Feline Diabetes: What Every Cat Owner Should Know About Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Diabetes mellitus is one of the most common hormonal disorders in cats—and also one of the most manageable when caught early. Yet many pet owners aren’t aware of the early signs or the life-saving options available for treatment.

At Peak Pet Urgent Care in Reno, Nevada, we’re committed to helping you understand how feline diabetes works, what to look for, and how to support your cat’s long-term health.

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What Is Diabetes Mellitus in Cats?

Feline diabetes is a chronic condition that impairs your cat’s ability to regulate blood sugar (glucose), often due to a lack of insulin or insulin resistance. It can lead to serious, even life-threatening complications when untreated—but it’s also a condition that can be controlled effectively with the right care.

Most commonly affected:

  • Middle-aged to senior cats
  • Overweight cats
  • Indoor cats with limited activity

Top Risk Factors for Feline Diabetes

Several lifestyle and health-related issues contribute to diabetes in cats. These include:

  • Obesity – The #1 risk factor for feline diabetes
  • Advanced age – Most cases occur in cats over 7 years old
  • High-carb diets – Especially dry food-based diets
  • Long-term steroid use – Often for chronic skin, auto-immune, or inflammatory issues

More insights: AAHA Guide – Diabetes in Pets

Early Warning Signs: Catching It Before It Escalates

Early detection is essential. If your cat shows any of the following signs, it’s time to schedule a veterinary visit.

Subtle But Important Early Symptoms

  • Excessive thirst (polydipsia)
  • Frequent urination (polyuria)
  • Weight loss despite a normal or increased appetite
  • Mild lethargy or reduced grooming

Advanced or Urgent Signs

  • Weak hind legs (diabetic neuropathy)
  • Vomiting or loss of appetite
  • Dull, greasy, or unkempt coat
  • Dehydration or signs of confusion

Learn about managing chronic illness in older pets: ASPCA Senior Pet Guide

How Is Diabetes Diagnosed in Cats?

Veterinary Diagnostics

Your veterinarian will use a combination of tests to diagnose and monitor feline diabetes:

Test What It Detects
Blood glucose levels High blood sugar
Urinalysis Sugar and ketones in the urine
Fructosamine test Long-term glucose control over 2–3 weeks

Treatment Options for Diabetic Cats

1. Insulin Injections

Most diabetic cats will require insulin therapy. Your vet will recommend a type of insulin and train you on how to administer it at home.

  • Administered 1–2 times daily
  • Given subcutaneously (under the skin)
  • Common types: Glargine (Lantus), PZI, Detemir

Read AAHA’s guidelines on blood glucose curve monitoring

2. Nutrition & Feeding Routines

What your cat eats—and when—has a huge impact on blood sugar control.

Recommended feeding strategies:

  • High-protein, low-carbohydrate canned food
  • Avoid free-feeding; schedule consistent meal times
  • Limit treats to those designed for diabetic cats

3. Daily Exercise & Weight Management

Even gentle daily activity can help diabetic cats regulate blood sugar and prevent weight gain.

Simple activities to try:

  • Laser pointer play
  • Cat towers or climbing shelves
  • Interactive puzzle feeders

Avoid crash diets—slow, supervised weight loss is best. Try to keep exercise at the same routine time daily.

Diabetic Emergencies: What to Watch For

Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar)

This can happen if insulin is too high or if a meal is missed.

Warning signs:

  • Shaking or tremors
  • Disorientation or confusion
  • Weakness or collapse

What to do:
 Rub corn syrup or honey on your cat’s gums, offer a small snack if they’re alert, and contact your vet immediately.

Emergency guide for pet hypoglycemia – Red Cross

Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)

This life-threatening condition occurs when diabetes is unmanaged and hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) occurs.

Symptoms to act on quickly:

  • Vomiting
  • Lethargy or unresponsiveness
  • Panting or labored breathing
  • Sweet-smelling breath (from ketones)

Learn about DKA in cats – Today’s Veterinary Nurse

Not sure if it’s an emergency? Use the AAHA Pet Emergency Checklist

Monitoring & Managing Long-Term

Daily At-Home Monitoring

Many pet parents successfully manage feline diabetes at home with glucose meters designed for pets. Your vet may recommend:

  • Daily blood glucose monitoring
  • Urine dipstick testing
  • Fructosamine testing every 1–3 months

Routine Veterinary Checkups

Ongoing veterinary visits are essential for:

  • Adjusting insulin dosage
  • Catching infections, dental disease, or kidney problems early
  • Monitoring for signs of remission

Learn more about remission in diabetic cats

FAQs: Feline Diabetes

Can my cat be cured of diabetes?
 Not always—but many cats can go into remission after a period of time, especially if diagnosed early and treated aggressively with insulin and dietary changes.

Is insulin hard to give?
 Most cats tolerate injections well. Your vet will walk you through how to do it safely and painlessly.

Do I need to check blood sugar every day?
 Not necessarily. Your vet will help you determine the best monitoring schedule for your cat’s condition and temperament.

Your Cat Can Still Live a Happy, Healthy Life

Feline diabetes is serious—but it’s also manageable. With your care, and support from your veterinary team, your cat can thrive for many years to come.

Concerned your cat may have diabetes? Don’t wait.
 Schedule a visit with Peak Pet Urgent Care today and let’s build a management plan together.