by Janet Farricelli CPDT-KA

Created on: January 15, 2009   Last Updated: April 09, 2011

When eight year old domestic short hair Tiger began exhibiting a ravenous appetite, his owner simply thought that the chilly fall weather approaching was the primary cause. He had heard about animals and people needing more calories and energy to fight the plummeting temperatures, so he compensated by feeding his cat more often than before. However, when Tiger later on began to exhibit an unexplainable weight loss, increased drinking and loss of appetite, he called his veterinarian for a routine check up.

Tiger, as many other cats affected by diabetes, typically exhibit subtle signs at first that may go unrecognized by many owners. Most owners tend to see an increase of appetite as a sign of good health. However, they may be surprised when their cat instead of gaining weight actually begins to lose weight and even considerably. There are other typical symptoms suggesting diabetes in felines. Acknowledging them may cause attentive owners to seek veterinary care promptly for their feline's care resulting in a better prognosis.

Symptoms of Feline Diabetes

Most cats will exhibit an increased appetite at first. Because the pancreas of diabetic cats does not produce sufficient quantities of insulin, sugar levels in such cats will be elevated. The cat's body therefore, may attempt to compensate the excess sugar by sending messages to the brain for the cat to eat more. At the same time the cat may feel like drinking more in an attempt to flush the excess sugar out of the system. Increased urination therefore develops as a result. However, ultimately, the cat becomes malnourished and will begin to vomit, lose weight and refuse food.

In some cases, cats may develop " peripheral neuropathy" where the rear legs may weaken. The cat may walk "funny' and lose control of its hind legs. This condition suggests that the diabetes has begun to cause nerve damage. Some cats may also be prone to bacterial infections and their wounds may have difficulty to heal. The affected cat may also have a poor coat.

As the diabetes progresses, special acids called ketones form in the blood as it accumulates. Cats may at this point develop a sweet smelling breath resembling the smell of nail polish remover along with labored breathing, lethargy, weakness and ultimately coma, as the diabetes advances.

Treatment of Feline Diabetes

When caught at its earliest stages, dietary management may suffix in some cases. Because the majority of diabetic cats are obese, special diets that focus on weight control such as Hill's R/D may be necessary. However, most cases require both dietary management and insulin injections. A blood glucose curve requiring one day hospitalization at the veterinarian's office may help assess the appropriate dosage of insulin, however, repeated blood glucose curve tests may be necessary throughout the cat's life.

While giving daily injections to your cat may feel intimidating, the good news is that the cat will very likely cooperate and that with proper management, most  diabetic cats are still able to lead many more happy years to come.

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