Wait, my cat can be diabetic?
PET BULLETIN
‘Mews and Yips’ from the Central Aroostook Humane Society
By Amanda McQueen
We have some wonderful cats at the Central Aroostook Humane Society and they are all patiently waiting for that perfect family to come through the door and adopt them.
Miss Anna is a 2-year-old female who came to our shelter back in May. She was pregnant and had her babies at the shelter and they have since been adopted. Miss Anna is a cuddle bug and is hoping that one day soon she will have a comfortable lap to lie on and a loving home to call her own!
Just like with their human counterparts, diabetes in cats is a disease caused by either a lack of the insulin or an inadequate response to insulin. It is important to understand that diabetes is a manageable disorder — and diabetic cats can lead happy, healthy lives. 
Diabetes can be classified as Type I, which is the lack of insulin production or Type II, which is impaired insulin production along with an inadequate response to the hormone.
The following are signs that your cat may be diabetic: change in appetite, weight loss, excessive thirst/increase in water consumption, increased urination, urinating in areas other than litter box, unusually sweet-smelling breath, lethargy, dehydration, unkempt hair coat, and urinary tract infection.
The cause of diabetes is unknown; however, genetics, pancreatic disease, certain medications and abnormal protein deposits in the pancreas can all play a role in causing this disorder.
You will work together with your veterinarian to develop a treatment plan. Every diabetic cat is an individual and will respond differently to therapy. Some cats are so ill when first diagnosed that they require hospitalization to regulate blood sugar levels. Cats that are more stable when diagnosed may get oral medication or a high-fiber diet. For most cats, insulin injections are necessary for the regulation of blood glucose. Your vet may also show you how to perform glucose tests and insulin injections at home.
If your veterinarian placed your cat on insulin therapy you will be instructed about the importance of giving your cat insulin at the same time daily, and of feeding your cat regular meals; allowing increased nutrients in the blood to coincide with peak insulin level. This lessens the chance that your cat’s sugar levels will swing too high or too low.
A proper diet and regular exercise can go a long way to avoid the development of feline diabetes. Aside from other negative effects, obesity is known to contribute to insulin resistance.
If your cat is showing any abnormal clinical signs as listed above, make an appointment to see your veterinarian immediately. If a diabetic cat is not treated, he can develop kidney disease, neurological disorders or other metabolic diseases. Cats with type I diabetes require insulin therapy for survival.
Check out the available pets at the Central Aroostook Humane Society on Facebook and petfinders.com.
Please be responsible: spay and neuter your pets.
It is important to understand that diabetes is considered a manageable disorder — and many diabetic cats can lead happy, healthy lives. Some may even go into remission.
Amanda McQueen is vice president of the Board of Directors of the Central Aroostook Humane Society.
