A whole lot! You can basically give that cat a totally normal life, including healthy food, and a full happy lifespan. If you do this right within the first couple of months you can usually even get the cat into remission (no further insulin needed.) But you need insulin first, not later.
More information at the first two links listed below, Feline Diabetes Information and Feline Diabetes Wiki.
The basics are:
1. Low-carb diet, as measured by calories. (at most 10% calories from carbohydrate, the rest about 50/50 protein and fat, with as much muscle meat as feasible. See www.catinfo.org for more by a vet ) Don't feed dry food and avoid prescription vet food, there are no good ones yet. See the link below for calorie content of macronutrients in commercial cat foods.
2. A long-acting insulin such as detemir (Levemir) or glargine (Lantus). Google Dr. Jacquie Rand, Queensland University, and see the link below for how to use Lantus or Levemir in cats for more info. The new ProZinc PZI insulin is okay too, but avoid Caninsulin, Vetsulin, Lente or Humulin N insulins.
3. Test blood at home using an ordinary (human) glucometer, a few times daily at first. It gets way easier later if you do it right. See this video linked below for How to test your cat's blood glucose easily.
That's it!
Fish. It's got maybe 1 carb, so it should be perfectly ok for a diabetic cat.
It is important to consult with a veterinarian before giving insulin to a diabetic cat who is not eating. Insulin administration should be adjusted based on the cat's current health condition and food intake.
this is to be determined by your vet, if your cat is diabetic, the vet will know by the cat's water intake, or if the cat is sliding its back legs or clumping of kitty litter between its paws.
Yes, it is generally safe to feed a diabetic cat three times a day, as long as the meals are consistent in portion size and timing. It is important to consult with your veterinarian for specific feeding recommendations tailored to your cat's individual needs.
Feeding glucose cat food to diabetic cats can help regulate their blood sugar levels, improve insulin sensitivity, and manage their condition more effectively. This specialized diet can also aid in weight management and overall health for diabetic cats.
Yes, diabetic neuropathy can be painful for cats. It is a condition that affects the nerves and can cause discomfort, pain, and weakness in the affected areas.
If your diabetic cat refuses to eat, it is important to consult with your veterinarian immediately. They can provide guidance on how to manage your cat's condition and may recommend specific steps to encourage eating or adjust their treatment plan. It is crucial to address this issue promptly to prevent any complications related to your cat's diabetes.
If your cat eats so much but does not gain weight it may mean that your cat is diabetic and should be taken to a veterinarian.
By missing an insulin shot, the blood sugar will stay high, as the insulin is used to move it out of the blood stream. The length of time a diabetic cat can live without insulin depends on the size, age and overall health.
Possible causes of blood in the urine of a diabetic cat may include urinary tract infections, bladder stones, kidney disease, or inflammation of the urinary tract. It is important to consult a veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment.
A diabetic cat should eat small meals throughout the day to maintain stable blood sugar levels. It is recommended to feed them 2-3 meals a day at consistent times to help regulate their blood sugar.
i put frontline on my diabetic cat and she has been puking ever since . can bathing her get that frontline off of her