Diabetes is one of the most common hormonal disorders in cats, and it’s on the rise. But with the right care, many diabetic cats can live happy, comfortable lives for years to come.

Contents

• What is feline diabetes?

• What causes diabetes in cats?

• Signs to look for

• How diabetes is diagnosed

• Treating diabetes in cats

• The role of diet

• Holistic and home care

• Top 5 Takeouts

What is feline diabetes?

Diabetes mellitus happens when your cat’s body cannot produce enough insulin or cannot use it properly. Insulin is needed to control blood sugar levels. Without it, sugar builds up in the blood instead of being used for energy.

Most cats with diabetes have Type 2 diabetes, which means their pancreas still makes some insulin, but the body doesn’t respond to it as it should.

What causes diabetes in cats?

There’s no single cause, but common risk factors include:

• Being overweight or obese

• Poor diet, especially high-carb dry food

• Age — older cats are more prone

• Inactivity

• Other health problems, such as pancreatitis

• Long-term use of certain medications like steroids

Signs to look for

Diabetes can develop slowly. Watch for these early signs:

• Drinking more water than usual

• Frequent urination, often with large clumps in the litter tray

• Increased appetite, but noticeable weight loss

• Lethargy or weakness

• Vomiting or diarrhoea (in advanced cases)

• Poor coat condition

If you notice any of these, ask your vet to run a simple blood and urine test.

How diabetes is diagnosed

Your vet will test for high blood sugar and sugar in the urine. Sometimes additional tests are done to check for complications or to confirm the type of diabetes.

Treating diabetes in cats

Treatment focuses on:

• Daily insulin injections — most cats need these once or twice a day

• Regular blood sugar monitoring — your vet will teach you how

• Weight control — a healthy weight helps the body use insulin better

• Low-stress lifestyle — stress can affect blood sugar levels

With good management, many cats do well. Some even go into remission and may no longer need insulin.

The role of diet

Diet makes a huge difference. Many cats improve dramatically on a low-carb, high-protein, species-appropriate diet.

Why raw feeding helps:

• Natural proteins and healthy fats can support balanced blood sugar

• No processed carbs or fillers that could cause sugar spikes

• Raw food is highly digestible, which supports overall health and weight control

💡 Poppy’s Tip: Our raw meals for cats are naturally low in carbs and free from grains and additives

Always talk to your vet before changing a diabetic cat’s diet, especially if they’re on insulin.

Holistic and home care

Gentle support can help alongside medical treatment:

• Regular gentle exercise — playtime helps maintain weight

• Supplements — omega oils and probiotics may support metabolism

• Stress reduction — keep routines calm and stable

Work with your vet and trusted holistic professionals if you want to explore herbs or acupuncture.

Top 5 Takeouts

1. Diabetes is increasingly common in cats, especially older or overweight cats.

2. Look for signs like excessive thirst, hunger and weight loss.

3. Treatment usually means insulin, diet change and weight control.

4. A raw, low-carb diet supports healthy blood sugar naturally.

5. Good daily care helps many cats live well for years.