Just like humans, cats can develop diabetes. It’s a condition that affects the way their body processes sugar (glucose), usually because of a lack of insulin or the body not responding properly to it. While it might sound daunting, with the right diagnosis and care, many diabetic cats go on to live long, happy lives.
Signs of Diabetes in Cats
The early signs of diabetes can be quite subtle, so it’s important to know what to look out for. Common symptoms include:
- Drinking more water than usual
- Urinating more often (sometimes outside the litter tray)
- Increased appetite, yet losing weight
- Tiredness or seeming less active than normal
If you notice any of these changes in your cat, it’s always best to get them checked by your vet.
Diagnosis
Your vet will run tests such as blood and urine checks to confirm whether your cat has diabetes. These tests help rule out other conditions with similar symptoms and allow your vet to decide on the best treatment plan.
Treatment and Care
Managing diabetes in cats usually involves:
- Insulin injections – Most diabetic cats will need daily insulin injections. Although this may sound daunting, many owners find the routine becomes second nature quite quickly.
- Dietary changes – Cats with diabetes often benefit from a special diet that helps regulate blood sugar. Your vet will advise on the best food for your cat.
- Monitoring – Regular check-ups and sometimes blood glucose monitoring at home are important to ensure your cat’s treatment is working well.
With the right care, many cats with diabetes can still enjoy a good quality of life.
Boarding Diabetic Cats at Furballs
At Furballs Cattery, we pride ourselves on giving every cat the best possible care during their stay. However, we are not able to board diabetic cats who require the twice-daily insulin injections, as this level of medical care demands precise timing and close monitoring. With only the two of us running the cattery and caring for all our guests, it would not be safe or fair to take on that responsibility. That said, diabetic cats whose condition is managed through diet alone are welcome to stay with us, as their needs can be safely met in our care. Our approach always puts the welfare of the cats first, ensuring each guest is cared for appropriately.
