Feline diabetes can cause weak legs in cats

Feline diabetes can cause weak legs in cats

Diabetes in cats can come as a surprise to many pet owners.  Often the first symptom of feline diabetes is seeing your cat walking on her “elbows” on her back legs, or on her “wrists” on her front legs.  She may tire easily, and need to rest often, even after a short walk.  And her feet may go out from underneath her with no warning.

This condition is called “feline neuropathy.”

What Does Feline Diabetes Have To Do With Your Cat’s Legs?

High blood glucose levels can cause nerve damage, both in human diabetics, and in feline diabetics.  If your kitty is already showing signs of feline neuropathy, she needs to see the vet as soon as possible to prevent any further damage to her body.

Neuropathy in Cats With Diabetes

You probably already know that when the body is unable to regulate the blood sugar levels, the result is diabetes.  In type 1 diabetes, the pancreas isn’t producing enough insulin.  In type 2 diabetes, which is most common in cats, the body can’t use the insulin that’s being produced.

In either case, the result is the same:  dangerously high blood sugar levels.

And why are high levels of glucose in the blood a bad situation?  Nerve, kidney and eye cells don’t need insulin in order to absorb glucose from the bloodstream.  They just keep on absorbing sugar, with nothing to stop them.  When the sugar levels in these cells get too high, it damages them so that they can’t work properly.

Is It Possible To Reverse Feline Neuropathy?

If the situation is caught in time, and your cat’s blood sugar levels are normalized, your kitty’s legs may return to normal.  But if it’s gone on too long, the muscles in your cats legs may waste away somewhat.  Gently exercising your feline’s legs may help.

Some owners have been able to reverse the muscle wasting by giving their pets methyl B-12.  This is short for methylcobalamin.  You may want to try giving your cat three to five mg per day.

Can Natural Remedies For Cats Help A Feline Diabetic?

Many cat owners are successfully controlling their pet’s blood sugar levels with a combination of diet, exercise, and natural remedies for cats.  Fenugreek, astragalus, and goat’s rue are herbs that have been shown to control blood sugar levels.  Chromium is a trace mineral that is also showing promise for diabetics.

Always talk to your vet before using any natural remedies for cats.  Most vets are very open to natural pet remedies, and are willing to give them a try.


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