Diabetes doesn’t just affect humans, cats can be diabetic too. Feline diabetes is comparable to type 2 diabetes. In this case, the body manufactures insulin but is not sensitive enough towards the hormone. Thus, there is a tendency for sugar to build-up in the body and increased thirst and urination are common symptoms of the condition. The good news is that there are a number of diet tips for cats with diabetes mellitus that can make this condition easier to deal with. Here are a few easy-to-follow tips.

• Time meals with insulin doses
  One of the first diet tips for cats with diabetes mellitus is to coordinate your pet’s feeding schedule with insulin doses. This allows your cat to absorb calories when their insulin levels are high and hence helps lower the risk of hypoglycemia. In most cases, cats can be fed twice a day. An insulin dose can be given right after their meals. If your cat does not eat a full meal, reduce the insulin dosage accordingly.
• Do not let your cat graze
  Grazing refers to leaving food out all day for your cat to eat as and when they like. When it comes to treating feline diabetes, consistency is key. Hence, only feed them timed meals. Your cat should ideally eat the same amount of food at each meal and at the same time every day.
• Avoid dry foods
  Canned food is better suited for diabetic cats as compared to dry food. This is because dry food has high levels of starch which makes it rich in carbohydrates. On the other hand, canned food is low in carbs but has high protein levels. Your vet may also suggest switching to a specially formulated cat food. Another reason preference for canned food is often mentioned amongst the diet tips for cats with diabetes mellitus is because it can prevent dehydration.
• Control portion sizes
  Along with the quality of food, you will also need to pay attention to the quantity of food being eaten by your cat. Diabetes can be aggravated by being overweight and hence obese cats should be put on a diet that helps them lose weight. Avoid over-the-counter weight loss cat foods as these foods tend to have very high carbohydrate levels. Instead, monitor their portion sizes to encourage healthy weight loss.
• Limit treats
  One of the common diet tips for cats with diabetes mellitus every vet will mention is to limit the treats your pet receives to 10% of their diet. These treats should be given at the same time every day. If they interfere with the cat’s appetite at mealtimes, stop giving them. Examples of tasty treats for diabetic cats include liver, tuna, salmon, and freeze-dried chicken.

With these diet tips for cats with diabetes mellitus, this condition can become much easier to manage. Changing from a grazing schedule to a fixed mealtime schedule is often the most challenging part of treating this condition but it can be done. Also, always remember to consult your veterinarian before making any changes to your cat’s diet.