![]() ![]() Ernie Ward, founder of the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, says, “As a concerned pet owner, you need to understand your pet’s weight is one of the most influential factors of longevity, quality of life, and disease prevention.” The increase of cats being diagnosed with diabetes is related in large part to our cats’ increase in weight, and almost 60% of pet cats in the USA today are overweight or obese! (Other factors include the fact that cats today are living longer lives and more cats are being taken by their families to a veterinarian for a diagnosis.) Our dogs have weight problems too, with over 53% of our canine companions being classified as overweight or obese. Dogs and cats carrying extra weight are at greater risk for developing not only diabetes, but also painful arthritis, deadly high blood pressure, kidney disease, and many forms of cancer. Feline diabetes is becoming increasingly prevalent among our beloved house pets, and some veterinary experts are even calling it an epidemic. ![]() ![]() Some breeds are also genetically predisposed to the disease, including Miniature Schnauzers, Keeshonds, Miniature and Toy Poodles, and Siamese cats. Senior pets are at higher risk for diabetes, as are unspayed female dogs and neutered male cats. ![]() All four pets are between the ages of nine and eleven years old. In the past two months alone, we have diagnosed four of our own patients as diabetic, including two cats and two dogs. On the other hand, Fluffy seems to be a bit less playful and may even be sleeping more than usual (even more than you’d expect a cat to sleep!) What could be wrong with your kitty? All of these individual symptoms could be indicators of a variety of feline (and canine) diseases, but taken together, they are classic signs of diabetes.ĭiabetes mellitus is estimated to affect one in every 500 dogs and one in every 250 cats. Maybe you’ve also noticed that Fluffy is drinking more water, and the kids are complaining about extra “scoops” in the litter box. However, it seems like he’s finally losing some weight even though he’s eating all the time. He’s always had a healthy appetite, but lately you’ve noticed that it seems like he wants breakfast, second breakfast, lunch, tea, dinner, and maybe even a midnight snack. Fluffy, your beloved pet, may have put on a few pounds over the years and gotten a little too … well, fluffy. ![]()
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