Diabetes in cats is a condition that affects how their body processes sugar. Just like in humans, feline diabetes occurs when the body either doesn’t produce enough insulin or can’t use it properly. This leads to high and unregulated blood sugar levels, which can cause some serious health risks if left untreated.

Common Signs of Diabetes in Cats

Recognizing the signs of diabetes allows you to know the next steps to take to help your cat. Here are the symptoms you should take note of:

Increased Thirst

One of the most noticeable signs of diabetes in cats is their thirst. Diabetic cats tend to spend more time in their water bowls or even seek out other sources of water to quench their thirst. This occurs because their blood sugar levels are unregulated, making the kidneys work harder causing strain and dehydration.

Frequent Urination

With increased water intake comes more frequent urination. If you’re scooping the litter box more often than usual or noticing larger clumps of urine, this could be a sign of diabetes. This symptom, paired with excessive thirst, is often among the first red flags cat owners observe.

Increased Appetite

Diabetic cats often develop a voracious appetite. Despite eating more than usual, their body isn’t able to properly use the glucose from their food for energy. As a result, your cat may seem constantly hungry but still not gain weight.

Weight Loss

Even with an increased appetite, diabetic cats often lose weight. Since their bodies can’t effectively use glucose for fuel, they start breaking down fat and muscle for energy instead. If your cat seems to be eating well but losing weight, it’s worth checking in with us.

Lethargy and Weakness

Cats with diabetes may appear less energetic and more sluggish than usual. They may sleep more, show less interest in playing, or seem weak when moving around. This is often due to the body’s inability to convert glucose into usable energy.

Unkempt Appearance

Cats are typically fastidious groomers, but diabetic cats may develop a dull, dry coat or appear less groomed overall. Dehydration, stress, and discomfort can make them want to take care of their fur less, leading to an unkempt look.

Vomiting

In more advanced cases, cats with uncontrolled diabetes might vomit, especially if they develop complications like diabetic ketoacidosis. This condition is a huge medical emergency and requires immediate veterinary attention.

Which Cats Are at Risk for Diabetes?

Cat diabetes can develop due to a variety of factors, many of which are avoidable and preventable. Knowing what causes diabetes and its risk factors can help cat owners become more aware. Here are some of the common risk factors of diabetes in cats:

Obesity

Obese cats are at a higher risk of diabetes than other cats. Excess body fat interferes with how the body uses insulin. Obese and overweight cats are more likely to develop diabetes than those at a healthy weight, especially if their diet is high in carbohydrates.

Age

When it comes to age, older cats usually are more vulnerable to diabetes, typically around seven years of age or older. As cats age, their metabolism slows, and the risk of insulin resistance increases. This makes routine vet check-ups even more critical as your cat gets older.

Gender

Male cats, particularly neutered males, have a slightly higher risk of developing diabetes than females. This is thought to be related to hormonal differences that influence insulin sensitivity and fat distribution.

Breed Predisposition

Some cat breeds may be more susceptible to diabetes. Burmese cats, for example, are known to have a higher risk of developing the disease. While no breed is immune, genetics can play a role in predisposing certain cats to diabetes.

Diet and Lifestyle

A diet high in carbohydrates and low in protein can increase a cat’s risk of diabetes. Cats are obligate carnivores and thrive on high-protein, low-carbohydrate diets. Diet plans also contribute to weight gain and can exacerbate the risk of diabetes.

Other Health Conditions

Certain medical conditions, such as chronic pancreatitis, can damage the pancreas, leading to reduced insulin production and increasing the risk of diabetes. Similarly, hormonal disorders like Cushing’s disease can interfere with insulin function.

Diagnosing Diabetes in Cats

If you suspect that your cat has diabetes, a veterinary diagnosis is essential. Diagnosing diabetes in cats involves a variety of physical examinations and other lab tests. Here’s how we diagnose diabetes in cats:

Physical Examination

The process will start with a thorough physical examination. Our vets will review your cat’s medical history and ask about changes in its diet, behavior, or weight. During the checkup, we’ll keep our eyes open for conditions such as dehydration, muscle wasting, or an unkempt coat.

