Cat Diabetes: How to Recognize and Manage Feline Diabetes

You likely know about diabetes in humans. But if your cat has been diagnosed with diabetes, you’re probably wondering if the condition is the same. And you may be concerned about how involved your cat’s care will be. 

Every cat’s condition is different. You and your veterinarian will have to adjust your cat’s lifestyle and treatment to meet their specific needs. It can be hard. But with time, it will become second nature. And your cat will be better off for it.

What is cat diabetes?

Diabetes in cats is a condition where a cat’s body can’t use sugar properly. Normally, a cat’s body uses sugar — specifically glucose — as energy. When blood sugar increases, the pancreas produces the hormone insulin, which lets glucose enter the body’s tissues to be absorbed. The amount of glucose in the blood lowers, and the body continues functioning normally.

With diabetes, the body doesn’t make enough, or any, insulin, or it doesn’t respond properly to insulin. The tissues can’t take in glucose without it. And over time, they begin to starve for energy. Because glucose can’t be absorbed, it builds up in the blood, causing high blood sugar and the symptoms of diabetes.

Types of diabetes in cats

Cats who develop diabetes usually have Type 2 diabetes. With Type 2 diabetes, a cat’s body doesn’t respond to insulin. Type 1 diabetes in cats involves a lack of insulin production. With either type, glucose can’t get into the body’s tissues for energy. 

Risk factors for feline diabetes

Different things can increase the risk of diabetes in cats. The most common risk factor is weight. Cats who are overweight are more likely to develop diabetes because of the stress extra weight puts on the pancreas. 

Other risk factors for developing diabetes include:

• Increased age

• Male gender

• Lack of physical activity

• Pancreatitis

• Steroid use, such as for asthma

Talk to your veterinarian if you’re concerned about your cat’s weight or their other risk factors.

EXPERT PICKS: WHAT TO READ NEXT

• Insulin for cats: Insulin is the first-choice treatment for diabetes in cats. Learn about your cat’s options and what to expect when they start insulin treatment.

• Glucose monitoring: Once your cat is diagnosed with diabetes, you’ll need to monitor their glucose levels. Check out commonly used monitors for cats.

• Safe weight loss: Cats who are overweight face more health risks than other cats. Here’s how you can help your cat slowly and safely lose weight.

Signs and symptoms of cat diabetes

Some of the signs of diabetes in cats can be missed at first, especially if your cat spends a lot of time outside. But if you notice any of the below signs, make an appointment with your veterinarian. It’s important to catch diabetes as early as possible so your cat can receive treatment. 

The most common signs of diabetes in cats to watch for are below.

Dehydration

High amounts of glucose in the blood end up in a cat’s pee. This also causes much of the body’s water to go with it. Your cat may seem dehydrated and thirsty as a result. You might see them drinking at the water bowl more often.

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Peeing more than usual

Excess glucose in a cat’s blood goes to the kidneys and leaves the body in urine. As a result, cats with diabetes usually drink more, which leads to them peeing more often. You might see your cat in their litter box more times a day than usual. 

Weight loss

Because of a lack of glucose, the body starts to break down fat and muscle for energy. This can result in weight loss, even if your cat has a good appetite. 

Urinary tract infections

Cats may also develop urinary tract infections due to diabetes. This is caused by the extra glucose in their pee. Signs of a urinary tract infection might include:

• Frequent peeing

• Peeing in small amounts

• Inability to hold their pee

• Blood in the pee

How is diabetes diagnosed in cats?

Your veterinarian will diagnose your cat with diabetes if they have certain symptoms and test results. Blood and urine tests are used to measure glucose levels. High glucose levels usually result in a diabetes diagnosis.

But for some cats, one blood test may not be enough. Cats can have high blood sugar that isn’t caused by diabetes. High blood sugar can occur for a short time in response to a stressful event, such as visiting the vet. This is called stress hyperglycemia. If your cat’s high blood sugar is caused by stress, they likely don’t need diabetes treatment.

In situations where they’re uncertain, veterinarians might do a fructosamine concentration test. This test measures a cat’s blood sugar over the previous 2 weeks to check if it’s consistently high. If results show their blood sugar isn’t consistently high, the cat might have stress hyperglycemia instead of diabetes.

Other tests might be done to rule out conditions such as:

• Hyperthyroidism

• Kidney disease

• Pancreatitis

• Urinary tract infection

Your cat will likely need treatment if results come back positive for any of these other conditions. And if your cat’s diabetes is caused by a medication — like steroids — your vet will likely stop the medication to see if your cat’s blood sugar goes down.

Treatments available for cats with diabetes

Treatment for cats with diabetes is usually a combination of insulin injections and dietary changes. Some cats have a chance of going into remission and no longer needing insulin. But that can’t happen without treatment.

Insulin therapy

Insulin is the first-choice treatment for most cats with diabetes. Your veterinarian will prescribe your cat an initial insulin type and dose to figure out what your cat needs. Finding what works for your cat can take time and experimentation. You could go through several different doses and insulin types before finding the best one for your cat.

Each type of insulin varies in duration, concentration, and syringe size. Their storage requirements also differ. Common brands of cat insulin include:

• Humulin N (NPH insulin)

• Lantus (glargine insulin)

• Prozinc (PZI insulin)

• Vetsulin (lente insulin)

You will have to give your cat their insulin injections at home. This can be scary. But your veterinarian will teach you how to do it safely. Depending on what your cat needs, your vet might recommend using insulin pens rather than syringes.

