Diabetes in Cats - Types, Causes, Symptoms, Treatment
Diabetes mellitus (or ‘sugar diabetes’) is a condition caused when either the body doesn’t produce enough insulin (a hormone needed to absorb glucose [sugar] into the cells), or when the body doesn’t respond to insulin as it should. This results in high blood glucose (sugar) and associated signs.
Diabetes in cats appears to be very similar to type II or non-insulin-dependent diabetes in people. Abnormalities within the pancreas affect insulin production, and/or ‘insulin resistance’ can reduce the ability of the body to respond to the insulin that is produced. Together, these combine to cause diabetes.
Diabetes can also occur as a secondary disease in cats as a result of certain types of drug therapy (eg, prolonged use of steroids), and risk factors such as obesity, inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis), sedentary lifestyle and middle age/ old cats are more at risks.
Written by Dr. Mariella Roberts, Veterinary Surgeon, Animal Trust Vets CIC | Published August 2025 | Review date August 2027 | This advice is for UK pets only and is not a replacement for seeing a vet
Symptoms of Diabetes in Cats
passing urine more often
drinking more
weight loss
eating more
poor coat
weakness, especially in the back legs
Possible signs of bladder infections:
straining to pass urine
passing blood in urine
passing urine outside litter tray
Severe diabetes can result in diabetic ketoacidosis :
vomiting
diarrhoea
not eating
collapse
When to contact your vet
Contact your vet if your cat is showing any of the signs listed above or if you’re worried about their health in general.
If your cat is showing signs of diabetic ketoacidosis, urgent veterinary treatment is needed.
Diagnosis
history of your cat
full clinical examination
full blood test and urine test
Treatment of Diabetes in Cats
How diabetes is treated will depend on the individual cat and their owner or caregiver. Options include insulin by injection or, if suitable, liquid or tablets.
Insulin: is the main standard care for diabetes mellitus. Insulin is given by injection twice daily between the shoulder blades and it should always be kept in the fridge.
The dose of insulin needed by each cat will vary and adjustments will be needed depending on how the cat responds. It can take some time to find the right dose, and this may change over time.
SGLT-2 inhibitors: a liquid or tablet given once a day can control diabetes in some cats. Not all cats are suitable to receive this treatment, as they must be otherwise healthy apart from the diabetes and not have diabetic ketosis.
Dietary therapy: a diet that’s low in carbohydrates. This can make diabetes easier to manage, can help to reduce the insulin dose needed, and in some cats, can resolve their diabetes entirely.
Giving too much insulin can cause a condition called hypoglycaemia, where the blood glucose concentration is too low. The signs of hypoglycaemia include disorientation, collapse, seizure, contact your vet immediately. In the meantime, it can help to give your cat some glucose syrup to rub on his/her gums.
Prevention
While not all cases are preventable, these steps can significantly reduce the risk:
balanced diet high in proteins and low in carbohydrates
limit treats
monitor weight
active play and exercises
provide stimulating environments. Cat trees, scratching posts, and toys can encourage your cat to stay active and healthy
Outlook
The long-term outlook for cats with diabetes mellitus varies according to how old they are, how easy it is to stabilise their diabetes, whether they have any other diseases and how severe these are.
Many diabetic cats have an excellent quality of life and live very happily with their diabetes if they are well managed.