Adopting A Diabetic Cat

by Taath · Published May 4, 2014 · Updated March 21, 2016

Unfortunately there are some owners who when they discover their cats are diabetic panic and either have the cat put down or give it to a charity to rehome. Adopting a diabetic cat is something that most people do not want to do , they would understandably prefer to have a healthy cat or kitten. However caring for a diabetic cat need not be a daunting task as the following article explains:- http://grandlakenews.com/civic_org/article_26d11321-b046-5ee5-97cd-b09987a4460f.html “Meet Gordon, a 2-year-old tabby cat who is affectionate and playful. He is in need of a permanent adoptive home or foster care because of a recently diagnosed case of diabetes.Similar to diabetes in a human, Gordon needs care with a low carbohydrate wet canned cat food diet and twice daily insulin injections. For someone who might care for Gordon, there are tutorials available at the Humane Society of Grove and Grand Lake, along with veterinarians who will help walk new owners through his care. Feline diabetes is not a death sentence for Gordon and caring for a cat with the disease is far easier than anyone may think. Feline diabetes is a manageable disorder and many diabetic cats can lead a happy, healthy life.

As Gordon’s caregiver, a person must be willing to:

1. provide a low-carbohydrate wet canned cat food diet.

2. administer insulin shots twice daily. This is very easy and the cat can hardly feel it because insulin shots are given in the loose skin of the scruff or in the fat layer of the side or belly.

3. coordinate closely with the Grove Humane Society veterinarians or your family veterinarian for appropriate treatment of feline diabetes. Usually blood and urine tests are done during regular visits with the vet to determine appropriate insulin therapy.

4. monitor the cat for signs of complications associated with diabetes. Gordon’s caregiver is encouraged to study educational materials about feline diabetes.”

So if you are thinking of adopting a cat or know of someone who is please consider or encourage them to consider adopting a diabetic cat. With the correct diet change and simple management it is possible to reverse the diabetes. Unfortunately a lot of diabetic cats in care end up being put down as it is very difficult to re-home them.