Glucose levels in our cat

The glucose levels They tell us the amount of glucose in our cat's blood. Although these levels can vary during the day, depending on the diet and activity you have, they must be controlled to keep them balanced.

As with everything, if they are not maintained at normal levels, the risk of serious health problems only increases. So, Next we are going to talk about a topic that must be given due importance, otherwise we could have surprises that we would not like.

What are normal glucose levels in the cat?

How to monitor my animal's blood glucose levels? Glucose levels can be monitored in two ways: by the veterinarian or specialist and using home glucometers. It is important to know that normal blood glucose values ​​for cats are between 80 and 150 mg / dl.

If you notice that the levels are above these values, you should go to the vet, as organs such as the kidneys and others can begin to be damaged.

How to monitor glucose levels in cats?

All of us who have lived and / or live with cats know that they do not like being handled very much, unless those 'manipulations' are cuddly, and we give them only when they want. Everything that has to do with medicines, needles, and so on, they don't like it at all.

But when we suspect, or when our veterinarian has told us that his glucose levels are not normal and / or that they must be controlled, we will have no choice but to arm ourselves with patience and peace of mind.

To know how those levels are going, what we will do is the following:

1. First, we will touch the cat's ear to see if it is hot. If it is not, we will hold it with our hands for about a minute.
2. Then, with a hypodermic needle or a sterile lancet provided by the veterinarian, we will prick very quickly (but doing things right, that is, paying attention to what we do). It must be just a little prick in a hairless area of ​​the ear.
3. Next, we will collect a blood sample with a test strip.
4. Next, with a cotton ball we press gently but firmly on the ear until it stops bleeding.
5. Finally, we will introduce the test strip into the glucometer.

And of course, afterwards we will give the cat a prize.

What problems can arise if glucose levels are not adequate?

The following:

• High glucose levels can be very dangerous for the cat and can generate hyperglycemia, which if not treated in time can lead to chronicity and become diabetes. It can even lead to complications such as blindness and kidney disease.
• Low glucose levels can produce Hypoglycemia, which occurs when the pancreas secretes large amounts of insulin. It is a fairly common disease, which can appear as a result of insulin treatment in cats suffering from diabetes.

Diabetes in cats

Diabetes is a disease that affects cats of all ages and breeds, although it is much more common in felines older than 7 years. It is a pathology that can become very serious, so it is important not to ignore the symptoms.

These are:

• Increased appetite
• Weight loss
• Hair loses shine
• Hind leg weakness
• Lethargy
• Less ability to jump
• Bad breath

The treatment consists of injecting insulin every time the vet has told us, and giving him a diet rich in animal protein and without cereals in order to satisfy him by eating less, which in turn will help him lose weight.

Related article:

What should the diet be like for a cat with diabetes?

Diabetic ketoacidosis in cats

Diabetic ketoacidosis in cats is a disease that in most cases can be equated to human type II diabetes. It occurs when there is little insulin secretion, and it is common in cats older than seven years, are obese, and / or are receiving cortisone treatment for life (cases of asthma, for example).

Symptoms include, in addition to those mentioned above, vomiting, hypothermia, dehydration and in extreme cases, coma.

Why is my diabetic cat vomiting?

It can be for several things:

• For having injected insulin without the cat having eaten.
• Because you have an associated problem, such as pancreatitis.
• Or because you are developing ketoacidosis.

In any case, You have to take him for tests and treat him.

What is the life expectancy of the diabetic cat?

If it is controlled, both at home and at the vet, should have the same life expectancy as a healthy cat. Now if it is not treated, then your life will be shorter.

Can diabetes be prevented in cats?

Not entirely, but there are many things that can be done so that animals have a healthy life, and they are:

• Keep them active when they are awake. You have to ensure that they exercise, that they play. Several play sessions a day of about 20-30 minutes each will make them feel happy and well.
• Give them a meal rich in animal protein, without grains. They have a somewhat higher price, but since they are satisfied with less quantity, in the end it pays off.
• Do not feed them between meals. It is better that they eat only the amount of food that is due to them based on their age and weight.
• Take them for a checkup once a year, especially if they are over 7 years old.

What to do if they are not suitable?

It is important to take him to the vet in order to put him on treatment. Although there are some natural and homeopathic remedies that can help the cat's health and keep its sugar levels balanced, such as Chronium picolinate and the Trigonella, Whether you already have hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia, it is best to give the medicine that the professional tells us.

We hope that you have found it interesting and that you have learned a lot about this topic.