Taking care of a cat with special needs can be a unique and rewarding experience. Cats with special needs may have a physical disability, a medical condition that requires specific care, or emotional or psychological necessities. Senior cats are considered special needs due to physiological changes associated with their advanced age.
Today we will talk about diabetes, a movement disorder called cerebral hypoplasia, and how to manage them at home.
Establish regular veterinary care.
Whenever you decide to bring home a furry friend, it is imperative to consult with a professional veterinarian doctor and establish regular medical care. If an animal is injured or severely ill, seek emergency veterinary care immediately. When your cat has an illness or disability, collect his comprehensive health history as soon as possible and arrange for a veterinary visit.
Your vet will perform a thorough examination. Tell the doctor everything you know about your cat’s health and share your observations. The information you have can help your doctor arrange the necessary testing and make appropriate diagnostics.
The doctor will suggest a treatment plan and explain your cat’s condition.
Diabetes.
Diabetes is a disorder when a cat’s body has difficulty metabolizing blood glucose due to impaired insulin production or utilization. Naturally, the body cells need glucose to sustain life. Insulin is a hormone that helps transport glucose from the bloodstream into the cells for energy. In diabetes, a cat’s body doesn’t produce insulin. Another type of diabetes develops when insulin is present but is not metabolized correctly by the body.
- Signs and Symptoms of Diabetes.
The described insulin impairment causes the sugars that cats receive from food to accumulate in the bloodstream. At the same time, the body cells don’t receive glucose and remain in a state of starvation. Excessive hunger is one of the typical signs of diabetes.
The large glucose molecules circulate in the body and damage the blood vessels. Naturally, the body will remove the excess glucose and shift fluids into the bloodstream. That is why another hallmark sign of diabetes is excessive urination. The body will utilize a lot of water to remove the extra glucose. Typically, patients experience excessive thirst, the third important symptom of diabetes.
- Treatment.
According to Doctor Ilana Halperin, DVM of UC Davis Veterinary Medicine, receiving the diagnosis of diabetes is a life-changing experience for cats and their owners. At the same time, the insulin treatment regimen can become a meaningful journey and make a stronger bond between cats and their families.
Doctor Halperin explains that establishing optimal diabetes treatment requires time and individual adjustment. The veterinarian emphasizes the importance of following the prescribed by your doctor insulin dosing and encourages communication between the veterinary professionals and cat owners.
Conclusion.
Taking care of a cat with special needs is a unique and rewarding experience. Established veterinary care, regular exams, effective communication with your veterinary team will help you provide the best possible care for your four-legged family member. The journey with your cat will help your bonding and spending quality time together.