Diabetic Pets II
By Subie
This week we are focusing on websites about Feline Diabetes. As I stated previously, a diagnosis of diabetes in a cat once was considered a death sentence, much as it was with humans. Not any more. With the many advances in medicine, a pet who has been diagnosed with this disease can live a long, happy life.
Here is a wonderful website, although it has no recipes to speak of. It is a great place for information, and to share your own story. There is a frequently asked question page, two photo pages (one is a tribute to those who wait at the Rainbow Bridge), and even a cat diary.
I have to say I think the Diary of a Diabetic Cat is my favorite spot on this site. It gives you a good idea of what a diabetic cat goes through, as well as providing some information. It is very humorous is spots, as well a poignant in others.
This is a very informative site put up by an animal hospital in California. This section on Feline diabetes explains the disease in detail, as well as treatments, monitoring and long term care of your diabetic cat. Warning for those with a weak stomach: There is a picture here of a feline pancreas and section of small intestine. The picture isn’t too graphic, however. (Still, no recipes.)
Since I cannot seem to find any recipes for diabetic cat treats, I will pass along some feeding advice I have found on these sites. The main piece of advice to remember of course is to see your vet. Don’t start a new feeding regimen with your cat without your vet’s approval first.
Your cat must be fed regularly. Some vets recommend you feed them in measured amounts two to three times daily. That way their blood sugar is more likely to remain regulated.
Some cats will also respond well to a high fiber diet. That is also something that should be talked over with your vet. Like I said, “some cats” respond well to this kind of diet.
Most regular store-bought cat foods are perfectly ok. They have the right number of vitamins, etc. for your cat. Many people like to give their cats extra supplements, but this is not recommended, unless your vet has told you to do so. Cat foods in general have the right amount of vitamins and minerals for your pet, and too many vitamins can be harmful, especially if your cat is already suffering from a disease such as diabetes.
Never give your cat human medications, vitamins, etc. without your vets say so. Many medications that are perfectly fine for you can be fatal to a cat. Again, this goes double for a diabetic cat. If you have a diabetic cat, and are maybe taking him to a new vet, make sure they know he is diabetic before any medications are prescribed.
Well, I suppose we’ve gotten a bit off the theme of my column this week. I did give you feeding tips, so maybe that counts. Next week we will go back to the usual diabetic recipes for people. I’m going to do two weeks of recipes in honor of Valentine’s Day. (More Sweets).
So, until then, take care of yourselves, and your pets.
“Thousands of years ago, cats were worshipped as gods. Cats have never forgotten this.”
Article courtesy of Suite101.com.
