When you adopt a cat, scheduling an appointment at a spay and neuter clinic is a must to help control the feline population and better understand your four-legged friend’s overall health and well-being. One ailment cat owners are encouraged to look out for post-adoption is diabetes. If your cat shows signs of excessive thirst, urination, weight gain, or weight loss despite a strong appetite, further testing is necessary to determine whether they have this condition. If diagnosed, here are a few care tips to ensure a happy, healthy life. 

4 Care Tips When You Have a Diabetic Cat

1. Prioritize Diet

Like humans, cats with diabetes are unable to produce sufficient insulin to regulate their blood sugar or glucose levels. As such, regulating their diet and giving them low-carb food is incredibly important.

2. Incorporate Exercise

Diabetic felines have a tendency to gain weight. As such, daily exercise is encouraged so they stay healthy and fit. Make a habit of playing with your cat a few times per day for 10-minute sessions.

During playtime, use toys on strings, boxes, or balls to get them moving. If your cat is food motivated, distribute portions of their meal into dishes throughout the house so they have to move and jump around to find their next snack. 

3. Communicate Openly With Your Veterinarian

Ask your neuter clinic for vet recommendations, as they may know practices that specialize in treating feline diabetes. Beyond routine physicals and vaccinations, your cat may require added visits to test glucose levels and to ensure your insulin treatment and food offerings are effective. With the right home routine and professional observation, your cat can enjoy a long, happy life. 

If you’ve recently become a pet owner in Fairfield County, CT, Nutmeg Spay/Neuter Clinic is your go-to source for low-cost pet vaccinations and spay and neuter services. As a non-profit organization, we take pride in offering affordable, convenient animal care that includes spay and neuter surgery, blood tests, and flea treatments to ensure the well-being of furry friends. To schedule an appointment, call us at (203) 690-1550. For more information about our services, visit our website.