Feline Diabetes And The Five Myths No Cat Owner Should Believe
Feline diabetes is a growing problem among the feline population. Unfortunately, there are several myths circulating about diabetes in cats.If you share your home with a diabetic cat, you can provide better care for him by knowing the facts about how to keep him healthy.
Myth #1. The Only Treatment For A Diabetic Feline Is To Put Him Down
This isn’t necessarily true.Most cat owners manage this disease quite successfully; however, it may be harder to do in elderly cats or in kitties with other health issues.
A cat owner does need to understand that it does take some time to learn how to check a diabetic cat’s blood glucose levels, and then to give him an insullin injection if one is needed.
Myth #2. Feline Diabetes Cannot Be Prevented
Quite a few pet experts believe that this disease is a man-made condition that can be prevented by feeding your kitty a high-quality canned food, not dry cat food.
Why shouldn’t you feed your kitty dry food?The main ingredient in this kind of food is grain, which contains a lot more carbs than your cat needs. Cats have evolved to eat meat, not grains. Free-feeding dry cat food will more than likely lead to a fat cat, and overweight kitties are predisposed to many health problems, including diabetes in cats.
Myth #3. It’s Too Hard To Check Your Kitty’s Blood Glucose Levels At Home
It can be challenging at first, but anyone who lives with a feline diabetic should learn how to check their cat’s blood sugar levels.Don’t give your pet an insulin injection without knowing what his blood sugar levels are. Plus, it’s much less expensive for you, and less stressful for your cat, if your vet teaches you how to do this simple test at home.
Myth #4. Your Kitty Will Need Insulin Injections For The Rest Of His Life
Not true.You may be surprised to know that a simple change in diet from dry food to canned food may be all that’s needed to reverse feline diabetes. Losing weight can help, too.Always talk to your vet before putting your overweight kitty on a diet, as it can cause serious problems if he loses weight too quickly.
Mild exercise is a natural way to manage blood sugar.Start slowly to get your cat into shape. Gradually work up to two or three ten-minute exercise sessions every day.
Myth #5. Don’t Waste Your Time With Natural Remedies For Cats
On the contrary, researchers have found that the mineral chromium, along with certain herbs, including goat’s rue, astragalus, and fenugreek, are all very effective in helping to control blood sugar levels in human diabetics. These remedies are also effective for kitties, as well. Many cat owners have found that a combination of dietary changes, daily exercise, and natural remedies for cats has made it possible to discontinue insulin injections for their pets.
Don’t believe any of these myths about feline diabetes. Click on any link in this article to find out how natural remedies for cats can help keep your favorite kitty healthy.