Blood Tests

One of the most critical tools for diagnosing diabetes is a blood test. The vet will measure your cat’s blood glucose levels, as consistently high levels are a hallmark of diabetes. Additionally, a fructosamine test may be used to provide a more comprehensive view of your cat’s average blood sugar levels over the past 7 to 14 days. This helps confirm if your cat has diabetes.

Urinalysis

A urinalysis is another common diagnostic tool. Diabetic cats often have glucose in their urine, which is not typical in healthy cats. The presence of ketones in your cat’s urine can indicate a more severe form of diabetes called diabetic ketoacidosis, which requires urgent treatment.

Treatment for Cat Diabetes

Managing diabetes in cats requires a good approach, including medication, dietary adjustments, and consistent monitoring. With the right care, many cats with diabetes can live happy, healthy lives. Here are the treatment options we have for cat diabetes:

Insulin Therapy

For most diabetic cats, insulin injections are the cornerstone of treatment. These injections help regulate blood glucose levels, replacing the insulin their bodies can’t produce or use effectively. We will determine the correct type and dosage of insulin based on your cat’s needs. While administering injections may seem intimidating at first, many pet owners find it becomes a manageable routine with practice.

Dietary Changes

A low-carbohydrate, high-protein diet is essential for managing diabetes. Cats are obligate carnivores, which means that a protein-based diet will give them more nutrients for their bodies. Specialized diets through specially formulated foods are good options for your cat’s condition. If your cat is overweight, we’ll have to create a detailed diet plan to help it lose weight.

Oral Medications

In some cases, oral medications like glipizide may be prescribed to lower your cat’s blood sugar levels. However, these are typically less effective than insulin and are only used in specific situations, such as when a cat cannot tolerate insulin therapy.

Monitoring Blood Sugar

Monitoring your cat’s blood sugar levels is important for managing the effects of diabetes. This can be done at home using a glucometer or through periodic veterinary visits. Consistent monitoring helps ensure your cat’s blood sugar remains within a safe range.

Weight Management and Exercise

Maintaining a healthy weight is important for diabetic cats. Obesity will worsen the condition, making it harder to control blood sugar levels. Our vets will recommend a light and controlled exercise routine to keep your cat active.

Managing Cats with Diabetes at Home

Taking care of a diabetic cat at home requires consistent monitoring and a supportive environment. With a structured routine from our vets, you can help keep your cat’s blood sugar stable. Here are some key steps for managing cat diabetes at home:

1. Administer Insulin on Schedule

If your cat is currently on insulin therapy, you should given injections every day as prescribed by our vets. Consistency helps maintain stable blood glucose levels. Many pet owners find that mealtime is an ideal time to administer insulin, as it ensures your cat has food in their system to balance blood sugar.

2. Monitor Glucose Levels

Regularly tracking your cat’s blood glucose levels helps ensure their treatment plan is effective. Many pet owners use home glucometers designed for cats, which allow you to check glucose levels with a small blood sample. Keeping a log of these readings can help our vet fine-tune the treatment if needed.

3. Maintain a Balanced Diet

Feed your cats a low-carb diet that is also high in protein. Prescription diets or vet-approved options can help regulate blood sugar. Be consistent with meal times and portion sizes to avoid blood sugar spikes or drops. Avoid giving treats unless they’re specifically formulated for diabetic cats.

4. Watch for Changes in Behavior

Watch for any changes in your cat’s behavior, appetite, and litter box habits. Any changes could be a sign of a need to slightly adjust its treatment plan, which is why it’s important to distinguish any changes in a cat’s behavior.

5. Create a Comfortable Environment

Keep your cat comfortable and happy with a clean and safe home. In addition to this, it will also help to provide easy access to food, water, and its litter box. Soft bedding can make your cat’s living area comfortable and relaxing.

6. Stay in Touch with the Vets

You are not alone in managing your cat’s diabetes. Our vets are always here to provide follow-up checkups and tests so we can make sure your cat’s condition is stable. By having regular checkups, we can adjust the treatment process accordingly.

Conclusion

While a diabetes diagnosis in your cat may feel overwhelming at first, it’s important to remember that this condition is manageable. With early detection, the right treatment plan, and consistent care, many diabetic cats go on to live full, happy lives. With our help, you can help your cats get the care they need and deserve right at our clinic.