Chance and Barney present...
How to Care for Your Diabetic Cat 

The first week

• You’ll probably feel frightened, alone and in shock when you learn your cat has diabetes. This is completely natural. You will start to feel better as your cat starts to improve and as you learn more about the disease and how to care for your pet.
• Your friends and family might not understand. It’s hard for anyone not in your situation to understand your feelings about your cat and this new illness. Diabetes is diagnosed and treated in thousands of pets every year. There are a lot of diabetic pet owners who feel exactly as you do and who do learn to cope.
• Your vet is your new best friend at least for awhile. Make sure your vet has experience with diabetic animals, or is willing to learn the latest techniques for diabetes management. You should also educate yourself as much as possible about feline diabetes.
• Diabetes is treatable. With knowledgeable care from you and your vet, there is no reason why diabetes should prevent most pets from enjoying a long and healthy life.

The first month

• Changes in your cat’s diet. Your cat now needs the most wholesome food you can afford. In conjunction with your vet, find a healthful cat food that is low in sugar and fat. You can still give your pet treats—just make sure they are low/no sugar treats and that you give your cat a consistent amount each day.
• You are establishing a routine for your cat’s insulin, diet and exercise. Regular and consistent meals, injections and play time are very important in keeping your cat’s blood glucose at a healthy level.
• Your cat may develop hind leg weakness. This is common at first but with moderate regulation and exercise your cat may fully recover.
• You are learning more about monitoring your cat. You have learned about the dangers of hypoglycemia and monitor your pet carefully for any signals. You’re keeping track of your cat’s water intake and urination to see if they are excessive. You may be learning how to do simple blood tests at home. You may be keeping a chart of your pet’s progress. Every cat is different and every cat owner develops different ways of caring for and monitoring their pet.
• You’re frustrated! Maybe your cat has not improved as quickly as you had hoped, or you are finding the injection routine is difficult or interferes with your social life. Don’t worry. Properly regulating your cat takes time, and learning to live with the rules and routines of diabetes also takes patience.
• The rewards of returning your pet to good health are worth the temporary frustrations. The first time your cat wants to play again, or purrs contentedly in your lap, you’ll remember your cat is worth the extra effort.

This information sheet was provided by Pat and Chance Johnson and Barney the Cat, Houston, TX and Sacramento, CA.  © January 2001. We are not vets—please consult yours.