Has your cat been diagnosed as suffering from diabetes? If so, you may be worried about what the future holds for your beloved animal. Rest assured that a cat can live a long, healthy live after having been diagnosed with diabetes.
After your cat has been found to have diabetes, it is to visit your vet on a regular basis. Your cat will need regular appointments to check his blood sugar levels and to make sure that he or she is getting the right amount of insulin. When your cat goes in for a check up, the vet will tell you not feed your cat for twelve hours prior to the appointment. During the visit your vet will draw blood and check your cat’s glucose levels. People that have diabetes have the ability to check their own blood sugar level, this is not possible with pet cats unless you purchase a glucose monitoring product. Without one, you will most likely have to bring your cat in for a visit regularly to monitor his levels.
Typically, your cat will require an injection of blood insulin twice a day. The quantity of the insulin required by your cat will depend upon the extent of your cat’s condition. A lot of cats will get between several units of insulin twice a day. It is essential that you establish a regular injection routine for your cat. Many owners of diabetic cats will inject their cat at the same time every morning and night.
It is not difficult to give your cat these lifesaving injections. Many diabetic cats know their routines and will demand your attention when it is time for their injection.
It is very important that you have the right supplies on hand when you are treating your diabetic cat. You will need a vial of insulin as specified by your veterinarian, syringes and cotton balls. It is a good idea not to let your supply of insulin get too low because it might take a couple days for your veterinarian to order and receive your cats insulin. Your vet may also suggest a special diet for your cat. Diabetes can often be managed by diet, with luck your own cat will not need injections and kept well by a simple change of his eating habits.
It is expensive to take care of a diabetic cat. A vial of insulin may cost you almost a hundred dollars and may last several months. Syringes will cost about fifty dollars and a box of fifty will last a little more than a month. Prescription food is about twice the cost of regular cat food. Remember that your cat is a part of your household. Many animal owners who are able do not hesitate to spend these amounts to keep their cat alive and well.
Above of all when you own a diabetic cat, you need perseverance and love. It is never easy to care for a sick animal. However, with the right care, you can extend the lifespan of your treasured pet and many pet owners take the trouble to do so.