Once you find the right insulin, your cat will likely need injections twice a day. It’s best if they’re given 12 hours apart. Be sure to follow all directions given by your vet. And never change your cat’s dose without their instruction.

Glucose monitoring

Glucose monitoring is also an important part of diabetes treatment for cats. This involves checking your cat’s blood sugar every 1 to 4 hours a day. It will tell you and your vet:

• The highest and lowest levels of glucose in your cat’s blood

• How long the effects of their insulin last

• If any adjustments need to be made to the dose or type of insulin

Your veterinarian will let you know the best way and how often to monitor your cat’s blood sugar. It’s often best to use a traditional glucose meter specifically for veterinary use. 

Other veterinarians may recommend continuous glucose monitoring (CGM). This is done with a small sensor and handheld reader. The small sensor is applied to your pet's skin and gives readings for 2 weeks to help establish the correct insulin dose. Cats can be prescribed the FreeStyle Libre continuous glucose monitor. 

Diet changes

Diet is important for cats with diabetes. The best option for most cats with diabetes is a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet. 

It’s easier to achieve a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet with canned food. Dry cat food has to be made with a certain amount of carbohydrates to hold its shape. For cats who are picky and prefer only dry food, there are some lower-carbohydrate options available.

Your cat’s diet should contain less than 7% carbohydrates. You can usually find the carbohydrate content of cat food on the package label or the manufacturer’s website. If you aren’t able to determine whether a diet is right for your cat, ask your veterinarian for advice. 

Some of the best cat food brands for feline diabetes are:

• Purina

• Royal Canin

• Hill’s Pet Nutrition

For most cats, three to four small meals a day is beneficial. Sometimes, it’s not possible to feed as frequently, and that’s OK. Your veterinarian will help you determine the best feeding schedule for your cat.

Weight loss

Cats with diabetes who are overweight usually need additional diet changes to help them lose weight and control their blood sugar. Even a diet high in protein and low in carbohydrates could have too many calories for them.

Your veterinarian might recommend a low-calorie diet that’s high in fiber, which will help your cat feel full for longer. But it’s important for your cat to not lose too much weight too fast. Rapid weight loss can cause a type of liver disease called hepatic lipidosis. Your veterinarian will guide you on how to help your cat lose weight safely.

Oral medications

There are oral treatments available for cats with diabetes. But they don’t contain insulin, and they don’t always work. The FDA recently approved the first oral diabetes medication for cats who haven’t been treated with insulin. You can ask your veterinarian about these options and if any could benefit your cat.

Tips for managing cat diabetes

Once you find the best combination of insulin and diet changes for your cat, you can build a routine with them at home. There are plenty of ways you can do this.

Track their progress

Write down when your cat receives their insulin injections and meals every day. Record your cat’s blood sugar readings. It’s important to monitor their water consumption as well. Record their weight every week. This will help you identify any changes that may mean your cat needs to visit their veterinarian.

Watch for signs of an emergency

Watch for signs of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) in your cat. If your cat’s insulin dose is too high or they don’t eat, their blood sugar could drop. They should be seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible if this happens. 

Signs of hypoglycemia include:

• Tiredness

• Wobbliness

• Seizures

Other signs of an emergency are:

• Weight loss

• Excessive drinking and eating

• Looking ill

• Vomiting

• Loss of appetite

Work closely with your veterinarian

Take your cat for regular checkups — about two to four times a year — with your veterinarian. By seeing your cat often, your veterinarian will be able to catch any changes in their condition. Some changes might require changing their insulin dose or type or their food.

Get regular dental care

Cats with diabetes are at higher risk of complications from dental problems. High blood sugar can cause infections when bacteria from tartar enters the body — specifically in the kidneys and heart. 

For dental surgery, your vet might recommend giving your cat a half dose of insulin instead of completely fasting.

How long can a cat live with diabetes?

With proper insulin and diet therapy, the prognosis for cats with diabetes is good. This means your cat can still live a long and healthy life with diabetes. Some cats can even go into remission and stop needing insulin once their blood glucose becomes stable.

There isn’t any one thing that can make a cat go into remission. And those who do can end up needing insulin again at some point. But some common factors in cats who achieve remission include:

• Consistently eating a proper diet that’s high in protein and low in carbohydrates

• Safely losing excess weight

• Having prompt and controlled insulin therapy

• Stopping medications that cause diabetes, such as steroids

If a cat doesn’t go into remission within 6 months of starting treatment, they’ll likely need insulin for the rest of their lives. Cats in remission should still be monitored and kept on a balanced diet for their condition.

Successful treatment of diabetes in cats can extend their lives by several years. This is significant if your cat is a senior at the time of their diagnosis. But when their quality of life begins to decline, consult your veterinarian about next steps. You can also use a quality of life calculator to track how well your cat is doing, even day by day.

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Written by:

Leah Thomason

Leah Thomason was an editorial intern on the GoodRx Health team. She is a writer from Houston, Texas, with an interest in pet health.

Edited by:

Renée Fabian, MA

Renée Fabian is the senior pet health editor at GoodRx. She’s worked for nearly 10 years as a journalist and editor across a wide range of health and well-being topics.

Reviewed by:

Ghanasyam Bey, DVM

Ghanasyam Bey, DVM, is from Cleveland, Ohio, and attended Princeton University for undergraduate studies. After a year of biology research at Duke University, he attended Ohio State College of Veterinary Medicine.

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