Feline Diabetes: Signs and Symptoms
Feline diabetes symptoms will vary from cat to cat depending upon the type and stage of the disease. This disease can affect cats of any age, either male or female. The prime candidates for diabetes, however, are older males, especially those who are over weight.
The classic signs of the disease are excessive urination (polyuria) and excessive thirst (polydipsia). Early on in the disease, your cat may show only these symptoms, or none at all.
As diabetes in cats progresses, additional symptoms may surface. These may include weight loss, even with an increase in the consumption of food.
In addition, sick cats will become lethargic. They also may develop diabetic neuropathy, a condition that causes weakness in the back legs.
Symptoms may become more severe over time if treatment is not sought. These may include poor hair coat, vomiting, and dehydration, as well as loss of appetite. As things get worse, cats may experience secondary infections, and even liver disease.
In severe cases, a potentially fatal condition known as ketoacidosis can develop in some diabetic cats. This condition has its own accompanying symptoms. These may include breathing abnormalities, weakness, and vomiting and diarrhea.
Over weight cats who get limited activity are at higher risk, so ensure that your cat gets plenty of exercise and doesn’t over eat. Keeping your cat’s weight down and activity level up will help reduce the effects of the disease. With treatment, feline diabetes is usually a very manageable disease.
