Anyone who knows me will agree that I am obsessive compulsive. There's a bit of attention deficient disorder mixed in there too. I *have* to have something to obsess over. What that is varies - sometimes it's a game that I spend every waking moment playing. Sometimes it's a bar or restaurant that I *have* to go to every time I go out for a drink. Sometimes it's a job, and sometimes it's a bit of information.
Since Holly's death I have been obsessed with feline diabetes. I want to quit my job and devote my time to teaching cat owners and vets about feline diabetes. (Only my long list of bills and the need for a roof over my head keeps me from actually quitting my job to do that.) There is a diabetic cat at the shelter that I volunteer for and I made it my personal mission to find him a home. (There are actually 2 diabetics, but the other is also FIV+ so I don't know that I'll be able to find him a home, though I will certainly try.)
So for anyone that cares to read my blog, here is my personal PSA about feline diabetes:
Do you own cats, or care for them? Listen to me very carefully, for what I am about to say might one day save you a lot of money and heartache:
DO NOT FEED CATS DRY FOOD!!!!! EVER!
Cats are carnivores ok? Do you think they feed the lions and tigers at the zoo dry kibble? No, they feed raw meat. The digestive system of a cat is not designed to be able to handle/process grains. What is the primary ingredient of dry cat food? Grains!
A lifetime of eating dry food is a leading cause of diabetes in cats. In a diabetic person the first thing the doctor will tell them is that they need to change their diet. The same is true for a cat! Yet most vets have little to no experience with diabetic cats, and they will prescribe DRY FOOD as the diet! These cats end up on huge doses of insulin, and a shortened life span.
Diabetes is not a death sentence for a cat. Many live very full lives after diagnosis. With proper diet many also go into remission.
If you love your cat, I strongly urge you to visit this website and read all the documentation, especially about diet. http://www.felinediabetes.com
Thank you.
Saturday, June 6, 2009
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