Quick answer
Diabetes in cats happens when the body can't make or use enough insulin, so sugar builds up in the blood. The classic signs are drinking and peeing more, a big appetite and weight loss. It's treated with insulin injections or, for some newly diagnosed cats, a daily oral medicine, plus a low-carbohydrate diet. Many cats treated early go into remission and no longer need treatment.
If your cat is weak or wobbly and you think blood sugar is low, rub a little honey or corn syrup on the gums and call a vet on the way. For other worries, our should I take my cat to the vet? check will help you decide how fast to act.
What is diabetes in cats?
Diabetes in cats (diabetes mellitus) means the body can’t control blood sugar. Insulin, a hormone made by the pancreas, moves sugar from the blood into the cells for energy. In feline diabetes, the pancreas makes too little of it, the body stops responding to it, or both.
Most cats have a form similar to type 2 diabetes in people. That matters, because the pancreas can often recover if blood sugar is brought under control quickly. It’s the reason many cats can come off treatment.
Obesity is the biggest risk factor. Cornell notes that obese cats are up to four times more likely to develop diabetes. Other risks include:
- Age, with most cases in middle-aged and older cats
- Being male
- An indoor, inactive lifestyle
- Long-term steroid treatment, such as prednisolone
- Other hormone problems, such as acromegaly
What are the signs of feline diabetes?
The early signs are easy to miss, especially in cats that eat wet food or go outdoors. Watch for these changes:
| Sign | What you might notice | Urgency |
|---|---|---|
| Increased thirst | Water bowl empties faster, drinking from taps | See vet soon |
| Peeing more | Bigger or more frequent clumps in the litter box | See vet soon |
| Weight loss with a big appetite | Eating more but getting thinner, losing muscle | See vet soon |
| Weak back legs | Walking flat on the hocks, jumping less | See vet soon |
| Not eating, vomiting, lethargy | Can mean diabetic ketoacidosis | Emergency |
A cat that is drinking a lot of water needs a vet visit whatever the cause, because kidney disease and an overactive thyroid cause similar signs.
How do vets diagnose it?
Your vet will run bloodwork and a urine test. High blood sugar alone isn’t enough in cats, because stress at the clinic can push it up for a short time. Vets usually confirm with sugar in the urine and a fructosamine test, which reflects average blood sugar over the past few weeks.
How is diabetes in cats treated?
There are two main treatment paths. Your vet will choose based on your cat’s overall health and how sick they are at diagnosis.
| Option | How it’s given | Best suited to |
|---|---|---|
| Insulin injections | A small shot under the skin, timed with meals | Most diabetic cats, including sicker cats |
| SGLT2 inhibitor tablets or liquid | Once-daily by mouth | Newly diagnosed, otherwise healthy cats never given injections |
| Low-carbohydrate diet | Usually wet or prescription food | Every diabetic cat, alongside medication |
Insulin is the standard treatment. The needles are very fine and most cats barely notice. Your vet will set the dose for your cat and show you how to give it. Never change the dose or type yourself.
In 2023 the FDA approved the first oral medicines for cats, bexagliflozin and velagliflozin. They help the kidneys pass extra sugar out in the urine. Cornell reports they improve blood sugar control in more than 80% of suitable cats. They can cause a dangerous form of ketoacidosis, so they aren’t right for every cat, and your vet will check your cat closely in the first weeks.
How is feline diabetes monitored at home?
Keep a simple daily log of food eaten, water drunk, any treatment given and your cat’s energy. Weigh your cat weekly if you can. Many vets teach owners to test blood sugar at home or use a small sensor stuck to the skin. Home readings are more accurate than clinic readings because your cat is calmer.
Can cats go into diabetic remission?
Yes. Diabetic remission means your cat keeps normal blood sugar without any treatment. It’s one of the biggest differences between cats and dogs, which almost never go into remission.
The chance of remission is highest when:
- Treatment starts soon after diagnosis
- Blood sugar is brought under good control quickly
- Your cat eats a low-carbohydrate, high-protein diet
- An overweight cat slowly loses weight
- Any steroid treatment can be stopped or reduced
Remission isn’t always permanent. Diabetes can return, especially if your cat gains weight again, so your vet will keep checking. Don’t stop treatment because your cat seems better. Stopping should only happen on your vet’s advice, based on test results.
How much does it cost to treat a diabetic cat?
Costs are highest in the first few months, while your vet finds the right treatment. After that, most of the cost is medication, food and rechecks. These are typical US ranges.
| Item | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Diagnosis (exam, bloodwork, urine test) | $250 – $500 |
| Injectable medicine, per month | $50 – $200 |
| Syringes or monitoring supplies, per month | $20 – $80 |
| Prescription low-carb food, per month | $60 – $120 |
| Recheck visit with blood sugar testing | $100 – $300 |
| Hospital care for ketoacidosis | $1,500 – $5,000 |
For what a regular exam costs, see how much a cat vet visit costs.
What is low blood sugar and how do I prevent it?
Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) is the most serious risk of injectable treatment. It can happen if a cat gets too high a dose, doesn’t eat, or goes into remission while still on treatment. Signs include weakness, wobbling, trembling, vomiting, seizures and collapse.
To lower the risk:
- Give each injection only after your cat has eaten. If they skip a meal, call your vet before giving it
- Make sure only one person in the house gives each injection, and mark it on a chart
- Never give an extra injection if you aren’t sure one was given
If you think your cat’s blood sugar is low, rub honey or corn syrup on the gums and call a vet straight away. For more on hormone problems and other illnesses, browse our cat health problems guides.
Frequently asked questions
Can a diabetic cat live a normal life?
Yes. Most well-managed diabetic cats live comfortably for years. The keys are a steady routine, the right diet and regular rechecks with your vet.
Can diabetes in cats be reversed?
Often, yes. Many cats go into remission, meaning their blood sugar stays normal without treatment. The odds are best when treatment starts soon after diagnosis and the cat eats a low-carbohydrate diet.
What happens if feline diabetes isn't treated?
Untreated diabetes gets worse. Cats keep losing weight and muscle, can develop nerve damage in the back legs, and can go into diabetic ketoacidosis, which is life-threatening.
What should I do if my diabetic cat is weak or wobbly?
This can be low blood sugar. Rub a little honey or corn syrup on your cat's gums and call your vet or an emergency vet right away.
Sources
Written by the CatsMed Team from the sources above. This guide isn’t reviewed by a veterinarian and isn’t a substitute for one. See how we research.
