Diabetes in Cats can be seen in felines of all ages, breeds and sexes, however, at Park Vet Group, we understand that it is more commonly seen in overweight cats and senior cats.
Cats
Maintaining the health of your cat through continuous flea treatment is a necessary and ongoing procedure. Regrettably, there are no instant solutions available. The primary issue with fleas lies in their ability to survive for months without a host.
This is a common disease in middle aged and older cats. It is technically known as hyperthyroidism.
The two thyroid glands are oval shaped and lie one on each side of the trachea (windpipe) on the underside of the neck. They produce thyroxin (thyroid hormone), which controls the speed of the cat’s metabolism.
Cats have 2 kidneys, located in the abdomen just below the spine. They are part of the urinary tract, producing urine that flows out of the kidneys down narrow tubes called ureters to the bladder.
Cats are designed to live in deserts where there is very little water, so they naturally produce very concentrated urine.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a metabolic disease of middle and old aged cats, whose symptoms are caused by high blood sugar, due to lack of the hormone insulin. Obesity is the main predisposing factor, although in up to 30% of cats a brain tumour producing growth hormone may be the underlying cause.
Neutering is a safe and effective way of stopping unwanted kittens, as well as gaining important health benefits. Neutering a male cat is also known as castration.
This involves the complete removal of the testicles under general anaesthetic. Removing the testicles stops the production of sperm and also reduces the production of the hormone testosterone.
Neutering or ‘spaying’ your female cat is a safe and effective way of stopping unwanted litters of kittens, as well as gaining important health benefits.
The neutering procedure is also known as an ovariohysterectomy. This involves the complete removal of the ovaries and womb under general anaesthetic.