what to feed cat with low blood sugar

The 11 Best Cat Foods for Diabetic Cats

• JustCats Fish & Chicken. ...
• NomNomNow Fresh Food Delivery. ...
• Tiki Cat Puka Luau Succulent Chicken in Chicken Consomme Grain-Free Canned Food. ...
• Taste of the Wild Canyon River Grain-Free Canned Cat Food. ...
• Nulo Freestyle Minced Turkey & Duck in Gravy Grain-Free Canned Cat Food. ...
• I and Love and You Super Food Surf n’ Chick Grain-Free Dry Food. ...

More items...

Full Answer

What is the best cat food for diabetic cats?

For the most part, the best cat food for diabetic cats is canned food – at least when you’re talking about commercial cat food. Commercial canned cat food tends to be higher in protein, lower in carbohydrates, and higher in moisture than dry cat food which makes it ideal for cats with diabetes.

Is a low carb cat food diet good for my Cat?

Some cats lose the need for insulin therapy over time, but it is still a good idea to keep the cat on a low carb cat food diet to ensure stable blood sugar levels. The fact that your cat has diabetes doesn’t change his basic nutritional requirements. Cats are obligate carnivores, so they have an evolutionary need for protein in their diets.

How is low blood sugar treated in cats?

Treatment of low blood sugar in cats ultimately begins with identifying the underlying cause, as hypoglycemia is a symptom and not a disease. Low blood sugar can be the result of diabetes, a pancreatic tumor, a disease of the adrenal gland, a blood infection, or a result of toxicity.

What can I give my Cat for hypoglycemia?

You need to get your cat to a veterinarian as soon as possible, but in the meantime, administration of corn syrup or honey to the tongue and gums may help in the short term. How much honey should a hypoglycemic cat have?

How do you stabilize blood sugar in cats?

They eat a special low carbohydrate diet to reduce the amount of glucose in the body. Even so, most cats require insulin injections twice daily to keep blood glucose in check.

What happens when a cats blood sugar gets too low?

Hypoglycemia in Cats. The blood sugar, or glucose, is a main energy of source in an animal's body, so a low amount will result in a severe decrease in energy levels, possibly to the point of loss of consciousness.

Can a cat survive hypoglycemia?

If not treated, hypoglycemia can be fatal to your cat. Giving too much insulin. Missing or delaying food. Change in diet or amount fed.

Can I give my cat honey for low blood sugar?

If your pet is showing signs of hypoglycemia and is able to eat, feed him a meal. If he is not alert, hand-feed him corn syrup or honey until he is alert enough to eat his normal food. At that time, feed a meal of his normal food. If your pet is unconscious, rub a tablespoon of corn syrup or honey on his gums.

Can I give my cat sugar water?

Sugar water can help cats with anxiety. The sugar in the solution helps provide a source of quick energy and makes them feel more secure when they feel anxious or nervous. Sugar water is not a necessary alternative to food. It should only be given if the cat is not eating or drinking enough or has had stomach problems.

Can I give glucose to my cat?

Yes if the blood sugar is low but more often people tend to give a small amount of karo syrup instead. Place some on your finger and rub it on the gums if they don't swallow it and it will absorb in.

How can I treat my cats low blood sugar at home?

Emergency Treatment of HypoglycemiaImmediate oral administration of glucose solution or corn syrup (1 g per kg body weight). An alert animal may be fed a small amount of food. ... Intravenous dextrose solution can be administered to effect in severe cases or if oral therapy has been ineffective.

What does hypoglycemia look like in a cat?

If your pet is hypoglycemic, you may notice the following symptoms: Extreme lethargy. Muscle twitches. Loss of appetite.

How much Karo syrup do you give a diabetic cat?

Should this occur, give 1 – 2 teaspoons of Karo Syrup, maple syrup or honey to your cat. If you suspect your cat is becoming hypoglycemic, immediately contact our office. You should offer your cat some food or treats until he or she can be brought in to see the veterinarian.

How much honey do you give a hypoglycemic cat?

How much honey should a hypoglycemic cat have? You should give around one to two teaspoonfuls, applied to the gums and tongue, but you also need to get your cat to your local emergency veterinarian as soon as you can.

Can I give my cat Karo syrup?

There are several types of syrup, including: Non-toxic to cats: Maple Syrup. Karo Syrup.

How do I know if my diabetic cat is dying?

