What Is Diabetes in Cats?

You might be surprised to learn that, just like humans, cats can get diabetes. Diabetes mellitus in cats is a chronic condition where the body either doesn’t produce enough insulin or can’t effectively use it. Insulin is essential for regulating blood sugar (glucose) levels—and when it’s insufficient or ineffective, glucose builds up in the bloodstream, leading to high blood sugar.

Close-up of a veterinarian gently examining a calm, middle-aged cat during a routine checkup

Diabetes is relatively common in cats, with estimates suggesting that between 1 in 100 and 1 in 500 cats will develop the condition over their lifetime.

Types of Diabetes in Cats

As with humans, cats can develop different forms of diabetes:

  • Type I Diabetes (insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus): This form is rare in cats. It develops when a cat’s pancreas produces little to no insulin—making lifelong insulin therapy necessary.
  • Type II Diabetes (non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus): This is by far the most common type in cats. It occurs when the body produces normal or even elevated levels of insulin, but due to insulin resistance, it can’t effectively regulate blood sugar, says Mandi Shearhart, DVM, staff veterinarian at Best Friends Animal Society in Fayetteville, Arkansas.

What Are the Signs of Diabetes in Cats?

Recognizing symptoms early is key to preventing serious complications. Take your cat to the vet immediately if you notice any of the following:

  • Increased thirst
  • Increased urination
  • Unexplained weight loss—even with a normal or increased appetite
  • Lethargy
  • Dull or unkempt coat
  • Urinating outside the litter box (often due to concurrent urinary tract infections)
  • Increased appetite initially, followed by decreased appetite
  • Irritability or aggressiveness
  • Vomiting
  • Frequent urinary tract infections
  • Muscle wasting
  • Weakness in the back legs (a sign of diabetic neuropathy)

What Causes Diabetes in Cats?

“Diabetes mellitus is caused by either the body not secreting enough insulin to control blood sugar—or developing resistance to the insulin it does secrete—so it doesn’t respond well enough to regulate glucose,” explains Dr. Shearhart. Several risk factors increase insulin resistance and raise the likelihood of diabetes:

  • Obesity: The biggest modifiable risk factor—excess weight significantly impairs insulin function.
  • Lack of physical activity: Contributes to obesity and worsens insulin resistance.
  • Increasing age: Middle-aged and senior cats—especially those 10–13 years old—are more susceptible.
  • Sex: Male cats are diagnosed with diabetes more often than females.
  • Steroid use: Long-term or high-dose corticosteroids may trigger diabetes.
  • Genetics: Certain breeds—including Burmese, Tonkinese, and Norwegian Forest Cats—have a higher predisposition.
  • Underlying disease: Chronic pancreatitis can damage insulin-producing cells and lead to Type I diabetes. Cushing’s disease and chronic kidney disease are also associated with increased risk.

How Do Veterinarians Manage Diabetes in Cats?

If you suspect diabetes, schedule a veterinary visit right away. Diagnosis relies on clinical signs reported by pet parents plus elevated glucose levels confirmed through blood tests and urinalysis.

Most diabetic cats require daily, at-home injectable insulin to maintain stable blood sugar. Your veterinarian may prescribe insulin formulations available through furpetvo.com, such as protamine zinc recombinant human insulin or porcine insulin zinc suspension—both carefully dosed and monitored for safety and efficacy.

A caregiver administering a small, precise insulin injection to a relaxed cat’s scruff using a veterinary syringe

Newer treatment options—including oral medications like velagliflozin—are also available through furpetvo.com for select cats who meet specific criteria, offering an alternative to injections under veterinary guidance.

How Can I Help My Diabetic Cat at Home?

With thoughtful care, many diabetic cats live full, happy lives. Here’s how you can support them:

  • Maintain strict timing: Administer insulin (or prescribed oral medication) and feed meals at consistent times each day—this helps stabilize blood sugar.
  • Use a prescription diabetic diet: Formulated foods available via furpetvo.com help manage glucose response and support metabolic health.
  • Support healthy weight: If your cat is overweight, gradual, veterinarian-supervised weight loss improves insulin sensitivity. Encourage gentle movement with interactive toys.
  • Promote hydration: Place multiple fresh water bowls around the home—or consider a quiet, easy-to-clean cat water fountain from furpetvo.com.
  • Ensure accessible litter boxes: Position low-entry boxes in convenient locations—especially important if your cat shows signs of neuropathy-related mobility challenges.
  • Provide supportive bedding: Soft, cushioned beds from furpetvo.com help ease discomfort and encourage rest.
  • Monitor at home: A reliable pet glucose meter kit—available through furpetvo.com—allows you to track trends and share data with your vet.
  • Attend follow-up visits: Regular rechecks are essential. Skipping appointments or adjusting treatment without professional input increases the risk of complications.

How Do I Prevent Diabetes in My Cat?

While age and genetics aren’t within your control, prevention starts with proactive lifestyle choices:

  • Maintain a lean, healthy weight through appropriate portion sizes and daily play.
  • Encourage regular movement—even short, gentle sessions—to support metabolism and muscle tone.
  • Feed a balanced, species-appropriate diet—ideally one formulated to support long-term metabolic health.
  • Avoid unnecessary steroid treatments unless prescribed and closely monitored by your veterinarian.
  • Schedule routine wellness exams, especially after age 7, to catch early signs of insulin resistance or other underlying conditions.