01. The Basics of Feline Diabetes
Insulin is produced by special cells in the pancreas. When blood sugar levels rise, such as after meals, it is secreted into the bloodstream. Insulin allows sugar to enter cells, where it is used to fuel biological processes or converted into other substances and stored for later use.
When cats have type 2 diabetes, their cells no longer respond adequately to insulin, resulting in chronically high blood sugar levels. High blood sugar levels in turn stimulate the pancreas to produce more insulin, entering a vicious cycle that eventually leads to pancreatic damage. At this point, the cat needs insulin injections to survive.
02. Negative Effects of Obesity
One of the most important factors leading to diabetes in cats is obesity. Fat cells produce hormones that make the body less responsive to insulin. The more fat, the more hormones are produced.
Many cases of feline diabetes can be prevented if the cat does not overeat and remains lean.
If treatment is started early in the disease, losing weight can even relieve diabetes. In other words, diabetic cats who initially need insulin injections can stop injections if they lose enough weight.
03. Best Foods for Diabetic Cats
There is no single food for cats with diabetes is a 100% correct choice. But generally follow the following general principles.
Low-carb, high-protein
Eating foods high in carbohydrates can cause a sudden spike in blood sugar levels, which can increase the cat’s need for insulin. This is the exact opposite of what a diabetic cat needs. Low-carb foods dampen this response.
Cats should get most of their calories from animal-sourced protein. The diet needs fat, but if the cat needs to lose weight, high fat content can be problematic. Look for foods with about 50 percent of your calories from protein and 40 percent from fat.
Many diabetic cats do well on foods with less than 10% carbohydrates, but some may need less than 5%. Carbohydrate levels aren’t usually listed on pet food labels, but they are relatively easy to calculate. Baidu search method.
Canned food, raw meat
Dry cat food basically cannot meet the needs of diabetic cats for bottom carbohydrates. But some cans contain almost no carbs. And raw flesh and blood, not to mention.
Pay attention to the portion
Eating too much is easy to get fat, so controlling the intake to help it lose weight is also very important. For most cats, a weekly weight loss of around 1% is reasonable until they reach ideal body condition.
Palatability is important
For cats with diabetes, it is recommended to eat regularly and quantitatively every day. So palatability is important. Generally speaking, most cats will not refuse staple food cans or raw meat.
04. Feeding of Diabetic Cats
Regularity of timing is key, especially when they are on insulin. Cats should eat the same amount of food at the same time each day.
Most diabetic cats receive two daily insulin injections, 12 hours apart. Ideally, food should be provided before the effect of the next dose of insulin expires. The veterinarian will develop a detailed plan for when and how to adjust the insulin dose.
Snacks can be eaten, but the amount should be controlled to 10% of the main meal, and it is best to feed at the same time every day. Choose protein-rich, low-carb snacks like freeze-dried chicken, beef, salmon, tuna, and liver.
Finally, never change your insulin dose or diet without first consulting your veterinarian. Because diabetes management is a delicate balance between diet and insulin levels. A slight error will have a negative impact.