A healthy cat's temperature should be between 37-38 degrees Celsius. One of the signs your cat is dying is when they have lower body temperature. As the heart weakens, other body organs start to shut down, and the body temperature drops below 37. Use an ear or a digital rectal thermometer to check their temperature.

What is dangerously low blood sugar?

Treating Severely Low Blood Sugar Blood sugar below 55 mg/dL is considered severely low. You won't be able to treat it using the 15-15 rule. You also may not be able to check your own blood sugar or treat it by yourself, depending on your symptoms.

When should a diabetic cat be euthanized?

You should only consider putting down a cat if they're resistant to the treatment, which usually includes regular blood tests, insulin injections, and a specific diet, or if the quality of your pet's life is poor.

How can I tell if my cat is hypoglycemic?

If your pet is hypoglycemic, you may notice the following symptoms:Extreme lethargy.Muscle twitches.Loss of appetite.Trembling.Lack of coordination.Unusual behavior.Blindness.Unconsciousness.

What are the symptoms of too much insulin in cats?

"If a cat receives too much insulin, it is possible for the blood sugar level to drop dangerously low." Clinical signs displayed by a cat with a very low blood sugar level include weakness and lethargy, shaking, unsteadiness and even convulsions.

What can cause hypoglycemia in cats?

The most common cause is excessive administration of insulin injection by owners of diabetic cats, and neonatal hypoglycemia (in young kittens) is...

What are the symptoms of too much insulin in cats?

The main sign of too much insulin in cats is hypoglycemia, where the signs seen are listed above, including sleepiness, dullness, weakness, stagger...

How can I raise my cat's blood sugar?

You need to get your cat to a veterinarian as soon as possible, but in the meantime, administration of corn syrup or honey to the tongue and gums m...

How much honey should a hypoglycemic cat have?

You should give around one to two teaspoonfuls, applied to the gums and tongue, but you also need to get your cat to your local emergency veterinar...

How does glucose affect blood sugar?

As the meal is digested, the food glucose is absorbed by the blood. The rise in plasma glucose triggers the beta cells in the pancreas and insulin is secreted to keep a balanced blood sugar level. An interference of the production, balance, or distribution of this process can result in hypoglycemia including:

What hormones are released when cats eat?

The hormone, insulin, is a chemical messenger that is responsible for regulating the body’s blood glucose levels. The pancreas manufactures these metabolizing hormones and releases them when a cat eats a meal. As the meal is digested, the food glucose is absorbed by the blood.

What is low blood sugar?

Low blood sugar, also known as hypoglycemia, is commonly caused by diabetes, but can also be the result of other health conditions affecting the body’s blood glucose (blood sugar) regulators. Protect yourself and your pet. Compare top pet insurance plans.

Why is my cat not eating?

Cats can go into remission from diabetes, especially if it was originally caused by obesity or pancreatitis. Her stopping eating is a concern, especially as it had resulted in low blood sugar. There are many possibilities here including pancreatitis, hepatitis, fatty liver, an infection dental disease etc. To determine why a cat is not eating she does need to be seen by a vet who may well need to run some tests such as blood tests and an abdominal scan. If you have financial concerns, do let them know so they can work with you. She may well need medicine such as fluids, anti nausea medicine and an appetite stimulant.

Why does my cat need glucose?

The body needs glucose to maintain its energy levels, which are necessary for the body’s organs, cells and various symptoms to carry out their daily functions. If a cat’s blood sugar levels drop, most cells can absorb fatty acids from the reserve located in the liver. However, the brain is a unique organ that cannot take glucose from anywhere else ...

What happens when blood sugar levels drop in kittens?

Therefore, when blood sugar levels drop, the brain quickly loses vital fuel and can no longer function at full capacity, result ing in weakness, sleepiness, disorientation as well as coma. Low blood sugar in cats is a life-threatening condition, especially to juvenile kittens, so immediate professional care by a licensed veterinarian is vital.

What is Addison's disease?

Addison’s Disease: A condition of the adrenal glands. The adrenal glands produce the cortisol hormone that balances the effects of insulin. Glycogen storage disease: A condition that prevents the muscles and liver from properly synthesizing stored glycogen. A rare disease seen primarily in Norwegian Forest Cats.

What are the ingredients in a cat food?

First 5 Ingredients: Chicken Broth, Tuna, Chicken, Sunflower Seed Oil, Tricalcium Phosphate. With an ingredient list centering around meat and under 2% carbohydrate content on a dry matter basis, this food skips the starch and delivers all the protein your cat needs.

