Just like humans, animals such as cats are also prone to diabetes. Despite that, there’s no need to worry because having diabetes does not mean that your feline friend has a death sentence. A cat having diabetes isn’t really different from a human having diabetes; the disease can be managed and controlled with a combination of the right treatment, lifestyle, and most importantly, diet. So, here are some diet tips for cats with diabetes mellitus.

Set a fixed eating schedule

One of the most important things that need to be done with animals and humans who have diabetes is getting shots of insulin to maintain a controlled amount of blood sugar. But you cannot administer an insulin shot without ensuring that your feline baby has had their meal. Gone are the days of filling your cat’s bowl and letting it eat as and when it pleases. Typically, doctors suggest that you need to feed your cat twice a day, followed by shots of insulin. This will ensure that the blood sugar is being absorbed but also keep them from becoming hypoglycemic.

Move to canned foods

Do you give your cat dry food? If you have been, you may want to stop and shift to canned foods. Why? This is because canned foods are usually high in protein and low in carbohydrates and fats. Dry foods, on the other hand, are made of starch which makes them have high levels of carbohydrates which is an absolute no-no. The veterinarian may suggest that you move to a specially-formulated food.

Work towards maintaining a fixed weight

Cats who are overweight are more likely to have feline diabetes, but at times, cats whose diabetes have gone unnoticed for a long time may actually be underweight. In both situations, the cat needs to have a diet that builds to maintaining a healthy weight. For cats who are obese, a special diabetic diet will help the cat shed some of those extra unhealthy pounds helping the body use its insulin to lower the blood sugar. But remember, that one diet does not work for all and you need to mold one that suits your cat’s needs based on its health, weight, and the severity of diabetes.

Make sure your cat is adjusting to the new diet

Adjusting to a new diet and lifestyle can be difficult for cats because they tend to be fussy. So irrespective of what your new diet is, you need to ensure that your cat is eating. This is the most important diet tip for cats with diabetes mellitus as their insulin and eventual blood sugar is dependent on their eating. If your cat skips a meal, it may also have to skip an insulin dose, which can pose a threat to its health. If your cat is not willing to eat while on the new diet, it’s best to go back to the old diet and try to transition slowly to the new routine.