The 9 Most Common Signs of Diabetes in Cats

The Short Answer: Common symptoms of diabetes mellitus are excessive thirst, frequent urination, weight changes, and ravenous appetite. These clinical signs often develop gradually, so watching for these changes in your diabetic cat’s behavior can help catch feline diabetes early.

As a cat owner, recognizing diabetes symptoms could be life-changing for your pet. This condition affects roughly 1 in 200 cats, making it one of the more common health issues our feline companions face. While the diagnosis might sound overwhelming, early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes and your cat’s quality of life.

You don’t need medical expertise to spot important changes in your cat’s behavior and health. By learning what warning signs to watch for, you become an essential part of your cat’s healthcare team. This guide covers the key symptoms of feline diabetes mellitus and helps you understand when it’s time to contact your veterinarian. 

Understanding Feline Diabetes

Diabetes mellitus occurs when a cat’s body can’t properly produce or respond to insulin, leading to dangerously high blood sugar levels. During digestion, food breaks down into glucose, which normally moves from the bloodstream into cells with the help of the hormone insulin. When this process fails, glucose accumulates in the blood, and cats can become ill.

Cats have unique dietary needs that can influence diabetes development. Their bodies are designed to process protein-rich diets rather than the high-carbohydrate foods often found in commercial cat food. This biological difference means feline diabetes can present differently than the human form of the disease, making it crucial for cat owners to understand the specific warning signs in their pets.

Types of Diabetes in Cats

Type 1 diabetes is rare in cats. This form occurs when the body attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Most cats don’t face this version of the disease.

Type 2 diabetes is what most cats develop. This happens when:

• • The body becomes resistant to insulin
  • The pancreas might still make enough insulin, but not enough
  • Weight, age, and genetics all play a role

The 9 Common Signs and Symptoms of Diabetes

1. Excessive thirst 

This is often one of the first clinical signs that cat owners notice. You might find yourself filling the water bowl more frequently than usual, or spot your cat drinking from unusual places like faucets or toilet bowls. This thirst leads to symptom #2.

2. Frequent urination

You’ll likely notice bigger, heavier clumps in the litter box, or maybe even accidents around the house, because your cat can’t make it to the box in time.

3. Weight loss 

Another major red flag is weight loss despite maintaining a healthy appetite. Even if your cat is showing a ravenous appetite, a diabetic cat might lose weight unexpectedly or can struggle to maintain their weight. Over time, you might notice muscle loss, particularly along their back and hindquarters, even as they continue to eat well.

4. Lethargy

A diabetic cat often shows notable changes in their activity patterns. Your usually playful cat might become noticeably tired, spending more time sleeping and showing less interest in toys or interactive play. They might struggle to jump up to their favorite spots or seem less interested in exploring their environment.

5. Unkempt coat

Watch for changes in grooming habits too. A cat that usually keeps themselves well-groomed might develop a dull, unkempt coat. You might notice their fur becoming matted or greasy, especially along their back, as they lose interest in their usual grooming routine.

6. Sweet-smelling or fruity breath

A telltale sign many cat owners notice is sweet-smelling or fruity breath, similar to nail polish remover. This smell comes from ketones, which build up when the cat’s body isn’t processing blood sugar properly.

7. Vomiting or Diarrhea

Some cats also experience bouts of vomiting or diarrhea, which can be a sign their blood glucose levels aren’t properly regulated.

8. Loss of Interest in Activity

Your normally friendly cat might start acting differently as feline diabetes develops. Many cats become irritable or grumpy, especially when their blood sugar levels fluctuate. You might notice your cat doesn’t want to play as much or avoids social interaction with family members. Watch for changes in your cat’s usual habits. They might start hiding more often, particularly in quiet, dark places. This behavior often indicates they’re not feeling well and need medical attention.

9. Diabetic Neuropathy

In severe cases, your cat may develop an unusual walking pattern, particularly noticeable in their back legs – a condition known as diabetic neuropathy. They might walk flat on their back feet (called plantigrade stance) instead of up on their toes. This happens because diabetes mellitus can affect nerve function in their legs.

These changes don’t always appear suddenly, and not every cat shows all these signs. Regular vet check-ups help catch diabetes mellitus early, when treatment works best.

Diagnosis

Getting a proper diagnosis for feline diabetes starts with a thorough blood glucose test at your vet’s office. Your veterinarian will measure your cat’s blood glucose levels and may run additional tests to confirm the diagnosis. A single high blood sugar reading isn’t enough – your vet will likely want to see a pattern through multiple tests or conduct a blood test called fructosamine that shows blood sugar levels over the past few weeks.

Treatment

While there is no cure for diabetes, most cats can live a happy and healthy life with ongoing treatment and maintenance. Once diagnosed, your veterinarian will create a tailored treatment plan based on your cat’s specific needs. 

The goals of treatment include:

• • Restoring normal blood glucose levels
  • Reducing or eliminating the clinical signs of excess thirst and urination
  • Normalizing weight and appetite
  • Avoiding inappropriately low blood sugar levels

Treatment options may include insulin therapy, dietary therapy, or oral medications. Most diabetic cats require daily insulin injections, but your vet will determine the best approach for your pet and teach you how to administer any necessary treatments at home.

When to Seek Emergency Care

Some symptoms of diabetes require immediate veterinary care. Take your cat to the vet right away if you notice:

• • Inability to walk or severe weakness
  • Complete loss of appetite for more than 24 hours
  • Significant lethargy where your cat barely moves
  • Breathing problems or panting
  • Sudden collapse

These symptoms could indicate diabetic ketoacidosis, a serious condition that needs urgent medical treatment. Don’t wait to see if these symptoms improve on their own – prompt medical care can make a big difference in your cat’s health and recovery.

Be Your Cat’s Guardian

Recognizing symptoms of diabetes in your cat early can make a significant difference in their health and quality of life. Watch for excessive thirst, frequent urination, changes in appetite, weight loss, and decreased activity levels. These clinical signs, especially when occurring together, warrant veterinary attention. Quick treatment and good management help most diabetic cats live happy, active lives.

Contact your veterinarian right away if you spot any of these warning signs – even subtle changes could point to feline diabetes or other health complications that need attention.

We’re here to help your cat’s health at our clinic in Myrtle Beach. Our fear-free certified team provides gentle, stress-free examinations in our AAHA-accredited practice. Schedule a check-up today by calling (843) 983-2969 or through our website. Your cat’s health is our priority, and we’ll work together to keep them happy and healthy.