Has your American Shorthair been recently diagnosed with feline diabetes? If so, talk to your vet about treatment options and long-term care. It is recommended that treatment start as soon as a diagnosis is made in order to best treat your American Shorthair. In some cats if treatment is delayed or is not given, there could be fatal consequences. For instance, a condition called Ketoacidosis could develop. This condition is a metabolic imbalance that occurs with unmanaged or poorly regulated diabetes. Ketoacidosis is caused when fat and protein is broken down due to a need for more metabolic energy. The excessive breakdown of these reserves causes a toxic by-product called ketones. While the ketones continue to build in the blood stream, the pH and electrolyte imbalance continues as well. Symptoms related to Ketoacidosis include loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, weakness, dehydration, and difficulty breathing. Your veterinary clinic Cambridge, MA can give you further details.