Diabetes sneaks up

Diabetes in cats usually sneaks up on the owner. Cats seem to be able to physically tolerate higher than normal range BG better and for a longer time than most species, up to a point. It can take weeks or months for symptoms of Feline Diabetes (FD) to develop to where an owner realizes there is something wrong – sometimes even years if the FD is brewing at a low level. The cat may not show any of the classic signs of FD until chronic high blood glucose leads to sugar in the urine and it becomes a life-threatening medical emergency.

Drinking more water is usually the first symptom an owner notices; perhaps they find their cat seems to have a new fixation on dripping water taps, or even seeking out water from the toilet bowl. An owner may also notice their cat’s appetite has increased to being ravenous – for some cats to the point of wanting up to three times more food per day. Weight loss in spite of significantly increased food intake is also a symptom of diabetes in cats; as are an unkempt coat and flakey dandruff.

The cat may seem to be “off”, showing signs of lethargy, a lack of interest in play and avoiding family and favorite resting spots. Yet another symptom of diabetes in cats is the development of muscle weakness (Neuropathy) due to nerve damage – the cat may have trouble climbing stairs, jumping and getting in and out of the litter box. Increased urination is one more symptom of feline diabetes in cats and may cause inappropriate elimination in places that the cat would not normally do their business.