Tunnel Vision
I watch my cats constantly because it is entertaining, and it helps me keep an eye out for any changes that happen. In doing this, I have noticed that Kitty’s behavior changes a lot more often than I thought. Those of us with the sugar babies are in the habit of zooming in on certain things like extreme thirst, digestive issues, high glucose, not eating, hiding, etc. This is important, and I, myself, have preached the observation, testing, documenting, and all that on many occasions. This is good for your sugar kitty in general. Unfortunately, if we are dealing with a chronic condition over time, even our own as humans, we have a tendency to get tunnel vision. This comes from a good place: a genuine concern for Kitty’s wellbeing. We research, we read, we ask questions, we get support, and we have this diabetes stuff DOWN. Then, it starts to seem like diabetes is your whole life.
One day Kitty is at the water bowl drinking away because she is thirsty. Our minds immediately jump to high blood sugar. However, if we watch overall and see the whole picture, we would have known that Kitty just spent an hour chasing one of her catnip mice around the entire house. In that case, she was just thirsty from exercise. The simple fact that Kitty was going crazy playing is a good sign in and of itself.
Kitty’s behavior may change a lot even in a very short period of time. My younger kitties are learning how to pick on the older kitties, and the older kitties are smacking them down. The younger kitties are learning creativity and teamwork to outsmart the older ones. These are very entertaining and interesting changes we should watch and appreciate. My tiny kitty has finally just outgrown the Chihuahua, so she smacks him for fun. No claws – just because she can, and he backs away every time. I think if he stood up to her, it might be okay, but the poor dog is surrounded by what he sees as big cats. I wouldn’t tangle with a cheetah, so he gets a pass on that one.
To avoid this tunnel vision, you have to take mental breaks for yourself. I don’t care if it is reading, playing solitaire on your phone, or taking a daily walk. You aren’t required to smother Kitty with your attentions and, of course, your worry. The more stressed you are, the more you are going to freak out and examine them. This will cause Kitty stress, and she can have higher blood glucose levels. As well, if you had someone hovering over you all the time, how cooperative would YOU be before mealtime with needles and other un-pleasantries involved? You wouldn’t. Our only option is to watch within the parameters of Kitty’s normal routine. That might mean monitoring her water intake over a full day or a few days if there are any doubts. We worry if Kitty doesn’t seem to be as enthusiastic about their food. My cats like variety. Too many days of turkey gourmet in a week, and they will all start snubbing the food. If Kitty has had a fine appetite for the most part, it is possible they are bored with the selection. If you had to do an extra poke to test, you may have given them an extra treat, or they simply are not that hungry. Yes, you should keep an eye on them. They may revisit the food. You may have to try something else, but these things in a previously stable kitty should be watched but not obsessed over. We love our fur babies, but we want to avoid jumping to conclusions out of fear, worry, and our own stress over Kitty’s health condition(s). Unless Kitty is in distress, we need to take a step back and consider if this is caused by something reasonable, is just an off day, or if there is a pattern of changes that would be reason for concern.
I am guilty of this even with my own health. I have had migraines for years. I can get them stabilized for a time, but if I have one bad migraine, it does not mean that I have moved back into daily migraine status (even though I am always terrified that will happen). It just means one of those evil monsters snuck through. If the headaches become frequent or get worse, then I need to call my neurologist for help. I often have to take that step back and realize it’s one headache, and while it is painful and terrible, so far it is only one. We have to look at diabetic symptoms the same way once Kitty is under control.
If Kitty is in sudden distress, in pain, bleeding, injured, or showing signs of other new unknown symptoms, then it is time to call the vet or get to the local animal hospital as soon as possible. These are major changes that require immediate attention. Their chronic illness is their diabetes. A high or a low here and there, provided they are not extreme, is normal. A lot of factors can raise blood glucose in Kitty, and sometimes the body is not going to go along with your plans. It happens, and it is not usually reason for concern unless there is a major change or a pattern of changes. We need to be conscious of watching Kitty’s behavior overall. If they are thirsty because they are playing, that is awesome. If they are constantly at the water bowl without the extra activity, then it is time to evaluate for other symptoms. Besides, we should give Kitty the same mental break we should be taking for ourselves. Let them play and do their own thing. Behavioral changes in activity will affect appetite, blood glucose, insulin needs, etc. A Kitty that is more active is stabilizing, which should be celebrated. Don’t just watch for the diabetes warnings. Watch the play, the snuggling, and all the other wonderful things Kitty does to enrich our lives.
As always, Feline Diabetes Support Group on FB is always available for support for questions, venting, and all things sugar Kitty with details and help for the concerned fur parent.