Have you had a chance to read our last blog yet? If you have, then you already know a bit about diabetes mellitus in cats and what kind of diet you should feed your cat to prevent it. To recap, our veterinarian in Levittown talked about how a diet high in carbohydrates can lead to insulin resistance in cats. A great option for cats is a diet that is high in protein and contains a moderate amount of fat. The kind of food that you feed your cat is just one thing that you should consider when it comes to preventing diabetes mellitus through diet. The other big factor to consider is the amount of food you give your cat.
How much should you feed your cat?
As we mentioned in our previous blog, obesity is a probably the biggest risk factor when it comes to the development of diabetes mellitus. Even if you feed your cat an ideal diet, feeding your cat too much can still hurt them.
There are many factors to consider when determining how much you should feed your cat. Metabolic rate, exercise, health status and ambient temperature are just a few of the things that you should take into consideration. Luckily, there’s an easier way. When your cat is young, the goal should be to maintain their slim body. Once your cat has reached maturity, weigh them monthly, as this will help you to figure out exactly how much you should be feeding them. If you need help determining just how much you need to feed your cat, don’t hesitate to ask your veterinarian!
Keep in mind that obesity and diet aren’t the only risk factors when it comes to the development of diabetes, but they are incredibly important.