Diabetes in cats

What is feline diabetes?

Cats produce a hormone called insulin from their pancreas, an organ near their stomach. After a cat eats, insulin is needed to use the glucose (sugar) absorbed from their food and transport it into the cells around their body to enable them to thrive and grow.

When cats suffer from diabetes, they either don't produce enough insulin, or their body doesn't respond appropriately to it. This means they cannot control the level of glucose in their blood, and can develop dangerously high levels known as hyperglycaemia.

What type of diabetes can cats suffer from?

Just like us, cats can suffer with type 1 or type 2 diabetes.

Most cats affected by diabetes will suffer with type 2 diabetes, which is caused when their body does not respond as it should to insulin. It is very similar to type 2 diabetes in people.

Type 1 diabetes is common in dogs but very rare in cats.

What are the signs of diabetes in cats?

If your cat has diabetes, there are some common signs that you may notice. They include:

• urinating more often
• drinking more often
• increased hunger
• weight loss – if your cat is overweight, you may notice them suddenly losing weight with no explanation. Although, not all cats with diabetes will appear like they have lost weight.
• poor coat
• weakness
• bladder infections
• vomiting

If you notice any of these symptoms in your cat, contact your vet immediately.

Is my cat at risk of diabetes?

While diabetes can affect cats of all ages and breeds, it is more common among certain cats, including those who are:

• middle-aged or elderly
• overweight and inactive
• male
• of a certain breed that have a genetic predisposition to diabetes, such as Burmese

Cats who are on certain long term medication can also be more at risk of developing diabetes.

How is diabetes in cats diagnosed?

If your vet suspects diabetes, they will need to run some tests to rule out other illnesses with similar symptoms. These tests can include:

• a urine sample – if glucose is present in your cat's the urine, it is a strong indication of diabetes
• blood tests – blood tests can show whether your cat has a high level of glucose in their blood

Further tests may be needed, as high glucose levels can also be a result of stress. If your cat is particularly unwell, your vet may also need to admit your cat overnight while they diagnose diabetes and get their condition under control.

How is diabetes in cats treated?

Diabetes in cats is a manageable condition that is often treated with a combination of medication and a controlled, balanced diet.

Medication

Most cats with diabetes will need insulin injections. These are often given twice a day, 12 hours apart and after a meal.

The injection is usually given in the scruff of the neck and should be painless for your cat. Your vet or vet nurse will show you how to give insulin injections. If your cat does not respond well or tolerate insulin injections, there is also an oral medication available.

Your cat may also need a small blood test to check their blood glucose levels – this can be done by your vet, or sometimes they may show you how to do this at home.

Diet

Managing your cat's diet and weight is also an important part of controlling diabetes, alongside their insulin injections.

As diet can be used to help regulate your cat's glucose levels, it is important to feed your cat a consistent diet every day.

Weight loss can also benefit cats that are overweight. Speak to your vet about what diet will be most suitable for your cat.

With successful management of diabetes, your cat's appetite and thirst should go back to normal and their weight will normalise.

If your cat continues to show signs of diabetes despite treatment, or if they become unwell, stop wanting to eat or show signs of vomiting, diarrhoea or collapse, contact your vet.

What is the prognosis for cats with diabetes?

If your cat is given their regular insulin injections as directed by your vet, alongside a healthy diet and exercise to keep their weight down, your cat can lead a long and happy life.

Sadly, however, not every cat responds well to treatment and there can be complicating factors. You and your vet will need to work together to recognise when your cat's quality of life is being compromised, and understand when it might be time to consider euthanasia. Read more on saying goodbye to your cat.

Speak to your vet if you have any concerns about your cat's diagnosis or treatment.