic cat means you’ll need supplies: syringes, test strips and batteries for your glucometer, insulin and more. .Cay health insurance doesn't cover pre-existing conditions, so if your cat is diabetic when you adopt him/her. A diabetic cat needs to be fed on a regular basis -- even if you're away for merely an overnight trip. When this is the case, you’ll need to make arrangements for your cat not only to be fed but also monitored. For most folks, that means hiring a cat sitter. Make certain that sitter is relaxed with diabetes care and knows how to home test and administer insulin as well

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, Spokane Cats Examiner

Karla Kirby is a graduate of Interface College, mixing her love of cats with her graphic designing skills. She has owned cats most of her life and has done volunteer work at PetSavers and the Humane Society, socializing and fostering cats for adoption. She has also taken a Veterniarian Assistant...

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