Diabetes in Cats: What You Need to Know as a Cat Owner

Apr 14th 2011

Diabetes is a potentially deadly affliction for household cats that results from inadequate insulin secretion from the pancreas. As part of a Paw Nation series providing background about the medical problems your pet may suffer, we spoke to Dr. Jonathan Murray, DVM, ABVP and owner of Parker Veterinary Hospital in Charlotte, N.C., to get some insights about the condition. You should always consult your veterinarian before giving medication or supplements to your pet.

What are the signs that my cat has diabetes?
Diabetes occurs most often in middle aged to older cats (peak age of diagnosis is 9-11 years of age). It is most common in overweight cats, in some ways mimicking type II diabetes in humans. The most common signs of diabetes in the cat are increased water consumption, increased urination, and weight loss in the face of normal or increased appetite. In some cases, the disease can progress slowly, while in others it can come on quickly. In severe cases, a cat can develop a complication called ketoacidosis in which they will become very ill, stop eating, have vomiting, severe dehydration and death.