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Introduction- Diabetes mellitus or sugar diabetes is a chronic endocrine (hormone) illness characterised by high levels of glucose in the blood. It is seen in dogs and cats as well as humans, and in each species is commoner in the overweight and obese. There is no cure, but treatment, which in cats may or may not include insulin injections, can maintain a healthy and active life.
Pathology - Diabetes occurs when the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas, the Islets of Langerhans, stop producing sufficient insulin to cope with the body's glucose load (Type 1 diabetes), or when the peripheral tissues in the body that react to insulin become resistant to its effect (Type 2 diabetes).
Symptoms:
* Weight loss (more likely in type 1 diabetes) * Thirst, excessive drinking (polydipsia) * Increased urination (polyuria) * Increased appetite * Increased blood glucose (hyperglycaemia) * Blindness * Weakness * Depression
Causes: * Obesity * Chronic Pancreatitis * Stress (cortisol, one of the stress hormones, makes fat cells less sensitive to insulin) * Genetic predisposition - it affects cats of all ages, sexes and breeds, but is commoner in older, castrated male cats, especially Burmese cats Diagnosis
Diagnosis depends on a urine test followed by a confirmatory blood test for glucose levels.
Effects of Diabetes - There is an increased incidence of: * Cataracts * Premature death * Problems in pregnancy * Infections, especially bladder * Pancreatitis
Current Western Treatments
* Insulin * Diet * Exercise * Neutering of diabetic female cats
Insulin - The discovery of insulin in 1921 ( see www.discoveryofinsulin.com) was pivotal in changing diabetes mellitus from disease that was fatal within weeks to a chronic and not necessarily life-threatening condition.
Insulin is the mainstay of treatment in many cats, although some cats, once stabilised, can be managed with diet alone. Diet
Diet needs to be specific and timed correctly. Glucose control is easier to obtain if you feed a fixed formula feed, low in fat and high in slowly digested complex carbohydrates. However, if your cat's normal routine is to eat several times per day with "ad lib" food, your vet is unlikely to change this.
If your cat is overweight, getting his/ her weight down to normal is essential over the first 3-4 months after diagnosis.
Exercise - Your cat should be allowed to take exercise as normal. Other considerations
A diabetic cat will take up a lot of your time and finances over the years, but will reward you with years of companionship.
Complementary Therapies - Stress Reduction by whatever means will help with glucose control, and can be helped by:
* Spiritual Healing * Reiki * Crystal Healing with crystals such as amethyst * Massage * T-touch technique
Herbal remedies
* Stinging nettles - for fatigue, poor appetite * Garlic - for digestive problems * Fenugreek - for fatigue and weight loss * olive leaves - for blood pressure and glucose control
Bach Flower Remedies tend to be favoured over aromatics by cats. The choice of remedy will depend on an assessment of the cat's personality and current circumstances.
Conclusion - With Diabetes mellitus it is very important that you work closely with your vet in order to get optimum glucose control. The triad of insulin (where needed), diet and exercise is pivotal. Other things that can help you to support your cat.
About the Author
I am a holistic doctor and animal healer specializing in connecting and informing animal therapists. My natural animal therapy website informs the public about animal therapies while connecting animal therapists worldwide. http://www.TheNaturallyHealthyPet.com
As cats age, they require more and more attention and loving care from their owners. Though cats tend to lead uneventful, happy lives, disease and discomfort increase as they age. Listed here are a few conditions and diseases to keep an eye out for that are common in elderly cats, in addition to a few tips in caring for your cat to aid in their graceful and comfortable aging.
Like humans and dogs, as cats age, they begin to show signs of degeneration. One of the most common signs of aging felines is their loss of litter box training. Some elderly cats acquire conditions such as diabetes, hyperthyroidism, or decreased proper kidney function. These health issues can in turn lead to irregular urination and elimination processes. You may find your cat relieving him or herself outside the litter box. If this becomes a common practice, it is a good idea to buy one of or two more litter boxes and place them in various locations throughout your home. This will make litter boxes more accessible to your cat and will aid in their proper elimination practices.
A common feline condition is arthritis. Arthritis is a condition in which inflammation of joints occurs. Signs of arthritis include swollen and tender joints, limping, lameness, and stiffness in joints, often occurring when they get up from lying down or when it is cold or rainy outside. You can help your cat by placing their litter box and food and water dishes in easily accessible places. If, for example, their litter box is upstairs and their food and water dishes are on top of the dryer in the laundry room, they will have difficulty getting to them when they are needed. The more you help ease the discomfort of your cat, the happier they will be!
Poor dental health and dental disease is fairly common in elderly felines. Tartar, gingivitis, and sensitive gums are often seen in older cats. Believe it or not, the tartar build up or dental disease in cats can spread to their heart or kidneys, which can cause serious problems. The best thing for you to do as an owner is to start early and clean your cat's teeth regularly in addition to feeding them dry cat food, which will help clean their teeth on a daily basis.
