Why Cats Purr: Healing, Comfort, Stress Relief & Attention

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  1. Introduction Cats aren’t just purring because they’re happy. According to National Geographic, purring can signal a range of emotions and needs, from comfort to distress, and even an attempt to seek attention. Purring is a complex, multi-purpose behavior. 2. How Cats Create the Purr Your cat’s familiar rumble comes from rapid movement of their laryngeal muscles and vocal folds during both inhalation and exhalation. Airflow through the glottis vibrates these tissues in a neural rhythm, possibly controlled by a “purr‑oscillator” in the brain. Half‑big cats and some viverrids (like genets) can produce similar sounds, but not all big cats, such as lions or tigers, purr in this manner due to differences in throat anatomy. 3. Why Cats Purr 🔹 a) Contentment & Bonding Most commonly, cats purr when relaxed, like while being petted, cuddling, or kneading. From their earliest days, kittens purr to communicate with their mother, creating a sense of security and bonding. 🔹 b) He...
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Diabetes in Cats: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment & Prevention

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Introduction

Feline diabetes mellitus is a complex metabolic disorder characterized by inadequate insulin production or ineffective response to insulin, which leads to elevated blood glucose levels.

Symptoms

Common signs that may indicate your cat has diabetes include:

  • Excessive drinking and urinating (polydipsia and polyuria)

  • Noticeable weight loss despite increased appetite

  • Persistent hunger (polyphagia)

  • Lethargy or general fatigue

  • Muscle weakness or altered gait in advanced stages

Causes & Risk Factors

The most common form is similar to type 2 diabetes in humans: insulin resistance. Key risk factors include:

  • Obesity and excessive fat accumulation

  • Advanced age, especially cats older than 10 years

  • Genetics and breed predisposition

  • Lack of physical activity and poor diet choices

Diagnosis 

Veterinarians confirm diabetes through:

  • Fasting blood glucose tests

  • Fructosamine levels to assess longer-term glucose control

  • Urinalysis for glucose or ketones
    Note: Stress can elevate glucose, so tests like fructosamine may provide more accurate insights.

Treatment

Standard of Care:

  • Insulin therapy: Typically long-acting insulin like glargine administered twice daily.

  • Dietary management: Low-carbohydrate, high-protein diet to support weight control and reduce blood sugar levels.

Monitoring:

  • Regular home glucose monitoring helps adjust insulin dosage over time, especially in newly diagnosed cats to maximize chances of remission.




Prevention & Long-Term Management 

  • Maintain healthy body weight through measured feeding and regular exercise.

  • Schedule routine veterinary check-ups and blood tests, especially for older cats.

  • Watch for early signs—such as increased thirst, urination, or appetite—and seek veterinary advice promptly.

Detailed Guide to Living with a Diabetic Cat



How to Care for a Cat with Diabetes at Home

Managing a diabetic cat isn’t just about giving insulin—it’s about building a daily routine that supports their long-term health. Here's what you can do:

Create a Consistent Routine

  • Feed your cat at the same time every day, ideally just before administering insulin.

  • Stick to a regular schedule for insulin injections to prevent glucose fluctuations.

 Monitor Blood Glucose at Home

  • Use a glucose meter for pets (like AlphaTRAK) to track blood sugar.

  • Record levels in a diary or app, so your vet can adjust doses when needed.

Choose the Right Food

  • Wet food with high protein and low carbohydrate content is ideal.

  • Avoid dry kibble unless it's a prescription diabetic formula.

  • Popular diabetic-friendly brands include Hill’s m/d, Purina DM, and Royal Canin Diabetic.

Encourage Gentle Activity

  • Indoor cats are often sedentary. Use interactive toys or short play sessions to help maintain a healthy weight.

Know the Signs of a Problem

Keep an eye out for:

  • Sudden weakness or wobbling (possible low blood sugar)

  • Vomiting or refusal to eat

  • Excessive sleeping or hiding

If you notice any of these signs, consult your vet immediately.

Can Diabetes in Cats Be Cured?

While there is no permanent cure, many cats experience remission, especially when diagnosed early and managed carefully.

 What is Diabetic Remission?

Remission means your cat no longer needs insulin, although they still need a diabetic-friendly diet and close monitoring.

Factors that increase remission chances:

  • Early treatment (within the first 6 months)

  • Strict low-carb diet

  • Twice-daily insulin (especially glargine or protamine zinc insulin)

  • No other underlying illnesses

New Advances in Feline Diabetes Treatment

Oral Diabetes Medication: Bexacat

A new FDA-approved oral pill for newly diagnosed cats called Bexacat (bexagliflozin) is now available in the U.S.

  • It helps control blood sugar without injections.

  • Best for cats that haven’t started insulin therapy yet.

  • Not suitable for very sick or underweight cats.

This innovation may ease the burden for pet owners who struggle with daily injections.

Emotional Support for Cat Owners

Caring for a diabetic cat can feel overwhelming at first—but with the right tools and support, it becomes manageable.

Here are some tips:

  • Join support groups or online forums (like Diabetic Cat Help on Facebook).

  • Work closely with a trusted vet who understands your cat’s individual needs.

  • Celebrate small wins—like stable blood sugar levels or improved energy.

Remember: your love and consistency can make a huge difference in your cat’s quality of life. Many diabetic cats live long, happy lives.

Final Checklist: Caring for a Diabetic Cat

TaskFrequencyNotes
Insulin Injection2× per daySame time each day
Meal Feeding2× per dayCoordinate with insulin
Blood Glucose MonitoringDaily or as recommendedUse pet-specific meter
Vet VisitEvery 1–3 monthsFor fructosamine test & dosage adjustment
Weight MonitoringWeeklyHelps track progress
Watch for SymptomsDailyLook for weakness, lethargy, vomiting

Conclusion

Diabetes in cats is serious, but it's not a death sentence. With early detection, regular care, a proper diet, and close monitoring, your cat can continue to live a comfortable and fulfilling life.

Don’t wait for symptoms to get worse. If you notice excessive drinking or weight loss, consult your vet immediately.

Share Your Experience ❤️❤️

Have you cared for a diabetic cat? Share your story or tips in the comments—your experience could help other cat lovers like you!


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