Is it rare for a cat to have diabetes??

Question

Cause my cat does!

Answer 1

Feline diabetes is a common glandular disorder estimated to affect 1 in 300 cats. Diabetes occurs from a decrease in insulin secretion from the pancreas and/or a decrease in the action of insulin, which is a hormone required for metabolizing carbohydrates.

Diabetes mellitus is one of the many diseases that affects both cats and humans. DM is generally considered a chronic endocrine (hormonal) disorder, though its duration can vary. It occurs in all ages and breeds, but primarily affects middle-aged to older cats, and more males than females.
Changes in your cat's diet can help you manage your pet's diabetes.
The main goals in treating diabetes mellitus are to eliminate contributing diseases, resolve any secondary problems caused by diabetes mellitus and establish acceptable blood sugar levels.
Any bacterial infections need to be eliminated, including cystitis and dental disease. Diabetes mellitus may cause or worsen these infections, which may also contribute to ongoing pancreatic inflammation and damage. Most diabetic cats should undergo several weeks of broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy and have a dental cleaning as soon as their health is stable. Other hormonal disease should be treated as necessary.
The most important underlying conditions to address are obesity and poor nutrition. Many obese diabetic cats will become non-diabetic with proper weight loss and diet. Those that still require insulin will usually be easier to regulate.
Dietary issues have played an important role in the management of feline diabetes. For years, high-fiber diets were recommended in the initial management of diabetes. More recently, research has shown that for cats, as pure carnivores, diets low in carbohydrates and high in protein are more appropriate. According to research, the use of such diets can lower the insulin requirements of most diabetic cats.

Answer 2

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Answer 3

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Answer 4

My cat is 8 1/2 years old and has had diabetes for 3 1/2 years. Cats didn't used to get diabetes much, but now we feed them too many carbs.

Don't give up on your cat. It is not too hard to take care of it. Most cats only need one shot a day, and believe me, it is not hard to learn to do it. You will probably be afraid at first, but get your vet to show how how. You don't put it in a muscle or vein, but just under the skin. Really easy to do. Best if you have a super thin needle (31 gauge). Your cat will barely feel it. Mine seems to know she needs the shot and reminds me if I forget. I have been giving her Humulin L, which is a brand of insulin you can get without a prescription. I had heard that they were going to discontinue that brand, but I just bought some last month. Costs about $30-35 per bottle and a bottle lasts my cat about a month and a half, but she takes an unusually high dose. You can buy syringes at King Soopers Supermarket for around $13 for 100. That lasts 3 months. So your total cost is about a dollar a day, plus the cost of the lower carbohydrate cat food.

Good luck and don't worry. Your cat may still have a lot of years left.

Answer 5

No, it's not rare. I had a cat that gained a lot of weight (was 20 lbs) and ended up with diabetes. Like another poster said, the first signal was that he was drinking ALL THE TIME. Another signal was that he would pee outside of his litter box... sometimes just outside the entrance to it! I was too young to recognize the symptoms at the time, but am much older & wiser now. Sorry ... my story doesn't have a happy ending, but I'm glad to hear other kitties have gone on to do well on insulin injections. I have two new kitties now (11 years later) and am VERY cautious of their weight gain & their water intake.

Answer 6

I have a friend who has to give his cat injections for diabetes, but in my 43 years, that's the only cat I've known with diabetes and I am a big cat fan, so I guess it is not common at least.

Answer 7

Not any more. We feed cats too many carbs, which can lead to diabetes. Dry cat food & Overweight cat food are the main culprits. Ironically, cats in the wild rarely get diabetes.

Answer 8

Not rare, actually vets are seeing more and more cats getting diabetes. I have a 15year that is on insulin once a day now. My first signal that something was wrong was his excessive thirst and increased appetite. Good luck.

Answer 9

I've seen a few cats at the vet clinic I work that have diabetes. Unfortunately it's just one of those things that happens, like with people. Best of luck for your kitty!

Answer 10

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