Site Accessibility Features: Skip to page menus 
 
Reset Website AccessibilityIncrease Font SizeDecrease Font Size

 
 
 
Email Us
 
Call Us: 905-417-2206
 
 
 Site Menus Section  Skip to page content 
    


 
Take A Tour
 
New Patients
 
About Us 
 
Location & Hours
 
Team
 
AAHA Accreditation
 
Services 
 
Anesthesia and Patient Monitoring
 
Health Screening Tests
 
Medical Services
 
Nutritional Counseling
 
Preventive Services
 
Surgical Services
 
Wellness and Vaccination Programs
 
Additional Services
 
Pet Health 
 
Pet Health Library
 
How-To Videos
 
Pet Health Checker
 
News
 
Links
 
Online Store
 
905-417-2206
 
Emergency?
 
 
 

Nov 21 2024
 
Understanding Feline Diabetes: What Pet Owners Need to Know
 
Home » News » Understanding Feline Diabetes What Pet Owners Need To Know
Feline diabetes, also known as diabetes mellitus, is a common condition that affects many cats, especially as they age. It requires careful management to ensure a good quality of life for your furry friend. Here’s a guide to understanding the condition, recognizing the signs, and helping your cat live with diabetes.
 
What Is Feline Diabetes?
 
Diabetes in cats is a condition where their bodies either fail to produce enough insulin or cannot use insulin properly. Insulin is a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels, and without it, sugar builds up in the blood instead of being used for energy.
 
Most diabetic cats suffer from type II diabetes, which involves both insulin resistance and decreased insulin production.
 
Obesity, age, and inactivity are risk factors. If left untreated, diabetes can lead to severe, life-threatening conditions like ketoacidosis.
 
Common Clinical Signs
 
Cats with diabetes often show symptoms that owners might notice at home:
 
 
Increased thirst and urination: High blood sugar causes excessive glucose in the urine, pulling water with it.
 
Weight loss despite a good appetite: The body breaks down fat and muscle for energy because it cannot access glucose.
 
Lethargy and weakness: Low energy levels may affect activity.
 
Plantigrade stance: Some cats walk with their hind legs flat on the ground, indicating nerve damage​.
 
If you notice these symptoms, schedule a vet visit immediately for proper diagnosis.
 
How You Can Help Manage Diabetes
 
Managing diabetes in cats involves a partnership between you and your veterinarian. Here’s how you can help:
 
 
 Insulin Therapy
 
 
Insulin injections are the cornerstone of treatment. Most cats require twice-daily injections, which are relatively easy to administer with practice.
 
Your vet will determine the best type of insulin for your cat and teach you how to give injections at home​.
 
 
 Diet Adjustments
 
 
Feeding a low-carbohydrate, high-protein diet can help stabilize blood sugar levels. Many prescription options are available, including wet and dry foods.
 
Controlled weight loss in overweight cats is essential for improving insulin sensitivity.
 
 
 Oral Medications
 
 
For some newly diagnosed cats, medications like SGLT2 inhibitors may be an option. These drugs help lower blood sugar by increasing its excretion through urine, but they are not suitable for all cats​.
 
 
 Monitoring and Follow-Up
 
 
Regular blood glucose monitoring ensures the insulin dose is effective and avoids complications like low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).
 
Monitoring is essential, especially during treatment adjustments, and may involve using a blood glucose meter at home or visiting your veterinarian for glucose curves​.
 
 
 Lifestyle Changes
 
 
Encourage physical activity through daily play sessions to help manage weight and overall health.
 
Provide easy access to fresh water and clean litter boxes, as increased urination is common​.
 
The Importance of Early Intervention
 
With proper care, many diabetic cats can lead happy, healthy lives. Some may even go into remission, especially if the disease is diagnosed early and managed effectively. Regular vet check-ups and attention to your cat’s behavior are key to catching diabetes before it causes significant harm​.
 
LifeLearn News
 
Note: This article, written by LifeLearn Animal Health (LifeLearn Inc.) is licensed to this practice for the personal use of our clients. Any copying, printing or further distribution is prohibited without the express written permission of Lifelearn. Please note that the news information presented here is NOT a substitute for a proper consultation and/or clinical examination of your pet by a veterinarian.
CONTACT
 
Tel 905-417-2206

Fax 905-417-2207

Email info@eagleslandinganimalhospital.com
 
ADDRESS
 
Unit I #2, Eagles Landing Plaza

1380 Major Mackenzie Drive West

Vaughan, Ontario, L6A 4H6

Canada

(Dufferin / Major Mackenzie)
 
Click here to check us out on Instagram and Facebook!

Ready to become part of the

family at Eagles Landing?
Just fill out our quick online form!
Make An Appointment 

Opening Hours
Monday: 8:00 am – 7:00 pm

Tuesday: 8:00 am – 7:00 pm

Wednesday: 8:00 am – 7:00 pm

Thursday: 8:00 am – 7:00 pm

Friday: 8:00 am – 6:00 pm

Saturday: Closed

Sunday: Closed
 
2025 HOLIDAY HOURS
 
Family Day (February 17) – CLOSED

Good Friday (April 18) – CLOSED

Victoria Day (May 19) – CLOSED

Canada Day (July 1) – CLOSED

Civic Holiday (August 4) – CLOSED

Labour Day (September 1) – CLOSED

Thanksgiving (October 13) – CLOSED

Christmas Day (December 25) – CLOSED

Boxing Day (December 26) – CLOSED

New Year’s Day (January 1) – CLOSED
 
 
 
 

Tick-Borne Illness in Dogs and Cats: What Pet Owners Need to Know
May 1, 2025
You felt a tiny bump on your dog’s ear. Or maybe you spotted something on your…
Accreditations




CONTACT
 
Tel 905-417-2206

Fax 905-417-2207

Email info@eagleslandinganimalhospital.com
 
ADDRESS
 
Unit I #2, Eagles Landing Plaza

1380 Major Mackenzie Drive West

Vaughan, Ontario, L6A 4H6

Canada

(Dufferin / Major Mackenzie)
 
Click here to check us out on Instagram and Facebook!
 © 2025 Eagles Landing Animal Hospital.

Powered by LifeLearn Veterinary Websites