Diabetes in Cats: Signs, Treatment and Caring for a Diabetic Cat

Diabetes is one of the more common hormone conditions in cats, particularly as they get older. A diagnosis can feel overwhelming, but many diabetic cats go on to live happy, comfortable lives with the right care, and some can even go into remission.

What is feline diabetes?

Insulin is the hormone that helps the body use sugar (glucose) for energy. In diabetes, the body either does not make enough insulin or does not respond to it properly. Sugar then builds up in the blood instead of reaching the cells that need it. Most diabetic cats have a condition similar to type 2 diabetes in people.

Which cats are most at risk?

• Cats who are overweight or obese
• Older cats, especially from middle age onwards
• Male and neutered cats
• Cats who get little exercise
• Some breeds, including Burmese, may be more prone

Signs to look out for

• Drinking much more than usual
• Passing more urine, or urinating outside the litter tray
• Weight loss, even if your cat is eating well or seems hungrier
• Lethargy or sleeping more
• A poor or unkempt coat
• Weakness in the back legs, which may make your cat walk with their hocks low to the ground

If you notice any of these, please book a vet appointment. They are not specific to diabetes, and your vet can check for other conditions with similar signs, such as kidney disease or an overactive thyroid.

How is it diagnosed?

Your vet will usually run blood and urine tests to measure sugar levels and look for other problems. Because stress can raise a cat’s blood sugar temporarily, they may also test a longer term marker called fructosamine.

Treatment and day to day care

• Insulin. Most diabetic cats need insulin injections, commonly twice a day, given at regular times. Your vet will teach you how and it often becomes routine quickly.
• Diet. Your vet may recommend a high protein, low carbohydrate food. Do not change your cat’s diet or dose without advice.
• Weight. Gentle weight loss in overweight cats can improve control and sometimes helps remission.
• Regular checks. Your vet may ask for blood sugar curves, home monitoring or regular checkups to adjust the dose safely.

When to get urgent help

Contact your vet or an emergency clinic straight away if your cat is very weak, wobbly, having a seizure, vomiting repeatedly, breathing heavily, or collapsing. Too much insulin can cause dangerously low blood sugar, and untreated diabetes can cause a serious condition called ketoacidosis. Both are emergencies.

Can diabetes go into remission?

Some cats, especially those treated early with good control, are able to come off insulin. This is more likely when diagnosis is early and weight and diet are well managed. Your vet will guide you on whether this may be possible.

Last updated: October 2026. This article is general information and is not a substitute for advice from your vet. If you are worried about your cat, or cannot afford their care, please contact us and see our guide to what to do if you cannot afford vet bills.

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