The Diabetes crisis

“We see diabetic cats every week—new cases as well as chronic, recurring cases. It’s the second most common feline disorder that we treat at our hospital.”

Richard Goldstein, DVM at Cornell University Hospital for Animals (qtd. in Ewing)

Grim words indeed and a warning for us all.

This disease has become an epidemic in cats in the same way that obesity and consequent diabetes has become to humans in the west. The sheer abundance of food, particularly junk food and convenience food has become a curse to us as we see ourselves as time poor. Commercial cat food is mostly 'junk food' that our pets become addicted too, frequently poor in nutrition so our cats eat more to satisfy themselves and so pile on the weight just as we do.

The symptoms of diabetes can be mistaken at first glance for other diseases, especially in the older cat. A cat might not possess all the warning signs, but one or two are enough to warrant further investigation. If a cat begins to lose weight while maintaining an appetite, increases the amount of water it ingests, and increases urine output, a trip to the vet is in order. For most cats, these are the early signs.

What has happened? Well we overfeed our cats who in return become 'couch potatoes', take little exercise if any, become bored and demand food which we give them and they don't need. They become overweight and lethargic and move even less and develop diabetes in the same way that we do.

What can help prevent diabetes in your cat?

• Don't let your cat become a couch potato!
• Do not give your cat treats, most are groaning with calories.
• Remember the domestic cat came out of the savannahs of Africa and was and still is, a natural hunter, its diet should be comprised of raw meats.
• You can feed your diabetic cat a diet of fresh natural foods using lean meats, low carbohydrates, absolutely no sugar and a few vegetables.
• Always feed your cat on a regular schedule.

Thanks to your help and a diet of fresh natural foods, a cat with diabetes can still live a regular happy, healthy life and even be cured of this devastating disease.

For more information on how to feed and look after a diabetic cat, how and where to source food that is quick to prepare, effective and how to introduce it to your diabetic cat without expensive waste and fuss,

Click here to find out more