Is Feline Diabetes painful?
My 14 year old indoor/outdoor cat has been diagnosed with diabetes. I travel for my work, so am unable to provide the twice daily insulin injections. But I did change her diet to all protein. Over the past 3 years she has gotten thinner, slower, and weaker, but still visits for caresses.
Trouble is, she is urinating all over the house. I try to keep the litter box clean, but my husband is ready to feed her to the coyotes. Even my love for her is laced with resentment at this point.
At what point will she be truly suffering with this disease? How long will she live? I have never put down an animal before and prefer not to, but certainly don't want her to suffer.
(4)4 Comments
Sorted by latest first Latest Oldest Best
Please take your cat to the vet and express your concerns. Ask the vet directly how your cat feels on a day-to-day basis.
Is she in pain?
Is she uncomfortable?
Is her mental state affected?
What should you look for to identify pain and altered mental status?
These answers should help you determine when euthanasia is the right time.
Your cat is showing symptoms that are signs of untreated diabetes in humans at least (weight loss, increased urination, fatigue), and untreated diabetics say the condition is quite uncomfortable. Untreated diabetes can lead to pretty awful complications in humans as well, such as blindness and susceptibility to infection. I'm guessing the same applies to cats. If you are unable to treat your cat, and considering her age, I think you should seriously consider putting her down.
I have a diabetic cat as well, and the symtoms you mention are signs of diabetes getting out of contol. Nothing to play with. Take her to a vet to get glucose numbers. This can be life and death.
First off speaking as someone that has had type I diabetes for 20 years, pain isn't the most common thing I associate with the disease. It does however cause a great many changes making life unpleasant and has led to secondary problems. Feline diabetes causes similar issues with your cat. Untreated diabetes leads to consistent elevated glucose levels in your cat's body. This will basically cause stress on it's organs. Side effects may include loss of feeling (neuropathy which can be painful as well). It can cause slower healing of the extremities, lead to blindness, circulation issues, kidney failure, ...
If you're unable to provide your cat with the medication it requires you should seriously consider finding someone that is home and able to give your cat treatment and give your cat a new and healthier home. A simple switch to a protein only diet will not "cure" the problem. If you want your cat to live out the remainder of its life as best as best as possible you need to seriously consider these things.
You can read quite a bit about feline diabetes here
Terms of Use Privacy policy Contact About Cancellation policy © freshhoot.com2025 All Rights reserved.