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December 3rd, 2009 by KittyKitty

Does your life include a diabetic cat?  If you do, you already know that it’s necessary to pay a lot more attention to your kitty’s health.  Although cat diabetes doesn’t cause circulatory problems or blindness like diabetes in people does, there are four dangerous complications of feline diabetes that you need to know about. 

Feline Neuropathy

The cat owner will notice weakness in the pet’s legs.  A cat who walks on her “wrists” on her front legs, or on her “elbows” on the back legs, may have feline diabetes.  Nerve damage results when the blood glucose levels are too high over a period of time.  This problem sometimes goes away when the cat diabetes is treated.

Feline Ketoacidosis

This problem is often seen in an untreated feline diabetic.  Usually glucose is broken down by the cat’s body for energy.  But in cat diabetes, the body can’t break down this glucose, so the body starts breaking down fat instead.  This process produces ketones, which are a waste product.  The build-up of ketones causes ketoacidosis, which is a fatal condition unless the kitty receives immediate veterinary care.

Symptoms of ketoacidosis in cats include:

• Breath either smells sweet, or like nail polish remover
• Dehydration
• Either excessive thirst, or not drinking any water at all
• Not eating for more than twelve hours
• Fast breathing
• Vomiting
• Weakness and lethargy
• Frequent urination

Feline Hypoglycemia

If a diabetic cat is given too much insulin, or doesn’t eat on schedule, her blood sugar levels may drop to dangerously low levels.  The kitty may be dizzy and staggering around, with seizures occurring as more time passes.  A fatal coma may follow. 

Treat feline hypoglycemia by rubbing a little corn syrup or honey on the cat’s gums.  Take her to the vet as soon as possible, since this is an emergency.

Hepatic Lipidosis

This problem results when a heavy cat suddenly stops eating.Instead of using glucose for energy, the kitty’s body breaks down fat instead, which causes a build-up of fat in the liver.  Symptoms are similar to ketoacidosis, and also include jaundice, or a yellowing of the cat’s eyes and gums.  Again, get Kitty to the vet right away, as this is an emergency.

Complications Of Diabetes In Cats Can Be Prevented

If the cat’s blood glucose levels are kept at normal levels, these complications of feline diabetes can often be avoided.  Research shows that natural remedies for cats, which include the herbs astragalus, fenugreek, and goat’s rue, along with chromium, are very effective for regulating blood sugar levels in kitties.

Don’t wait for your feline diabetic to fall victim to these complications.  Click on any link above to learn more.