Why is it important to feed diabetic cats?

Because most diabetic cats are overweight, it’s important to choose pet food that will encourage gradual weight loss. Compared to calorie-dense kibble, moisture-rich foods are more satiating and will help your cat feel more satisfied between meals.

What to look for in prescription food?

Look for low carbohydrate levels, a healthy amount of moisture, and plenty of animal protein. If you find those qualities in a prescription food, that’s great. Most prescription foods, however, have excessive carbohydrates and mediocre ingredients, not to mention high prices.

What is the rarest type of diabetes in cats?

Extremely rare among cats, type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder that destroys the patient’s ability to produce insulin. Again, only a tiny percentage of cats with diabetes have type 1. Instead, nearly all diabetic cats exhibit the metabolic patterns of type 2 diabetes.

How many carbs are in dry food?

Dry food from the same brand might be 44% carbohydrate matter. Both are marketed as complete and balanced foods, yet the dry formula may contain as much as fifteen times more carbohydrates. If protein were the nutrient in question, you wouldn’t see that significant a discrepancy from one food to another.

How long after changing cat's diet can you take insulin?

This means that after changing your cat’s diet, you don’t need to wait weeks or even days before reducing the insulin dosage. In fact, if you fail to reduce your cat’s insulin dosage according to his changing requirements, his blood sugar could dip dangerously low, leading to permanent brain damage or death.

Why does my cat have high blood sugar?

When insulin isn’t properly utilized in the body, glucose remains in the bloodstream instead of being converted into energy – this causes high blood sugar. High blood sugar levels affect your cat in several ways, causing lethargy, weakness, excessive urination, and an unwell feeling.

Why do cats have hypoglycemia?

There may be several causes for hypoglycemia, but the most common is the side effects caused by drugs that are being used to treat diabetes. Cats with diabetes are given insulin to help control the condition, but an overdose of insulin, or higher does of insulin given when blood glucose levels are higher than normal can cause the body to process too much glucose, bringing the levels of glucose in the blood to levels that are too low for the body's needs. This is when a state of hypoglycemia may occur, and if it is not treated quickly, the brain may be damaged irreparably, leading to death.

What happens if a cat's blood sugar is low?

Hypoglycemia in Cats. The blood sugar, or glucose, is a main energy of source in an animal's body, so a low amount will result in a severe decrease in energy levels, possibly to the point of loss of consciousness. The medical term for critically low levels of sugar in the blood is hypoglycemia, and it is often linked to diabetes and an overdose ...

How to treat hypoglycemia?

The initial treatment for hypoglycemia would largely depend on the symptoms. Some of the early symptoms can be treated by consuming glucose or sugar in any form. However, for serious symptoms that impair the ability to take sugar through the mouth, you will need to inject glucagons or give intravenous glucose.

How to control hypoglycemia in cats?

Living and Management. Diet and management are the only way to control hypoglycemia and prevent recurrences. Prevention, and being prepared should the condition arise, are the best steps you can take in maintaining your cat's health status.

What to do if your cat's glucose levels drop?

According to the underlying conditions that are found to be causing your cat's blood glucose levels to drop, the treatments could include medications or tumor treatment. Your doctor will only know which treatment plan to pursue once the laboratory tests have returned and have been analyzed.

Why does the brain need glucose?

The brain actually needs a steady supply of glucose in order to function properly, as it does not store and create glucose itself. When glucose levels drop to a dangerously low level, a condition of hypoglycemia takes place. This is a dangerous health condition and needs to be treated quickly and appropriately.

Can hypoglycemia cause heart palpitations?

Heart palpitations. These symptoms may not be specific to hypoglycemia, there can be other possible underlying medical causes. The best way to determine hypoglycemia if by having the blood sugar level measured while the symptoms are apparent.

What is the best treatment for hypoglycemia in cats?

For cats with more complex causes of hypoglycemia (such as insulinomas), more complex treatments may be needed, including the hormone glucagon. Hypoglycemic episodes are more likely to be recurrent, needing a different approach to other one-off situations.

What does it mean when a cat's blood glucose is low?

Hypoglycemia is a medical emergency that is seen when a cat’s blood glucose falls below the normal level , causing the cat to become sleepy, dull, and staggering, as well as other signs. Emergency treatment is needed to deal with this, so it’s important to make contact with your veterinarian immediately if your cat shows these signs.

