Is your cat at risk of diabetes? In this article, we’ll review what diabetes in cats looks like - symptoms, treatment, and the warning signs to watch for.

If your cat requires immediate vet attention for their diabetes symptoms, call VEG ER for Pets or walk in anytime. We're open 24/7 to care for your cat.

About diabetes mellitus in cats

Feline diabetes is an unfortunately common endocrine condition that affects how your cat’s body uses sugar for energy. Just like in humans, a cat's cells require glucose to use for energy. When things work correctly, the pancreas will produce insulin, which your cat's cells need to absorb glucose. When insulin production is decreased or cells do not respond to this hormone, a cat will develop a high glucose level. We'll dive into this further in this blog, so you can recognize when your cat is experiencing an emergency health crisis.

While diabetes is life-long and there is no definitive cure, many cats with diabetes can live long, happy lives with proper care. Knowing the symptoms of cat diabetes and recognizing when urgent veterinary care is needed can make a lifesaving difference.

Main symptoms of feline diabetes:

Increased thirst and urination

These are typically the first symptoms most pet owners notice in their diabetic cats. For owners who use water fountains or automatically-refilling water dishes, increase in thirst can be difficult to identify. In some cases, cats may even start urinating outside the litterbox. If you notice your cat’s thirst or urination increasing and the problem doesn’t resolve in a couple of days, go to your primary care vet for a checkup and diagnostics.

Increased appetite

Cats with diabetes will typically have an increased appetite as well, although this symptom may not appear until later on in the disease. Your cat may become almost insatiable and may start eating almost anything it can find as the condition worsens.

Sudden weight loss

Sudden weight loss without an explanation means something is wrong with your cat. If your cat is excessively hungry but is also losing a lot of weight very quickly, diabetes may be the cause. However, thyroid problems and some types of cancer can also cause this combination of symptoms, so you’ll need to talk to your cat's general practice vet to find out more.

Lethargy

Lethargy on its own can be a symptom of a variety of feline illnesses and can even just mean your cat is too hot for the day. However, when coupled with other items on this list, lethargy may indicate diabetes.

Lethargy is just one sign of diabetes in cats. If your cat is experiencing emergency signs or complications from diabetes, contact VEG ER for Pets. Open 24/7, our vets will provide prompt, compassionate care.

What causes diabetes in cats?

There are several factors that can increase the risk of feline diabetes in your cat.

Common risk factors of diabetes in cats include:

• Obesity

• Older age

• Male cats

• Indoor lifestyle with limited activity

• Long-term steroid medications

• Pancreatitis

While any cat can develop diabetes, overweight cats are significantly more likely to develop the condition because excess body fat can interfere with insulin function.

When diabetes in cats becomes an emergency

Although diabetes is manageable for many cats, complications can sometimes become life-threatening. It’s important to know when to seek emergency care. 

Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)

DKA occurs when the body can’t use glucose for energy and begins breaking down fat instead. This produces substances called ketones, which can build up in the bloodstream and disrupt normal body function.

Symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis in cats may include:

• Vomiting

• Severe lethargy

• Loss of appetite

• Dehydration

• Weakness

• Rapid breathing

• Fruity or sweet-smelling breath

If you suspect your cat has DKA, seek immediate emergency veterinary care. They may need fluids, insulin therapy, and even hospitalization.

Hypoglycemia

Cats receiving insulin for their diabetes can sometimes develop hypoglycemia, or dangerously low blood sugar. This can happen if too much insulin is given, or if your cat skips a meal.

Symptoms of hypoglycemia in cats

• Trembling

• Weakness

• Disorientation

• Stumbling or difficulty walking

• Seizures or collapse

Hypoglycemia can progress quickly and should always be treated as an emergency.

Treatment For Diabetes in Cats

Just like in humans, diabetes in cats is a chronic health condition that will be with your cat for the rest of its life following a diagnosis. After diagnosis, there are a few ways you can combat the effects of diabetes to improve your cat’s overall health and wellness. 

How to treat diabetes in cats

Regular insulin injections

Insulin injections may be required, depending on the severity of your cat’s diabetes. In very early diabetes cases, you may be able to manage your cat’s symptoms through diet and exercise alone; however, your vet will let you know for sure when medication is the better option.

A change in cat's diet

Adjusting your cat’s diet to something healthier and monitoring food portions can go a long way toward improving the diabetes symptoms. There are many diabetic formulated diets that you can discuss with your veterinarian after diagnosis.

Although a dietary change will never remove your cat’s diabetes altogether, it can help them stay healthier and feel better. It also may reduce the risk of blood sugar spikes and drops.

Exercise

Physical activity is also crucial in helping your cat stay as healthy as possible even with diabetes. Your cat should receive about 20 minutes of exercise per day, although a little more is even better.

Ask your primary care vet for specific recommendations about the right type of exercise for your diabetic cat.

Providing ample playtime for your cat is one way to help combat symptoms of diabetes. VEG ER for Pets is open 24 hours every day to help if your cat has complications from diabetes.

Can diabetes in cats be prevented?

Not all cases of cat diabetes can be prevented, but maintaining a healthy lifestyle may help reduce risk.

Help lower cat’s diabetes risk by:

• Maintaining a healthy body weight

• Feeding a balanced diet and not sharing human food

• Encouraging regular activity and play

• Scheduling routine veterinary checkups

Obesity significantly increases the risk of developing diabetes. If you have an overweight cat who is not yet diabetic, it’s not too late to do something about this problem. Get your cat started on a healthy diet and encourage it to exercise a little bit every day to bring its weight down to a healthy level.

Contact VEG ER for Pets if your cat has signs of diabetes

If you know or suspect your cat has diabetes, it is crucial to work with a trusted and experienced vet for all of its health and wellness needs. Your cat will need to be kept on insulin in most instances, and will also need to go on a special diet. Your primary care vet will let you know which treatment and management options are best for your cat.

If your cat is experiencing emergency symptoms from diabetes, contact your nearest VEG emergency vet hospital. We have locations all over the country that are open 24/7, which means that you never have to wait to get your cat proper emergency vet care and treatment.