Pets & Livestock Your Diabetic Cat -- Can You Care For A Diabetic Cat?


by James Kronefield - Date: 2007-07-11 - Word Count: 572 Share This!

If you have just been told that you have a diabetic cat, you may be afraid of what the future holds for your pet. The good news is that diabetes is not a death sentence for cats. Your cat may live a long and happy life with diabetes. All this requires is for you to care for your cat and provide the pet health supplies that he or she needs. The following information may help you understand what you need to do for your diabetic cat.

Regular checkups: If your cat has been diagnosed with diabetes, it is vital that you visit your veterinarian regularly. Your cat will need blood sugar checks to make sure that he or she is receiving the right amount of insulin. This should be done every 3 months or as frequently as your vet suggests. While diabetic humans can check their blood sugar levels at home, this is not possible with cats unless you buy a glucose monitoring system.

Giving your Cat Insulin: Diabetic cats' insulin shots are usually given at 12 hour intervals. The amount of insulin that your cat will need will vary, but most cats will receive between three and five units of insulin in each injection. It is important that you establish a routine for your cat. It is best to give the cat insulin injection at the same time every morning and evening, and keep your cat around you for a while after, so that you will see if anything is wrong. Be sure to have phone numbers for at least two 24-hour emergency vet clinics available just in case your cat needs help.

It is not difficult to learn to give a cat insulin shots. Your veterinarian will walk you through the process so that you can repeat it at home. Most veterinarians recommend that you give your cat injections in the scruff of the neck, between the shoulder blades. As you become more practiced, your cat will barely feel the injections. In fact, most diabetic cats soon learn when it is time to get their shot and they may actually remind you!

Stocking the Correct Supplies: It is important that you have the right supplies on hand. You will need a supply of insulin in the refrigerator as prescribed by your veterinarian, syringes and alcohol swabs. It is always a good idea to order your insulin when you are about halfway empty, as it may take a few days to arrive. Your veterinarian may also recommend vitamin supplements for your cat vitamin supplements and perhaps prescription cat food.

Many people worry about the cost of caring for a diabetic cat. It is true that there are costs involved in buying insulin, syringes and prescription food. However, most cat owners do not hesitate spending this money on their pets. You can easily work out a budget as you will know the cost of each item and how long it will last, according to how much your vet has advised that your cat needs.

Most of all, you will need patience and love when caring for your cat. It is not always easy to care for a sick cat. Consult with your vet regularly and ask him or her all of your pet health questions. With good care, there should be many more years of happy life for your diabetic cat.

Discover the secrets of having a healthy pet at http://www.healthipet.com


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