Lastly, as cats age, they seem to lose interest in basic grooming practices. This may be due to arthritis or dental issues, but whatever the reason, it is something you will most likely need to help your cat with. Giving them weekly baths and gently brushing their coat will help tremendously. Cats feel better and are happier when they are clean and well groomed. Don't forget to keep their claws trimmed regularly because their nails can become brittle in their older age.
Just as humans and dogs need extra care as they age, so do cats. By having a basic understanding of cats' diseases and basic needs as they age will help increase their comfort dramatically. Understand your cat, and learn to take them of them properly in their mature stage of life; this will keep them happy, and will help you enjoy the final years of your cat's life.
Elise Rogers is an avid pet enthusiast who writes articles for Discount Pet Mall. Visit their site today for great savings on pet beds, raised dog bowls and dog ramps.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Elise_Rogers
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Like humans and dogs, as cats age, they begin to show signs of degeneration. One of the most common signs of aging felines is their loss of litter box training. Some elderly cats acquire conditions such as diabetes, hyperthyroidism, or decreased proper kidney function. These health issues can in turn lead to irregular urination and elimination processes. You may find your cat relieving him or herself outside the litter box. If this becomes a common practice, it is a good idea to buy one of or two more litter boxes and place them in various locations throughout your home. This will make litter boxes more accessible to your cat and will aid in their proper elimination practices.
A common feline condition is arthritis. Arthritis is a condition in which inflammation of joints occurs. Signs of arthritis include swollen and tender joints, limping, lameness, and stiffness in joints, often occurring when they get up from lying down or when it is cold or rainy outside. You can help your cat by placing their litter box and food and water dishes in easily accessible places. If, for example, their litter box is upstairs and their food and water dishes are on top of the dryer in the laundry room, they will have difficulty getting to them when they are needed. The more you help ease the discomfort of your cat, the happier they will be!
Poor dental health and dental disease is fairly common in elderly felines. Tartar, gingivitis, and sensitive gums are often seen in older cats. Believe it or not, the tartar build up or dental disease in cats can spread to their heart or kidneys, which can cause serious problems. The best thing for you to do as an owner is to start early and clean your cat's teeth regularly in addition to feeding them dry cat food, which will help clean their teeth on a daily basis.
Lastly, as cats age, they seem to lose interest in basic grooming practices. This may be due to arthritis or dental issues, but whatever the reason, it is something you will most likely need to help your cat with. Giving them weekly baths and gently brushing their coat will help tremendously. Cats feel better and are happier when they are clean and well groomed. Don't forget to keep their claws trimmed regularly because their nails can become brittle in their older age.
Just as humans and dogs need extra care as they age, so do cats. By having a basic understanding of cats' diseases and basic needs as they age will help increase their comfort dramatically. Understand your cat, and learn to take them of them properly in their mature stage of life; this will keep them happy, and will help you enjoy the final years of your cat's life.
Elise Rogers is an avid pet enthusiast who writes articles for Discount Pet Mall. Visit their site today for great savings on pet beds, raised dog bowls and dog ramps.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Elise_Rogers
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Spying!
Wake up man! That's only a doll!
Food
Cats need protein in their diets. Feed your cat meat, such as poultry or fish. How to take care of a cat includes giving your cat water every day. Make sure the water bowl is clean and free from hair. Much to the dismay of many, there is no need to give milk to your cat.
Cleanliness
How to take care of a cat means keeping the litter box clean. Change out the litter regularly to promote good sanitation behavior. This will also keep your cat's fur cleaner.
Vet Services
A healthy cat is a happy cat. How to take care of your cat means taking your cat to a veterinarian regularly. Get your cat vaccinated against deadly diseases. Cats can get many of the same diseases that human being can. Cancer, kidney and heart disease being some of them. Many advise to have your cat neutered also. It will control the unwanted kittens in the population.
Safety
Cats are attracted to things like rubber bands, needles and thread, and tinsel. Electric cords may also be a hazard for cats. Keep all of these things out of the reach of cats. How to take care of a cat is keeping it safe in your home.
Training
You can actually train your cat to not jump on countertops. Scratching furniture is another undesirable behavior that you can train your cat not to do. How to take care of a cat includes training it for your home. There are many things you can do to assist you in this area. Sprays the cat with water when it does something you don’t like. Make a loud noise with rocks in a can to scare it away. Cats are smart animals and train easier than you might think.
Identification
Make sure your cat has proper identification. No, it doesn't need a drivers license, but a pet license it does need. Also put a collar and ID tag on it that includes your name, address, and telephone number around the cat. This is how to take care of a cat in a nutshell. Remember a healthy cat is a happy cat.
For More Information on How To Take Care Of A Cat Please visit Kitty Cat Care
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mylar_Skye
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