Think diabetes is just a human problem? Think again. An estimated one in 230 neutered cats is at increased risk for diabetes, according to Dr Tarryn Dent at global animal health company, Zoetis South Africa. While we associate this disease with humans, feline diabetes is a genuine and rising concern. Ignoring the signs can be fatal, but early detection can be life-saving.
What Is Feline Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious condition in cats that affects how their body uses energy from food. When a cat eats, the food is digested and broken down into glucose (sugar), which their cells use for energy.
The key to regulating this process is the hormone insulin, which is produced by the pancreas. As Dr. Dent explains:
“The act of eating triggers your pet’s pancreas to start producing insulin, a hormone that binds to special receptors in their cells and acts like a key that allows glucose to enter the cell, so it can be used for energy.”
Just like in humans, cats get diabetes when their pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin, or, more commonly, when their body produces insulin but their cells don’t respond to it properly.
Type 2 Diabetes: The Most Common Feline Form
There are two types of diabetes, but cats are overwhelmingly more prone to Type 2 diabetes.
- Type 2 Diabetes: This is when your cat’s pancreas produces insulin, but their cells have become resistant and don’t properly respond to the insulin. This means the glucose can’t enter the cells and instead builds up dangerously in the bloodstream.
Signs of Diabetes in Cats
Diabetes is a serious condition that, left untreated, can lead to complications such as blindness, nerve damage, and organ failure. While there’s no cure, it can be managed. The earlier you spot the signs, the better your cat’s prognosis.
Look out for these subtle red flags:
- Extreme Thirst (Polydipsia): Are you having to fill their water bowl much more often?
- Frequent Urination (Polyuria): Is your cat using the litter box more than usual?
- Increased Appetite (Polyphagia): Does your cat seem constantly hungry, even right after polishing off a big meal?
- Weight Loss: Is your cat looking thinner even though they are eating well or even more than before?
- Weakness or Tiredness: Is your cat lying around when they would usually want to play or seeming lethargic?
Any of these signs should be immediately checked by your veterinarian.
Diagnosing and Managing Feline Diabetes
If your cat is diagnosed with diabetes, it is a manageable condition, especially when caught early. Your veterinarian can confirm the diagnosis using various tests, typically involving blood or urine samples.
Management is a team effort between you and your vet and focuses on stabilizing blood glucose levels:
- Insulin Injections: Your cat will likely need daily insulin injections. Your veterinarian can show you how to safely administer these at home.
- Diet: Feed your cat a healthy, veterinarian-approved diet, often one that is high in protein and low in carbohydrates. Never give them treats from the dinner table.
- Exercise: Encourage regular, gentle exercise to help lower blood glucose levels.
- Stress Management: Anxiety can affect blood glucose levels. As much as possible, avoid triggers that make your cat anxious.
- Regular Testing: You can help monitor your cat’s health by regularly testing their blood glucose levels at home with an animal-specific glucometer, which requires only a tiny blood sample.
