Hi, I'm so sorry to read about your cat Ruben. We become so attached to our pets, and it's so difficult to lose them from our lives. I wish to have seen your post 6 days ago, but maybe I would have not changed your mind anyway. I realize he is already gone. I want to share with you some information for other pets you may have and for all who replied to you. Of course, I don't know what his health condition was prior to diabetes or anything else.
The number one cause of diabetes in cats is obesity, and the number one cause of obesity is the type and quantity of food. (just like in humans). The number one type of pet food that causes problems in many dogs and cats is dry food (kibble). It does not cause problems in all cats and dogs, there are exceptions to everything, but there is a strong direct link. Dry food was created for people, it's convenient and it's cheap, and has a looooonnnnngggg shelf life. But the risks it comes with in our pet's health is very high. It's so far from their natural diet. Cats especially are carnivores. Meat (muscle tissue) contains a high level of moisture. Dry food does not. Drinking more water to make up the moisture loss messes wtih cats' chemical balance and strains their kidneys -- also leading to kidney problems and urinary tract infections (crystals). Their bodies pull water from their own muscle tissue to digest the dry food. Dry food also contributes to tooth decay -- it really does not "brush" their teeth.
I wrote a free e-book about some of the risks of dry food, if anyone would like to get a copy, it's at my website: www.catsgonehealthy.com
For treating diabetes in cats or dogs, homeopathy works wonderfully, and usually works quickly. There is a company in Australia, Holistic Animal Medicines that has formulas for every type of poor health condition for all pets. There are also single remedies you can purchase from a local health food store that can bring a cat back from the brink of death. I've used it myself many times on rescues that were very sickly and on my own cats. If anyone is interested, post on here and I'll let you know what they are. There are lots of natural pet stores on-line too selling herb formulas, etc., and they all come with testimonials. Most reviews are positive -- the product worked. Veterinary medicine just does not have a good history of healing an illness, rather it is a temporary bandaid. After doing 5 years of cat rescue and volunteering at an animal sanctuary, I can say with confidence that as long as a cat is still eating, he/she is not ready to go yet. They just need a little help, with their diet, conventional medicine or natural medicines. The latter being less toxic, with no dangerous side effects, and comes with the benefit of giving the body an opportunity to heal itself. Kimberly
