Just like in humans, diabetes happens when a cat’s body can’t properly regulate blood sugar. Although a serious condition, the good news is with early diagnosis and treatment, the resulting prognosis for diabetes in cats can be very good.¹

Key points

• Diabetes is common in cats, with the number of affected cats increasing.
• If you notice signs like increased thirst, urination, or weight loss, contact your vet right away. Early diagnosis can make a big difference.
• Managing diabetes is a team effort. It’s a lifelong commitment that involves you, your vet and your cat. With the right care, your cat can thrive!

Diabetes in cats is a condition where their body needs more insulin than their pancreas can make. Insulin is the hormone that helps move sugar (glucose) from the blood into cells so they can use it for energy. When this doesn’t happen, sugar builds up in the bloodstream, leading to symptoms like increased thirst (and therefore drinking), frequent urination, weight loss, and tiredness.²

Diabetes can occur in any cat, however risk factors include obesity, sedentary lifestyle, increasing age and even breed predisposition (such as Burmese cats in Australia). As our feline friends are living longer and increasingly being kept more indoors, diabetes in cats is becoming more common. ² Some cats may also have underlying conditions like pancreatitis or acromegaly which can increase their risk of diabetes.

Regardless of the underlying cause, with the right diabetes treatment for cats, a tailored diabetes cat diet, and regular vet monitoring - many cats do really well. Early detection of cat diabetes symptoms is key to keeping your feline friend feeling their best. So, what cat diabetes signs should you be looking for?

The most common signs a cat is diabetic are drinking more water, urinating more often, losing weight despite a healthy appetite, and seeming more tired than usual. You might also notice a dull coat or changes in your diabetic cat’s behaviour, like being less active or struggling to jump.²

One telltale sign is a plantigrade stance where your cat walks with their back legs lower to the ground due to diabetic nerve damage.² In late stage feline diabetes, serious complications like diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) can occur, which may cause vomiting, loss of appetite, dehydration, and even confusion.¹ DKA is a medical emergency, so early recognition of diabetic cat signs is crucial.

If you notice any symptoms of diabetes mellitus in cats, don’t wait—chat with your vet. Early diagnosis and treatment can help your cat live a long, healthy life.

While there’s no cat diabetes cure, most cats do really well with the right care.

Some cats with diabetes need insulin injections, which might sound scary, but the needles are tiny and most cats tolerate them really well. There are different types of insulin options, so your vet will choose the best one for your kitty. Oral medications are also now available for treating feline diabetes without insulin in most cats.³ If you’re wondering about treating cat diabetes without insulin, it’s worth asking your vet if that’s an option. A consistent, low-carbohydrate diabetes cat diet can also play a big role in managing blood sugar.¹

Monitoring blood or urine, home testing, or vet visits are all very important in providing the best treatment for your diabetic patient. With the right plan, your cat can live a long, happy life. In fact, cats on insulin or oral medications, combined with good care, can have a great life expectancy!

Many diabetic cats live long, happy lives when their blood glucose is continually well-managed. Some diabetic cats may even go into remission if the blood glucose is well controlled, especially with the right treatment. However, without treatment, dangerously high levels can lead to serious complications like diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), or nerve issues. Cats with other concurrent health problems may have a more guarded outlook, but with the right support, many still do well.

The key? Stay on top of your cat’s blood glucose, work closely with your vet, and never skip check-ups or monitoring if your cat is unwell.

Most vets recommend low carbohydrate cat food to help stabilise blood sugar and even support remission in some cases. Wet diabetic cat food is often the go-to choice, it’s lower in carbs and higher in moisture, which helps with hydration.¹ But if your kitty prefers crunch, there are some premium dry cat food for diabetics options too. Whether it’s cat food for diabetic cats in cans or kibble, the best plan is one tailored with your vet’s help. Choosing a good food for diabetic cats and keeping an eye on weight are key parts of any effective diabetic cat diet. So, whether you’re shopping for feline diabetic food or just learning about cat food for diabetic cat needs, remember nutrition is powerful medicine.

^{1. Behrend E, et al. (2018) AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. J Am Anim Hosp Assoc. 54,1-21}

^{2. Sparkes AH, Cannon M, Church D, et al. (2015) ISFM consensus guidelines on the practical management of diabetes mellitus in cats. J Feline Med Surg. 17, 235-250}

^{3. Cook AK, Behrend E. (2025) SGLT2 inhibitor use in the management of feline diabetes mellitus. J Vet Pharmacol Ther. 48,19-30}