Companion Animals

Cat Polydipsia and Diabetes Management

Feline diabetes mellitus is increasingly common in cats and, unlike in humans, can often be managed to complete remission through diet and insulin therapy.

Key Facts

Feline diabetes prevalence has increased alongside obesity rates in domestic cats
Type 2 diabetes (insulin resistance) is most common in cats unlike dogs where Type 1 predominates
High-protein, low-carbohydrate diets significantly improve glucose regulation in diabetic cats
Up to 80% of cats can achieve diabetic remission with appropriate management within months
Continuous glucose monitoring devices are now available for cats reducing home testing stress

Welfare Considerations

Uncontrolled diabetes causes cats to feel persistently unwell with excessive thirst, urination, and weakness. Diabetic ketoacidosis is a life-threatening emergency. However, feline diabetes is uniquely manageable - many cats achieve remission. The welfare significance of catching and treating feline diabetes early is enormous since remission means returning to a normal quality of life.

What You Can Do

Maintain your cat at ideal body weight to reduce diabetes risk
Transition diabetic cats to high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet under vet guidance
Learn to monitor blood glucose at home using a pet glucometer
Ask your vet about continuous glucose monitoring options to reduce stress from testing