Exercise and Feline Diabetes

The majority of cats diagnosed with feline diabetes are overweight. If your cat has had unregulated diabetes for some time, however, it may be underweight. Controlling the diabetes will help a cat achieve normal weight.

Obesity is the most common nutritional disorder in companion animals. Numerous studies have demonstrated that obesity can have detrimental effects on the health and longevity of dogs and cats. The main therapeutic options for obesity in companion animals include dietary management and increasing physical activity.

You can easily control your cat's calorie intake, but have you thought about exercise, too?

Simply playing with your cat daily will help a great deal. Toys on strings and hand-held lasers are great interactive toys. Also, consider toys that stimulate play on their own. Good for the body and the mind!

The following links are to articles and web sites that will provide more information on exercise and also provide some links to excellent exercise aids.

• Phatcat Toys are designed to make your cat expend energy, are non-repetetive, and will reward them for playing.



• BD, a maker of diabetic supplies, has recently jumped on the pet diabetes awareness band wagon and has a product oriented summary of diet and exercise benefits for your pet.



• BBC One takes a look at the pet obesity epidemic in the UK.



• The American Diabetes Association announced in November 2006 the results of a study indicating exercise helps regulation of diabetes in humans.



• The Journal of Nutrition published a study in July 2006 regarding the growing problem of obesity in dogs and cats.