How much dextrose should I use for hypoglycemia?

After this, a continuous rate infusion (CRI) may be given using 2.5-5% dextrose until the precise cause of hypoglycemia is identified and treated. In most cases, the signs of hypoglycemia begin to resolve almost immediately after the intravenous injection is given.

Why is my cat hypoglycemic?

Hypoglycemia is seen in cats who are unable to regulate blood glucose due to certain conditions or, in the case of diabetic cats, too much injectable insulin. This is an uncommon problem, only seen in certain, specific conditions.

How do you know if your glucose is low?

More commonly, signs include weakness, disorientation, ataxia, blindness, dullness or sleepiness, inappetence, vomiting, tachypnea (rapid breathing), bradycardia (slow heart rate). In severe cases, collapse and loss of consciousness, and even death, may follow.

What happens when a cat eats?

When a cat eats, as the carbohydrate from the food is absorbed into the bloodstream, the blood glucose starts to rise. As the body detects this, the beta cells of the pancreas start to produce more of a hormone called insulin, which lowers the blood glucose back to normal.

What happens when blood glucose levels are too low?

too much insulin, or low levels of glucagon, adrenaline/epinephrine, cortisol, or growth hormone), then the blood glucose can fall too low, resulting in hypoglycemia.

How to help a diabetic cat with diabetes?

1. Feed your cat wet food to increase their protein intake. High protein is an important dietary factor for cats with diabetes. Look for food that contains high quality protein sources like chicken, fish, or beef. Canned food can be fed to increase your cat’s protein intake and decrease their carbohydrate intake.

How to check blood sugar in cats?

1. Check your cat’s blood sugar regularly. Diabetic cats should have their blood sugar levels checked regularly to ensure they are not experiencing low blood sugar or other issues. Ask your vet to recommend a blood sugar level monitor that you can use on your cat.

How to tell if a cat is over ideal?

Determine your cat’s body condition score. A body condition score tells you whether your cat’s size and weight are under ideal, ideal, or over ideal. Look at your cat from the side and from the top to determine its score. If your cat is over or under ideal, speak with your veterinarian about adjusting their diet.

What to do if your cat doesn't like food?

If your cat does not seem interested in its food, you may need to revert back to its old diet for a little while to get it to eat again and transition it to the new food more slowly. Do not let your cat eat people food or table scraps, as this can negatively affect its condition.

How to give insulin to a cat?

Give your cat insulin before feeding it. Always give your cat its insulin first, followed by a meal. Doing this will ensure the insulin is absorbed properly and do not have low blood sugar. Get in the habit of giving your cat insulin right before its scheduled feeding time.

How often should diabetic cats eat?

It is very important that a diabetic cat have a strict and regular feeding schedule. Feed your cat twice a day at the same times. If your cat usually likes to graze or snack throughout the day, try to get it to eat at set times instead.

How to help a cat that won't eat wet food?

Talk to your veterinarian before switching your cat’s food. Be sure your cat has access to fresh, clean water at all times.

What is diabetes management for cats?

Diabetes management is a delicate balance between diet and insulin levels. Changing one almost invariably necessitates a change in the other to keep cats safe from potentially fatal fluctuations in their blood sugar levels.

What foods should diabetic cats eat?

Good options like freeze-dried chicken, beef, salmon, tuna, and liver are high in protein and low in carbohydrates, just like the foods recommended for diabetic cats.

What happens if a cat doesn't eat a full meal?

That way, if a cat does not eat a full meal, the amount of insulin can be reduced. Your veterinarian will put together a detailed plan regarding when and how to adjust insulin dosages. If in doubt, do not give your cat any insulin and call your veterinarian for advice.

Why is insulin important for cats?

Insulin allows sugar to enter cells where it is used to fuel biological processes or converted into other substances and stored for later use. When cats have Type 2 diabetes, their cells no longer adequately respond to insulin leading to chronically high blood sugar levels.

Why does my cat have diabetes?

One of the most important factors that leads to diabetes in cats is obesity. Fat cells produce hormones that make the body less responsive to insulin. The more fat that is present, the more of these hormones that are produced.

Is canned cat food good for diabetic cats?

Thankfully, many canned cat foods are both tasty and appropriate for diabetics, so finding one that your cat likes shouldn’t be too difficult.

Do diabetic cats need a prescription diet?

