Managing Feline Diabetes Symptoms

Feline diabetes symptoms in kittens can be hard to detect. Fortunately, feline diabetes is relatively rare in cats and especially so in kittens. Only about 1 in 400 adult cats are affected by diabetes and even fewer kittens develop diabetes. Yet, there are some kittens are that born with the condition and others that go on to become diabetic later on in kitten hood.

Feline diabetes is much like human diabetes in the sense that the body cannot properly metabolize sugar. The pancreas is organ that helps the body to process sugars by producing insulin. Diabetes is a medical condition that arises when (1) the pancreas does not make enough insulin or (2) the body does not use the available insulin effectively (insulin resistance). Without insulin, the body cannot use sugar for its energy source.

Elderly, male, neutered, and obese cats are most affected by feline diabetes. Burmese cats are also genetically predisposed to developing diabetes. Kittens are more likely to born with the form of diabetes that comes from the pancreas not producing insulin as opposed to insulin resistance.

What are the Symptoms of Feline Diabetes?

Feline diabetes symptoms are much more elusive in kittens than in adult cats. However, there are tell tale signs and symptoms that indicate a kitten or cat may be suffering from diabetes: increased blood sugar, frequent urination, increased thirst, and a more than robust appetite.

If diabetes goes untreated, then the symptoms can become even more aggressive. It’s not uncommon to witness weight loss, vomiting, fatigue, weakness, overly sweet smelling breath, dull fur, poor wound healing, and death in cats in the advanced stages of diabetes.

If you notice the above warning signs in your kitten, take them to the vet immediately.

How Do You Diagnose Feline Diabetes?

Diagnosing feline diabetes is based upon physical examinations, lab work, and acknowledgement of feline diabetes symptoms. A vet will most likely draw blood and get a urine sample for a kitten showing the signs and symptoms of feline diabetes. Cats with unregulated diabetes have urine and blood that is high in sugar.

How Do You Treat Feline Diabetes?

Feline diabetes is treated with insulin replacement, oral medications, and dietary modification. Some cats will be dependent on the use of insulin for the rest of their lives. Other felines will be able to regulate their blood sugar with dietary changes and weight loss.

How Do I Start My Kitten on a Feline Diabetes Diet?

Kittens with diabetes require a diet that is high in fat and protein and low in carbohydrates. Most commercial dry cat food is quite high in carbohydrates. So, switching a diabetic cat’s diet over to canned or even raw food is best.

You can also incorporate certain vegetables as well. Low glycemic veggies like sweet potatoes, kale, peas, and broccoli add fiber to the feline diet.

Feed diabetic cats frequent small meals throughout the day. And time meals to coincide with oral diabetes medicines and insulin injections administration to prevent feline hypoglycemia.

Supplements such as vitamin E, chromium, and selenium can all help the body better regulate blood sugar. Ask your vet if supplementation would benefit your diabetic cat.

Remember…feline diabetes symptoms are more subtle in kittens, as they have large appetites and sleep a lot during the day. Watch your kitten closely for additional signs and symptoms of diabetes.

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