Question:
My elderly, neutered male cat developed late-onset diabetes when he was age 12. The vet tried to treat him with insulin doses, counteracted with syrup, which left him so weak and ill that I decided to treat his diabetes with the high-protein diet the vet prescribed. He ate it, but in the course of a year he lost a lot of weight, his hind legs got so weak that he walked awkwardly on his hind knees and laid down to eat, and he had a lot of dandruff.About four months ago I began giving him the same dechlorinated water we drink in place of tap water, and he has improved markedly. He regained his lost weight and his affectionate disposition, his dandruff is now minimal, and he once again walks mostly on his toes and jumps 24 inches into his favorite chair.Are there any other dietary changes that would help him further?.
J.K.S., Cheverly, Md Nov 14, 2004
Answer:
Diabetes is often associated with other chronic degenerative diseases, so a holistic approach is called for. I am intrigued by your observation that pure drinking water helped your cat, since I have long been concerned about the potential health hazards of chlorinated tap water. Chlorinated water is best for washing dishes and cleaning floors, but not for drinking, because of its high load of potentially toxic chemicals (often from processed sewage water in some locales).Safflower or flaxseed oil (1/2 teaspoon per day with food), plus some raw meat and a multi-mineral/multivitamin supplement (which your veterinarian can prescribe) will help your cat in many ways.Recent studies in humans have shown that 1 gram of cinnamon lowers the insulin dose needed for people with type 2 diabetes. This may help your cat, so mix a pinch of cinnamon in his favorite food and increase the amount to about 1/2 teaspoon per day.
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