A cat’s body requires sugar in the form of glucose to create energy, and the pancreas must produce insulin to absorb glucose as it enters the blood. When their body cannot properly produce or respond to insulin, diabetes mellitus occurs. While a veterinarian can provide you with the tools for helping your pet manage this disorder, it will be your responsibility to make the necessary changes to help your cat lead a comfortable life.

How to Help Your Cat After a Diabetes Diagnosis

1. Monitor Glucose Levels

Keeping your feline's glucose concentrations regulated is the most essential step in avoiding blood sugar spikes and drops. If left in either of these conditions for too long, your cat could develop liver problems, chronic bacterial infections, unhealthy coats, and potentially have a shorter life. Blood tests are the best process for measuring your cat’s blood glucose levels.

2. Make Changes to Diet

When your cat is initially diagnosed with diabetes, the veterinarian will have recommendations for helping them to eat healthier. They should be fed at the same time each day with foods consisting of high-quality protein sources and low carbohydrates.

You’ll need to monitor how much food and water the cat is consuming each day. Having this data, in addition to their blood and urine tests, will help the vet determine whether the pet's insulin dosage is correct or should be altered.

3. Incorporate More Exercise

In many instances, obesity is a major contributor to cats developing diabetes. Veterinarians often emphasize the importance of weight loss when treating the disorder to get your pet into clinical remission, which would remove the need for insulin as long as their pancreas is working correctly.

Finding ways to make the kitty work for their food is usually a good introduction for getting them to move more. Put their kibble in toys that they have to puzzle open or relocate them to higher locations, so they have to walk further to get it. Fishing poles with string and feathers are also useful for spurring their hunter instincts and getting them to play. Also, a laser pointer is always great for getting any cat to run laps around the house. 
 

For help keeping your pets healthy and happy, turn to Johnson City Veterinary Hospital. For over 20 years, this animal hospital has provided quality pet care at reasonable prices to pet owners in Broome County, NY. Their licensed veterinarians can assist with everything from wellness checkups and vaccinations to teeth cleanings and surgery. Call (607) 766-7387 to schedule an appointment. Visit their website to learn more about their services.