4 Things to Pay Attention to While Feeding Diabetic Cats

Over the years, diabetes has taken a toll on human health and that of our four-legged counterparts. Type 2 diabetes in humans and feline diabetes are similar on many lines. For instance, dietary habits and weight loss can help manage insulin disorders in humans and animals.

A sedentary lifestyle and excessive food indulgences can raise the risks of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, bone and joint issues, and other chronic health conditions. Regular pet wellness checkups can help you identify potential medical problems and seek treatment early. Pet insurance can help you manage unanticipated vet bills for tests and treatment, so you don’t have to bear it entirely.

Cat insurance can help you provide your munchkin top-notch medical care for specific health conditions and injuries with little financial stress. Consider buying pet insurance so you can focus more on getting your furball treated than on the finances involved during pet health emergencies. In the meantime, read this article to learn what feline diabetes is and the best food for diabetic felines.

What is feline diabetes?

The pancreas produces insulin hormones to regulate sugar levels in a cat’s bloodstream. This hormone is released whenever the blood sugar shoots up, for instance, soon after having meals, a snack, or a treat. The body cells will utilize the blood sugar necessary to sustain the biochemical reactions within the body, and the remaining sugar is converted and stored as fat for future use with the help of insulin.

In contrast, when the body cells become insulin resistant, or the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin, the blood sugar levels can rise above the permissible limits. This condition in cats is known as feline diabetes. Also, prolonged sugar deprivation can cause one or more organ failures, which is why it is a scary health situation.

How can feline obesity raise diabetes risks?

An obese cat has huge fat stores. The massive fat cells produce certain hormones that make the other cells less responsive to the pancreatic hormone, i.e., insulin. This is precisely why cat owners must provide their furry pets with the right amount of nutrient-rich food and nothing more than necessary. Also, an early diagnosis can help reverse the diabetic condition through lifestyle and dietary modifications.

Best food for diabetic felines

Well, it can vary from cat to cat. However, cat owners can consider feeding their munchkins the food items listed below and monitor for health changes.

1.Low carbs & high protein diet

Carbohydrates can cause sudden blood sugar spikes, so you should feed your fur ball limited portions of carbs-rich food items. Cats, by nature, thrive on animal proteins. Talk to your vet to know how much fat your kitty needs daily to stay happy, healthy, and at an ideal weight. Also, check the labels on pet food products, so you are aware of how many calories are getting inside your fur baby’s body.

2.Canned food with fewer carbs

The major component of kibble is carbohydrates. It is difficult to find dry food products with lower carbs proportions, which is what a diabetic cat needs. So, look for canned food items with minimal carb content in pet stores, online or at the supermarket.

3.Selection of pet food

You can buy over-the-counter pet food that contains the right balance of carbs and proteins, so your cat stays satiated and healthy at the same time. Also, you can purchase diabetic control pet food from your vet or seek their recommendations.

4.Focus on meal size

Meal portions are as important as the meal types. Discuss your feline fur baby’s weight goals with your vet and follow the vet-approved dietary plan. Kitty can easily accomplish weight goals with your cooperation.

Even with all the supervision, kitty may still be vulnerable to accidents, injuries, sickness, and more. Cat insurance can cover your fur baby’s medical care for a range of health conditions at economical costs. The pet insurance coverage depends on the level of cover you choose. So, assess your fur ball’s health needs and pet plan benefits before signing up for a policy.