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As cats age they are prone to some of the same degenerative medical conditions as humans are. Two of the more common hormonal diseases seen in cats include diabetes mellitus and hyperthyroidism. The most common form of diabetes seen in the cat is where the ability to produce insulin has been transiently or permanently reduced. One of the biggest and most important factors as to the high incidence of this problem in cats is the exclusive feeding and recommendation of dry food only diets to our feline friends. |
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Most dry cat foods are full of processed carbohydrates, which allow them to be made into a dry kibble form. Not only are such foods a big risk factor in developing feline urinary tract disorders (known as FUS or feline urologic syndrome), chronic dehydration, kidney failure and obesity, but feeding such diets to a naturally meat eating species like a cat is certainly a recipe for disastrous health. Even domesticated cats are obligate carnivores, whose digestive tracts are designed to eat mostly meat. The consumption of so many carbohydrates puts tremendous strain on the liver and other metabolic pathways, and has been shown to play a direct role in various pancreatic, digestive and liver disorders in cats.
In fact, once a cat is diagnosed with diabetes, one of the first steps a veterinarian will take is to put a cat on a “Catkins” (no carb, high fat, high protein meat-based) diet. Sadly, this should be a preventative recommendation given by most veterinarians BEFORE such a severe pathology develops. If caught early enough, diabetes can even be sometimes reversible by changing over to a non-carbohydrate diet for the cat. And while in humans and to lesser extent dogs, oral prescription drugs such as Glipizide can sometimes be helpful in managing diabetic individuals, these oral drugs are much less successful in cats. Current insulins used by many veterinarians include Humulin N insulin, Lantus/Glargine insulin and ProZinc insulin for cats. While most of these insulins require prescriptions for U-100 insulin syringes, the newer Vetsulin insulin requires special syringes called U-40 syringes.
Amongst the more superior diets include homemade meat-based diet recipes, as described in the book by Anitra Frazier called The Natural Cat, or the more natural commercial canned pet food diets by Wysong or Pet Guard. There are many useful supplements for diabetic cats including Proanthozone, NaturVet Enzymes and Probiotics and Super Pure Omega 3 by 1800PetMeds. These products make up the Endocrine Package Deal. In addition, the supplement DMG liquid or Vetri-DMG is also wonderful in helping balance blood sugar levels.
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6 Comments
Hey, That’s my cat Fred!! Thanks for making him a star!
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I find it amazing that my cat, who is far from overweight (full grown, 11 lbs.), who is lean and fairly active, for a 10 year old indoor animal, has diabetes! I am shocked. He never eats human food, except for 1% milk! How can that be??????
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Dr. Michael Dym, VMD veterinarian Reply:
December 17th, 2010 at 8:03 pm
Many times diabetes in cats is due to dietary factors such as too much processed carbs or preservatives low quality ingredients present in dry food which many cats eat. Often feeding a high protein high fat low carb diet i.e meat based preferably home made diet is enough to often manage many diabetic cats. I have also found autoimmune responses to vaccination involved in diabetes in pets, as has been unknowingly to many humans been shown through research to be a factor as well.
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Cats do not need cow’s milk or any milk. Diabetes affects average weight livving creatures. You are not required to be fat to get diabetes:)
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Dr. Michael Dym, VMD veterinarian Reply:
December 17th, 2010 at 8:04 pm
Milk is not needed by cats but many do tolorate it as a treat. Diabetes is multifactorial in both people and animals, especially with regard to diet, toxin exposure, genetics, even vaccination reactions etc
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Thanks Doctors for your answers. And thank you Susan for your surely answer. I am sorry my ignorance bothers you so.
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Dr. Michael Dym, VMD veterinarian Reply:
December 18th, 2010 at 1:50 pm
You are very welcome. Have a great day.
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Well, I am 14 and I have the same problem. I weight 137lbs and want to loose at least 27 lbs, by the time I start high school, to get to the weight I need to be. What you can do is exercise at least 4-5 times a week, drink water, eat healthy foods, and try to move around a lot. Moving around will help you to lose weight even though you move a little. Keep track of your weight and the goal, which is the amount you want to lose. I hope this info will help you. Good luck =).
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Dr. Michael Dym, VMD veterinarian Reply:
January 17th, 2011 at 8:45 pm
Thanks for sharing. Our pets certainly need exercise too to help with weight loss.
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Our cat Murray (10 yrs old) recently was diagnosed with diabetes and has been taking Lantus with good results. When I bought the first vial, I was in a hurry to get it and get started. Now I’m looking around for other places to purchase the meds. I was wondering why Lantus isn’t available here and if it will be in the future. With young triplets at home and now a diabetic cat, I’m always looking for ways to streamline things and ordering online would be a great help! Thanks in advance for your reply
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Dr. Michael Dym, VMD veterinarian Reply:
August 25th, 2011 at 5:12 pm
I would check with 1800petmeds pharmacist on potential future availability. Other option would be to do on line search for product.
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