Diabetes in cats

Diabetes can develop in your cat at any age. There are a range of associated risk factors, including living a sedentary lifestyle, having other health issues and being overweight or obese. Older cats and male cats are also more likely to develop diabetes, as well as certain breeds like Burmese cats.

According to the Cornell Feline Health Center, cats are about five times more likely to develop Type II diabetes than Type I. Both types of diabetes should be treated seriously in cats, and there are notable differences between the two conditions:

• In Type I diabetes, blood glucose increases as the cat’s body can’t create enough insulin. 
• With Type II diabetes, glucose levels spike because the body does not respond properly to insulin. 

In both conditions, cells cannot access the nutrients they require, as insulin is unable to carry sugar to the cells effectively.

Keep tabs on your tabby and look out for the following symptoms of diabetes in cats:

• An increase in thirst or appetite
• Urinating more often
• Weight loss
• Lethargy, weakness, or vomiting
• Increased susceptibility to infection
• Sunken back legs, due to nerve damage.

Each of these symptoms could be indicative of other diseases, so they’re not a guarantee that your cat has diabetes. To diagnose diabetes with certainty, you’ll need to travel with your cat to a vet.

Diabetes in cats can only be diagnosed by a vet. While the symptoms of diabetes in cats may point to the disease, they aren’t conclusive in determining if your cat has diabetes. Tests are required for a diagnosis and to rule out other issues. 

Diabetes in cats is often tested for by taking a urine sample to determine if there’s leftover glucose. Additionally, diabetes can be diagnosed through blood tests that measure glucose levels. If your vet is unsure, they may request further tests. This is more common than you might think, as if your fussy feline is stressed, their glucose levels could rise.

In some cases, your cat may stay as an “inpatient” for a while to calm down, so that the test data isn’t impacted by false information.

While there’s no cure for cat diabetes, treatment is available to manage its lifelong symptoms. With a bit of commitment (and communication with your vet), your pet will be able to live a long and comfortable life. 

Depending on your cat’s particular circumstances, there are several diabetes treatments available to cats. Diabetes treatments in cats are designed to:

• Restore blood glucose to normal levels.
• Control weight-loss.
• Prevent or ease signs of excess urination or thirst.
• Avoid hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar levels due to treatment).

Diabetes in cats may require different treatment, even if the type of diabetes is the same. Treatments that may be recommended for diabetes in cats include:

• Insulin therapy (insulin injections). This is the most common treatment for diabetes in cats. Owners will be taught to administer injections, and they can be performed at home. 
• Dietary therapy. Diabetic cats have demonstrated improved blood sugar regulation when on low-carb diets. For overweight cats, slow and controlled weight loss may be suggested for improved control over blood glucose levels.
• Oral medication. Recent evolutions in diabetes care have introduced ingestible medication. It’s not appropriate for all pets, but this medication may help with diabetes in some cats. Contact your vet for more information.

In some instances, your pet may need to stay as an inpatient for a few nights. But in all instances, your vet should be able to advise you on the best course of action.

As with stopping your moggy getting their paw-pads on your favourite mug, you can’t fully prevent diabetes in cats either. But what you can do is minimise the risk. When thinking about preventing diabetes in cats, there are two actions you can take.

Providing your cat with a healthy, balanced diet is essential. Diabetes in cats is commonly seen in overweight or obese felines. In addition to a good diet, encourage your cat to exercise with regular playtime and an exciting space. If you own an indoor cat, install a cat tree or wall-mounted furniture to encourage movement and exploration.

Regular health check-ups are also essential to caring for your cat. With an annual or bi-annual check-up, a vet can ensure they are purring along just right. Blood and urine tests can spot issues early, and a physical examination can help determine if your cat is at increased risk due to their weight or size.

What is the best diet for cats?

The best diet for a cat is an individual matter, but there’s some general advice worth sticking to. Cats are known as “obligate carnivores,” meaning they need to eat meat, or they won’t get all the necessary nutrients to stay healthy.  It’s recommended you feed them, rather than setting your furry hunter loose on the local pigeon population. Try to focus on food labelled ‘complete’, as a ‘complementary’ food is a treat more than a full meal.

Cats with diabetes may benefit from a low-carb diet, if recommended by your vet, as it improves blood sugar regulation. If your vet has tailored a diet to your pet, you should continue to follow their advice. Learn more about what they should and shouldn’t eat.