The right diet and lifestyle can help cats with diabetes.Managing your cat's diet will make sure his diabetes doesn't get worse or become a more serious health condition.Pick food that is appropriate and healthy for a cat with diabetes.Maintaining your cat's condition will allow it to lead a full, happy life with diabetes.
Step 1: Feed your cat wet food to increase their intake.
It is important for cats with diabetes to have high protein in their diet.Chicken, fish, or beef are high quality sources of protein.Feed canned food to your cat to increase their intake.Talk to your vet if you want to switch your cat's food because it may negatively react to a highprotein diet.Cats with diabetes can become dehydrated easily, so choosing canned wet food for your cat also helps ensure they get the water they need at each meal.
Step 2: If your cat doesn't like wet food, choose a dry food.
Cats will only eat dry food if it is high in fiber and/orProtein.Talk to your vet if you want to switch your cat's food.It's important that your cat has access to fresh, clean water.
Step 3: Food high in fiber is a good choice.
Cats with diabetes may need more fiber in their diet.If your cat is overweight or obese, a high fiber diet is ideal.Check the nutrition information on the cat food label.At least 50% of the canned food should be animal based.
Step 4: Pick food that is low in calories.
Make sure your cat is getting at least 45 percent of its daily calories from fat and less than 1 percent from carbohydrates.Your cat will be able to regulate its symptoms if it has a low carbohydrate diet.Less than 10 percent of the calories in wet cat food come from sugars.It can be difficult to find information on the cat food label.If you want to find out if certain cat food brands are good for cats with diabetes, you can ask your vet.
Step 5: Inquire about food recommendations from your vet.
If you want to change your cat's diet, consult with your vet.They recommend brands that are ideal for cats with diabetes.Your vet should be able to give you options for cat food.Depending on your cat's condition, your vet may recommend a prescription food.These prescription foods can be expensive.
Step 6: Give your cat something to eat.
Feed your cat first, followed by a meal.Doing this will make sure the blood sugar is not low.Get in the habit of giving your cat something to eat.Your vet can show you how to give your cat something to eat.You might need to practice a few times to get it right.
Step 7: Slowly, you will transition your cat to its new food.
Add a small amount of the new food to the old food.Your cat will get used to the new food if the amount is increased over time.You can give your cat 14 of its old food and a can of high nutrition food to start.Increasing the amount of new food in your cat's diet can be done over a week to two weeks.The mix of old and new food should be eaten by your cat.Cats with diabetes can be dangerous if they don't eat.If your cat doesn't seem interested in its food, you may have to return to its old diet for a while to get it to eat again.If you allow your cat to eat people food, it can negatively affect its condition.
Step 8: You should stick to regular feeding times.
It is important that a cat has a regular feeding schedule.Feed your cat twice a day.If your cat likes to snack throughout the day, try to get it to eat at set times.You can feed your cat once in the morning before you go to work and once at night before bed.
Step 9: Determine your cat's body condition score.
A body condition score tells you if your cat is under ideal, ideal or over ideal.To find your cat's score, look at it from the side and the top.If your cat is not ideal, talk to your vet about changing their diet.An under ideal cat has visible ribs, no fat, and a pronounced abdominal tuck.An ideal cat has a small abdominal tuck and a minimal abdominal fat pad.A poorly visible waist, rounding of the abdomen, and fat deposits are present in an over ideal cat.
Step 10: If your cat is overweight, you should reduce its portions.
Many cats are overweight.If your cat has diabetes, you should reduce its portions so it can lose weight.If you have an obese cat, ask your vet to recommend portion sizes.If you want your cat to hit a healthy body weight, you should give it less food.If you leave your cat's food out, it will be eaten.This can lead to weight gain.When it is feeding time, put your cat's food out.Giving your obese cat access to climbing and resting areas in your home will help it stay healthy.The cat gets enough exercise by having play time with it.
Step 11: Your cat has blood sugar.
Cats with diabetes should have their blood sugar levels checked regularly to make sure they don't have any issues.You can use a blood sugar level monitor on your cat.You will need to use the monitor to test your cat's blood.
Step 12: Keep an eye on your cat's weight, appetite, and litter box.
At every meal, make sure your cat eats all of its food.If the cat isn't eating, you may have to switch it back to its old food or talk to the vet.You should use a scale to make sure your cat is not overweight or gaining too much weight.To make sure your cat is going to the bathroom regularly, you should check the litter box.On a regular schedule, it should be urinating the same amount of liquid.Speak to your vet if this isn't the case.
Step 13: Regular check ups are recommended for your cat.
Schedule monthly or semi annual check ups with your vet.Your vet can help you keep up with your cat's diet and feeding schedule.If your cat's diabetes is improving or if you need to make adjustments, they can let you know.Some cats can go into diabetic remission if they have the right diet.You may be able to reduce the amount ofinsulin you give your cat over time.You will need to keep your cat's diet and health up to date if this happens.