Feeding a Diabetic Cat for Urinary Tract Health?

[Frodo Baggins]

My 12 year old barn cat has just been diagnosed with diabetes. I have been feeding him Purina One Urinary Tract Formua dry food. I am worried that he may develop crystals if I take him off of it, but know that I should be feeding him with a low carb wet food now. Anyone else have this dilemma? Suggestions/information much appreciated!

 

[BJM]

Friskies Special Diet should be useful.

 

[Suzanne & Cobb(GA)]

My Cobb had a crystal that had to be surgically removed about 7 years ago. We give him Friskies Special Diet now and have no issues.

 

[Frodo Baggins]

My cat has bad teeth and needs to have what's left of them pulled. I give him a long-lasting steroid injection once a month. Between the teeth and the steroid injection I am thinking that is what has caused his rise in blood sugar. Liver and kidney functions are fine. He also has a heart murmur. Trying to get him healthy before surgery to remove his teeth. I really don't want to get into insulin if I do not have to. I also don't want him to start with a urinary blockage problem as he has never had one. I ha e always given him Purina One Urinary Tract Formula dry food.

 

[BJM]

Dry food can contribute to the potential for renal issues. Wet food will help dilute any mineral buildup that could form crystals or stones.

Does he have stomatitis?

 

[Wendy&Neko]

I have one cat with diabetes and another prone to crystals and I need to feed the same diet to both. Low carb, low phosphorus wet food is recommended. The Friskies Special Diet meets those requirements as do other foods. You need to make sure he's drinking lots or getting lots of water with his food to help flush out crystals. There has been some research that adding glucomsamine, such as in Cosequin, can help strengthen the bladder wall.

Check out http://www.catinfo.org for lots of good information on diet, including for diabetes and urinary health. There is also a food chart posted for most off the shelf foods. Look for something with carb % less than 10 and phosphorus less than 250.

 

[Deb & Wink]

Hello and welcome to the message board. Would you share your first name with us and your cat's name?

You might be interested reading this vets article on Urinary Tract Health.

Why is your kitty getting the once a month steroid injection?

Sometimes, a primary medical condition has to be treated first with the steroids and you work the insulin dose around that steroid use. Usually, a bit more insulin is needed for cats on steroids.

Persistent infection, like the teeth issue you mention, is a cause for elevated BG (blood glucose) readings. Sounds like it might be tough to pull all those teeth with all the other health issues your kitty has.

What grade is his heart murmur? My Wink had a dental about a month ago, and he has a level 1 (lowest grade) heart murmur. You do want closer monitoring, a pre-dental exam and perhaps an echocardiogram before you put your cat under anesthesia. It's also better if you have a dental vet specialist take care of his teeth rather than a general vet as the specialist is better able to monitor what is going on.