Just two decades ago, diabetes was considered a human disease. However, diabetes is increasingly affecting domestic cats over five years of age. Moreover, male cats suffer from diabetes more often than female cats. This is due to poor nutrition and a sedentary lifestyle. This leads to excess weight and countless visits to the veterinarian. Certain symptoms may indicate the disease.
Constant thirst
When a cat loses a lot of fluid, it begins to feel the urge to replenish it. It begins drinking a lot. However, this may not always be noticed in time if the pet's diet consists primarily of wet food.
This happens because sugar is excreted in the urine, which begins to draw water from the blood. As a result, urine volume increases, and the pet begins urinating frequently and frequently.
The cat eats a lot
Another symptom is weight loss and increased appetite in your furry friend. This is because diabetic cats don't get enough energy because a lack of insulin prevents them from processing glucose.
The body experiences what's known as starvation, which is resolved by "consuming" all the body's available fat and protein reserves. As a result, the pet increasingly demands food to replenish its energy.
The pet is losing weight before our eyes.
Left untreated, a diabetic cat will begin to rapidly lose weight, despite an excellent appetite, and become apathetic. This occurs because the animal's body stops receiving the necessary energy due to a disruption in glucose metabolism and begins to use up its own fat reserves.
The concentration of free fatty acids in the blood increases, and fatty liver disease can develop. In some cases, the cat may become completely emaciated.
Late signs of diabetes include:
- diarrhea;
- vomit;
- rapid breathing;
- severe weakness;
- fatal outcome.
The cat's hind legs are weakening.
Ten percent of cats with diabetes develop "diabetic neuropathy," which manifests as weakness in the hind legs:
- the animal is unable to jump normally;
- When walking, the cat tries to transfer weight to the hock joint rather than the paw. This results in a shuffling gait.
You should also be wary if your pet is constantly sleeping, not playing, or interacting with its owners. Diabetics experience a lack of energy and, consequently, feel constantly unwell.
Poor health and constant anxiety can lead to a deterioration in the animal's behavior. It may become aggressive and defecate in inappropriate places.
If all of the above symptoms are detected, owners should contact a veterinarian to prescribe timely treatment.
A diagnosis of diabetes is a devastating blow for a pet owner. But with timely treatment, you can provide your pet with good care and give them a few more years of life.
