Feline diabetes is a common endocrine disease in cats.  The most common signs of diabetes is thirst, weight loss in spite of a good appetite and increased urination.  These signs signal that the cat’s body cannot process glucose.  This condition leads to a gradual decline in the cats health. If left untreated, it could result in death.  With proper treatment, the disease will be kept under control and the cat will enjoy a good quality of life.

Feline diabetes is usually seen in cats over 8 years old with a peak incidence between 10 and 13 years.  Diabetes can affect any breed of cat but neutered males tend to get the disease more often than females.

The incidents occur more frequently in cats that are overweight and varies from 1 in 100 to 1 in 500.

Some clinical signs are poor hair coat due to lack of grooming, neuropathy which causes the cat to walk with its hocks touching the ground.

After diagnosis, your vet will recommend a change in diet and the administration of pet medication such as insulin. If you monitor this condition carefully, note any changes and administer insulin as directed by your vet, your pet can still live a long, healthy life.