What is feline diabetes?
Diabetes mellitus in cats occurs when the body doesn’t produce enough insulin, or the cells can’t use insulin effectively. Insulin is the hormone that moves glucose from the blood into cells for energy. When that system breaks down, glucose builds up in the bloodstream while the body starts breaking down fat and muscle instead. It’s most common in middle-aged to older cats, and certain factors like obesity and chronic dental disease can increase risk.
Signs to watch for at home
Cats are experts at masking illness, so small changes can be important clues. Look out for:
- Increased thirst + urination: Water bowl emptying faster, larger litter clumps
- Weight loss despite a normal or increased appetite
- Lethargy and reduced grooming
- Weak hind legs: Some cats develop a “plantigrade” stance due to nerve damage from high blood sugar
If you notice any of these, a vet check with blood and urine testing will confirm what’s going on.
Treatment: Diet is the foundation
Diet plays a huge role in managing feline diabetes. High-protein, low-carbohydrate diets help reduce blood sugar spikes and make insulin work more effectively. For some cats, switching to the right diet alone can improve control — and in a small number of cases, diet change alone is enough to manage diabetes without medication.
Medication + monitoring
Many cats will need ongoing medication to keep blood sugar stable. The most common treatment is once or twice-daily insulin injections, which most owners find their cats tolerate well with training. There are also oral medications available for some cats, depending on the type of diabetes and individual response.
Monitoring is just as important as treatment. Your vet team will track blood glucose trends, weight, appetite, and clinical signs to adjust therapy safely. Just like in humans, some cats now use continuous glucose monitors — a small disk sensor attached to the skin that records blood sugar levels throughout the day. This gives us a much clearer picture of how your cat is responding to insulin and diet, and helps reduce stress from frequent vet visits.
Prognosis + remission
According to the 2026 AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines, around 30% of diabetic cats can achieve “remission” — meaning normal blood sugar for 4+ weeks without insulin or oral meds. Most cats that achieve remission do so within the first 6 months of diagnosis. Remission isn’t a cure, so monitoring still matters. If a cat in remission keeps receiving insulin, they’re at risk of dangerous low blood sugar.
Cats are amazing
With early diagnosis, the right diet, and consistent monitoring, most diabetic cats live happy, comfortable lives for years. Treatment is a team effort between you and your vet, and we’re here to guide you through every step.
If you’re concerned about your cat’s thirst, weight, or energy levels, book a check-up with Horse & Cat Vet Wairarapa. Email our reception team or register online at www.hcvet.nz.
