Symptoms of Feline Diabetes

1 Symptoms of Feline Diabetes

1. Specific symptoms of feline diabetes

1) Increased water intake

Cats naturally drink very little, so if an owner suddenly notices the cat drinking frequently and in larger amounts, it’s time to pay attention. Diabetes develops because glucose can’t enter the cells, raising blood glucose. Once it exceeds the kidneys’ reabsorption capacity, diabetes appears — and the process flushes large amounts of glucose and water out of the body, driving up the cat’s thirst.

2) Increased urination

Diabetes disrupts the cat’s normal urinary system, causing abnormal urination.

3) Increased appetite

A diabetic cat’s appetite increases because diabetes affects the hypothalamus, which keeps sending hunger signals to the body. The cat eats more and more until complications such as ketoacidosis set in, at which point appetite drops or disappears entirely.

4) Weight loss

Because diabetes stops the body from using energy normally, it begins breaking down fat constantly. The result is a cat that eats more yet loses weight.

5) Lethargy and reduced activity

With the body unable to use energy, the cat’s muscles weaken, leading to drowsiness, depression, and reluctance to move. A lack of exercise is itself a diabetes risk factor, so less activity worsens the condition — a vicious cycle.

6) Changes in movement

In severe cases, diabetes can cause neuropathy, leading to a plantigrade stance where the cat walks on its hocks.

7) Vomiting

In severe cases the body keeps breaking down its own fat, causing metabolic byproducts to build up in the blood. This can lead to vomiting, nausea, and other symptoms, and may even be fatal.

The symptoms above are the main signs of feline diabetes. If caught early, it need not become serious — but because it often goes uncontrolled, the disease keeps worsening. Owners should watch their cats closely and notice any abnormalities early.