Feline Diabetes And The Holiday Hustle: 5 Things To Know To Keep Your Kitty Safe
Posted on: 4 December 2020
Holidays are a busy time for everyone, but if you have a diabetic cat in your household, no shopping, gift-giving, or celebrations can get in the way of the care your feline needs, no matter what.
1. Your Cat Shouldn't Have Any Human Holiday Food
While it's tempting to offer your beloved pet a treat here and there as you roast and simmer, it's very dangerous for a diabetic. Unless your veterinarian has explicitly stated that you are allowed to stray from the animal's diet, don't drop even a nibble for your diabetic cat. Doing so can cause a sudden and dangerous spike in the blood glucose levels you work so hard to regulate.
2. Kennels And Inexperienced Sitters Are Not Advisable
Your diabetic kitty needs specialized care that may not be available from an average kennel or sitter. If you're going away for the holidays, the best place for your precious pet is a veterinarian clinic or veterinarian-recommended facility. The stress of being away from you and home is enough to instigate a significant rise or fall in blood glucose levels, which means the cat must be in capable hands.
3. There's Never A Reason To Deviate With Insulin
If you'll be out late or preoccupied with holiday preparations, leave yourself a reminder to give the insulin shots on schedule. Whether you've been prescribed a short- or long-acting insulin, it's designed to function like clockwork; thus, must be administered in a timely manner. The onset and duration of insulin action are very important to the overall regulation of diabetes, meaning if you're late or early, you could accidentally de-regulate your pet. Ask your vet for advice if your holidays are going to be particularly busy and you might not be able to dose on time, every time.
4. Supplies Should Be Stocked Before The Holidays Hit
Your feline's insulin, needles, and food should be well-stocked before places begin closing for the holidays. While it's always a good idea to have plenty on hand anyway, you don't want to be stuck without the vital supplies your pet needs. Although you already have plenty of shopping to do and errands to run, anything your diabetic friend can't do without should be on the top of your list of priorities.
5. If Your Cat Ever Seems "Off," A Trip To The Vet Is Essential
Sure, you're going to be caught up in the hustle and bustle of the season, but checking on your diabetic cat is very important. Even if left in a room alone during a party, someone still needs to keep a watchful eye for the symptoms that could indicate a diabetic problem, such as:
- Fatigue
- Excess thirst and frequent urination
- A drastic increase or decrease in appetite
- Walking with a wobble
- Appearing disoriented, grumpy, or confused
Contact your veterinarian immediately and report any abnormalities you observe. Since a diabetic can quickly become hypoglycemic and, thus, in a bad place, any change in symptoms must be relayed to a doctor, who can then make the decision about what to do for the patient. You may need to bring the cat in for an emergency visit, even if the party is still in swing, but acting quickly is critical to your pet's short and long-term health.
If you need more help, visit a veterinarian clinic like Johnstown Veterinary Associates in your area before your holiday activities begin.
Share