Diabetes refers to the increase in blood sugar levels, and diet plays a pivotal role in preventing the condition in cats. Just like humans, most felines develop type 1 and type 2 diabetes, which are closely related to their dietary habits. As a cat parent, it is your responsibility to be aware of what they eat and ensure proper nutrition to keep illnesses away. These tips can help you prevent diabetes mellitus in your cat:
- Maintain a healthy weight
This is one of the most common tips to steer clear of the risk factors for the development of diabetes in cats. It is estimated that more than 50 percent of cats in our country are obese or overweight, and obesity is the primary reason for diabetes in cats. So, keep a check on your cat’s weight and don’t overfeed them with treats and snacks. And if you do offer them treats or snacks, ensure that you feed a little less at mealtime. - Ensure exercise and enrichment
Not only does exercise keep weight under check, but it also lowers stress and is helpful in preventing diabetes mellitus in cats. So, ensure that you play with them every day. As a bonus, it will strengthen the bond between you and your feline friend. You can also opt for the services of interior decorators to design your living space keeping your cat’s activities in mind. Install cat climbers, cat scratchers, and exercising wheels in your living space to ensure that they get enough exercise every day. - Pay attention to your cat’s food
Cats are carnivores, and while they can utilize carbohydrates as an energy source, they cannot process large amounts of the nutrient as they lack several digestive enzymes needed to break down carbohydrates. Being carnivorous, cats thrive on proteins and fats, and overfeeding carbohydrates will force your cat’s pancreas to make more insulin. This can result in a drastic increase in insulin levels, causing diabetes. A high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet can prevent insulin resistance and diabetes in cats, so whether it is canned or dry food, check the label for the amount of carbohydrates before feeding it to your cat. - Minimize the use of steroids
Although some chronic health issues like asthma, allergies, and inflammatory bowel diseases are typically treated with steroids, these medications are known to create an imbalance in the insulin levels. However, this doesn’t mean you cannot give them steroids. To prevent diabetes mellitus in cats, consult a vet to know how much steroids can be given to your pet, especially if they are overweight. - Regular health check-ups
It can be daunting to take your cat to the vet, but an annual or a semi-annual health check-up can be a lifesaver for them. It also helps you keep a tab on your cat’s weight. Fluctuations in weight can be signs of an underlying disease, and early diagnosis will prevent the need for costly and invasive treatment further down the road.
