feline diabetes

I think my 15 yr old, otherwise healthy cat has feline diabetes.  Anyone recommend anything, she is traumatized by the car ride and vet.  She drinks water constantly has the unstable gait, irritable at night and can't sleep.  Urinates way more then she used to.  I stopped all dry food, now giving hi protein can food.  I want to try benedryl at night so she/we can get some sleep.....anyone have the same issues with thier kitty?

You may have something totally different and giving meds could make it worse.  Look into a house call vet.  You need to see what is really going on and if there is any damage from it.  My cat did end up food controlled after a few weeks insulin shots/eating dry then switching to all wet(friskies pate) so there is alot of hope.
 

From your description, this sounds more like hyperthyroidism than diabetes to me.  And that is something that is apparently quite common in older cats, however, it can be controlled with the proper medication.  I think your girl definitely needs to be seen for a proper diagnoses.  It also could be kidney disease, but all these symptoms really sound like the thyroid.

I think switching from kibble to canned is always a good idea, but in this case, may not be good enough. 

thank you for the great advice, I did give her benedryl  and she rested better.  I will take her in to my vet and get her checked and post my results.

sugarbear said:

I think my 15 yr old, otherwise healthy cat has feline diabetes.  Anyone recommend anything, she is traumatized by the car ride and vet.  She drinks water constantly has the unstable gait, irritable at night and can't sleep.  Urinates way more then she used to.  I stopped all dry food, now giving hi protein can food.  I want to try benedryl at night so she/we can get some sleep.....anyone have the same issues with thier kitty?

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catsallaround said:

You may have something totally different and giving meds could make it worse.  Look into a house call vet.  You need to see what is really going on and if there is any damage from it.  My cat did end up food controlled after a few weeks insulin shots/eating dry then switching to all wet(friskies pate) so there is alot of hope.
 

Click to expand...

sugarbear said:

I think my 15 yr old, otherwise healthy cat has feline diabetes.  Anyone recommend anything, she is traumatized by the car ride and vet.  She drinks water constantly has the unstable gait, irritable at night and can't sleep.  Urinates way more then she used to.  I stopped all dry food, now giving hi protein can food.  I want to try benedryl at night so she/we can get some sleep.....anyone have the same issues with thier kitty?

Click to expand...

catsallaround said:

You may have something totally different and giving meds could make it worse.  Look into a house call vet.  You need to see what is really going on and if there is any damage from it.  My cat did end up food controlled after a few weeks insulin shots/eating dry then switching to all wet(friskies pate) so there is alot of hope.
 

Click to expand...