Cat Diabetes - Cause, Risks and What You Can Do About it

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Like human diabetes, a diagnosis for your cat does not mean the end is near for your pet. It is a chronic disease that can be well-managed with strict diets and more vigilant care by pet owners.

Comic Credit: The Awkward Yeti

What causes feline diabetes?

No exact known cause although there are risk factors i.e. some cats are more prone to diabetes than others.

Diabetes occurs when there is not enough insulin or the body becomes less responsive to insulin. Insulin is hormone which helps to move glucose from the bloodstream into cells to be utilised as energy. It is insulin that ensures glucose levels in the bloodstream is constantly regulated.  

Why must blood glucose be regulated?

Too much glucose in the blood left untreated for a long time can lead to:

• Nerve damage (Symptom: Weakness in hind legs)

• Blindness

• Chronic infection of skin, urinary tract etc.

• Diabetic Ketoacidosis, a potentially fatal condition

What are the risk factors?

Cats which are prone to diabetes include:

• Overweight or obese cats

• Senior or aged cats

• Cats with chronic diseases such as pancreatitis and hyperthyroidism

While you can't prevent aging or underlying chronic diseases, you can make sure your cat stays in the healthy weight range. This will significantly lower your cat's risk of contracting diabetes.  

How can I help my diabetic cat?

By following your vet’s advice and not skipping out on regular health checks. You may have to change your cat’s diet, monitor weight, urination etc., and be consistent with insulin treatment or medication where prescribed.

1) Immediate Diet Change

If your cat is overweight, your priority will be to help her lose weight gradually. Your vet may recommend a special diet for diabetics or a low-carbohydrate plus high-protein diet.

2) Continuous Monitoring

Having a diabetic cat means you'll have to be a more attentive owner. Start watching her appetite, weight, food and water consumption daily. You will also need to monitor amount of urination by checking the litter box more frequently.

 What are you watching for? Any abnormalities in quantity and frequency. These observations will inform your vet of your furkid’s condition. For instance, if the disease has progressed or is starting to affect other organs etc.  

3) Regular Long-term Treatment

In some cases, your cat may need insulin injections. Your vet will teach you how to give shots, and also prescribe the right treatment and advice based on your lifestyle and your cat’s feeding habits.

Caring for a diabetic cat is a lot of work and commitment on your part as a pet owner. But there is a good chance that this disease can be controlled and your cat can be her happy self again.

As always, our team at Gaia Vets are here to support you on this journey to care for your pets. Call us today!