Caring for Diabetic Cats

By Jane Farrell

Just like humans, more and more cats are becoming diabetic, and a panel of experts has issued some guidance on caring for these felines.

Type 2 (adult-onset) diabetes is believed to be linked to obesity in cats, experts say, although medications and other illnesses may also be factors.

Although feline diabetes is easily diagnosed, experts said, it can be hard to manage.

The panel of experts, from the International Society of Feline Medicine (ISFM), have developed treatment guidelines that focus on weight control, appropriate food, insulin therapy and monitoring of blood glucose levels.  A cat that is given appropriate treatment is likelier to go into remission, meaning that insulin therapy could be s topped.

Cat owners and vets can access the society’s series of videos on caring for diabetic felines by clicking here.

The new guidelines were published in the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, the journal of the ISFM.