Some canned foods, on the other hand, contain no carbohydrates at all. Over-the-counter versus prescription: Many over-the-counter, canned foods have the low carbohydrate/high-protein profile that is appropriate for diabetic cats, so a prescription diet is usually not necessary.

Handling A Diabetes Emergency

Emergencies can happen at any time, so it's best to be prepared and know what to do if an emergency occurs. Talking with your veterinarian is a crucial part of being informed and prepared to handle emergencies. Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) The most common side effect experienced with insulin therapy is hypoglycemia.

Preventing And Handling Diabetic Emergencies

Caring for a pet with diabetes can be daunting. Fortunately, the key to successful diabetes management is simple: a consistent, established daily routine. A healthy diet is essential, and feeding your pet the same amount of food at the same time every day will help make blood sugar easiest to control.

Hypoglycemia (low Blood Sugar) In Cats

What is hypoglycemia? Hypoglycemia is a life-threatening condition in which the blood sugar levels drop dangerously low. The pancreatic beta cells produce the hormone insulin which helps to move glucose from food into the cells (for energy). It is not a disease in itself, but it is a symptom of an underlying disorder.

Pets With Diabetes: Hypoglycemia

Signs Treatment Asymptomatic Hypo Be Prepared (how to carry a sugar supply) Exercise and hypo. Nigel Goes Hypo Hypo Humor References The most serious side effect of too much insulin is hypoglycemia, or low blood glucose. Hypoglycemia can be a life-threatening, even fatal condition.

Diabetic Alert Cat? - Type 1 And Lada - Tudiabetes Forum

Even though Im a dog person, I somehow managed to inherent a cat who decided I was his person in college. I inherited this cat before my diabetes diagnoses at 20. About six months after diagnosis, Billy started waking me up when I was having low blood sugars in the middle of the night. He never tried to wake me in the night before this.

Hypoglycemia In Cats

Hypoglycemia most commonly occurs in cats with diabetes. This is because a diabetic cat requires a diligent, daily routine of timed feedings, injections and moderate exercise. Any upset to the routine or misapplication of insulin can lead to the cat going into a hypoglycemic state.

Diabetes Mellitus In Cats - Overview

By Ernest Ward, DVM & Robin Downing, DVM, DAAPM, DACVSMR, CVPP Emergency Situations, Medical Conditions What is diabetes mellitus? Diabetes mellitus is a disease of the pancreas, a small organ located near the stomach. The pancreas has two different types of cells that have very different functions.

What Is Hypoglycemia in Cats?

As previously stated, hypoglycemia is often a symptom of a greater underlying health issue. The most common reasons cats exhibit signs of hypoglycemia are feline liver disease, hyper or hypoactive thyroids, or feline diabetes.

Causes of Cat Hypoglycemia

In most cases, cats fall victim to low blood sugar due to increased levels of insulin in the blood. The increase of insulin in the blood starves the body of necessary sugars, which the brain needs to function correctly.

Hypoglycemia in Cats Symptoms

The following symptoms are the most common outward signs that a cat may be experiencing a hypoglycemic episode:

Treatment of Hypoglycemia in Cats

For the most part, hypoglycemia in cats is treatable and is most often tied to feline diabetes. While feline diabetes is serious, it is an illness that is not typically referred to as severe. With daily treatment and monitoring of insulin levels, cats with feline diabetes can lead very healthy lives.

Wrapping Up

Sometimes hypoglycemia is the result of something as simple as too much exercise, or not eating enough. In some rare cases, cats have been known to exhibit signs of hypoglycemia when they go into diabetic remission. As cats go into diabetic remission, their body can produce its own insulin at the correct levels.

How to help a cat with low blood sugar?

Give about one tablespoon. The effect of the syrup does not last long, but it works quickly to reverse a low blood glucose. Follow up with a regular feeding to stabilize the cat's blood glucose. If your cat won't eat, you can rub the syrup on his gums as it will be absorbed. Have him examined by your vet to determine the cause and to try to regulate his diabetes better.

What are the signs of hypoglycemia in cats?

What are the signs of hypoglycemia or low blood sugar in a cat and what should I do if this occurs. Twitching, drooling, lack of balance, seizures. If you see any of these symptoms you should put some honey or very sweet water on gums and contact your vet immediately. 1 Person found this answer helpful.

Symptoms

See more on petmd.com

Causes

Diagnosis

Treatment

Living and Management