Feline Hypoglycemia Is One Of Many Complications of Diabetes In Cats
Do you have a cat with feline diabetes? If you do, you need to know about feline hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar.It's natural to assume that a feline diabetic is better off with low blood glucose levels. However, if the cat's blood sugar levels get too low, your feline companion could go into a coma and die.
Why Do Diabetic Cats Develop Hypoglycemia?
There can be several reasons for low blood sugar levels in cats with feline diabetes:
- Sometimes a cat owner makes a mistake, and gives the cat too much insulin.
- Two people in the family each gave the cat insulin, so he received a double dose.By choosing one person to be responsible for giving insulin shots, this problem can be avoided.
- The cat has been exercising more than he usually does.
- If the insulin was given before a meal, the cat may have either not eaten, or he threw up the meal.
- The feline diabetic no longer needs insulin because of dietary changes, or a spontaneous remission.
Symptoms Of Feline Hypoglycemia
The cat may behave strangely, because low blood sugar levels affect the brain first. This is because the brain doesn't store glucose to use later, like other organs in the body.
If a cat with diabetes shows these symptoms, he may have dangerously low blood sugar levels:
- Shaking or shivering
- Becoming uncoordinated, and staggering around
- Acting like he's blind
- Weakness and lethargy
- Restlessness
- Either very hungry, or not interested in eating
- Tilts his head
- Acts disoriented; he may walk in circles, yowl, or hide
- Glassy eyes
- Drooling
- Seizures
- Coma
What To Do For A Feline Diabetic With Hypoglycemia
Keep honey or corn syrup on hand, along with empty syringes (without needles), if you have a feline diabetic.Use the syringe to squirt some honey or corn syrup in the cat's mouth if his blood glucose levels drop too low. If the cat is unconscious, rub a little honey or syrup on his gums. If doing this, take care to avoid being bitten, especially if the kitty is having seizures.
Wrap the kitty in a blanket, and take him to the vet right away, as this is an emergency.
Regulate Glucose Levels Naturally With Natural Remedies For Cats
Research has shown that natural remedies for cats are safe and effective for cats with diabetes. Herbal pet remedies that contain goat's rue, fenugreek, and astragalus, along with the mineral chromium, can help to normalize glucose levels in diabetic cats.Purchase high-quality natural pet remedies for your kitty from an established company.
Many vets are quite open to using natural remedies for cats.Before making any changes to a diabetic cat's medications or diet, it's always best to check with the vet. By using these natural remedies, you may be able to reduce or eliminate insulin injections for cats with diabetes. Learn more by clicking on any link in this article.
Nov 14, 2009 | 0 | cat care tips
