Cat Diabetes Questions and Answers

Introduction

Please find all your Diabetic Cat related questions here. If you have a question, or topic you would like us to include on this site, then please send us an email.

We promise to answer as many questions as we can, but please be patient!

All answers provided are subject to our usual terms. We offer information only, not medical advice.

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11 year old male cat just diagnosed, eats small amounts...
My cat is overweight, weighs 19 pounds. He hasn't developed diabetes yet...
Diagnosed with diabetes 2 weeks ago, problems with insulin shots...
My Kitten is tired, depressed, unplayful, skinny, will she get over these
Can you suggest any cost effective alternatives treatment or diets?
Does Tiger have diabetes?
What are the best treatments for cat neuropathy?
Is feline diabetes painful?
Why are his glucose levels see-sawing so much?
My cat just got diagnosed with diabetes
I need to know if I can afford treatment before I start..

From Amy
Q

Hi!

My 11 year old male cat was just diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. He has been on Itraconazole for about 5-6 months for a nose fungal infection. Do you think this medication has had something to do with him getting diabetes? He also is a very active outdoor cat during spring, summer & fall. With him being outside and catching mice, birds etc. is that going to affect his condition with insulin shots? My Vet has told me that I am to feed my cat 2 meals a day. My question to you is after he has eaten some of his food and he walks away but 5 or 10 minutes later wants to come back to eat more is that ok to let him have more?

I appreciate any advice you can provide. I am having a difficult time with his recent diagnosis. My cats are a HUGE part of the family and I love them very much and just want to take care of him the best possible way that I can.

Thank you for your help!

Hello Amy,

The medication will not of contributed to his developing diabetes - indeed it might be the other way around, that is, diabetes made him more vulnerable to infection.

Cats do tend to graze at food throughout the day and you shouldn't try and change that - it is likely to cause more stress. As long as the total amount you give him is controlled, you will be fine. You don't say if you have switched to a low carbohydrate / higher protein diet. Sometimes a change of diet is all that is required. If your cat is overweight, that is something you should correct, normalizing weight can have a dramatic effect on diabetes too.

Active cats generally need less medication, as they are burning up calories / glucose anyway, being active is a good thing! Just be aware, if he becomes less active, you may need to adjust (probably increase) the insulin shots, of course, after speaking to your Vet.

If you want to really be sure your cats diabetes is being well controlled you should get a glucose meter and some test strips. Try and test before your cat has had alot to eat. Good readings are between 60 and 120mg/dl outside that range, over a number of days and you should check back with your Vet to alter the medication.

Don't forget to check out the advice on our pet diet page!

Best wishes
The DiabetesRevealed Team

Hi

My cat is overweight. He's a neutered male, weighs 19 pounds and his belly hangs down he's so fat. He hasn't developed diabetes yet.

I understand that high protein, low carb is the best food. Can you suggest several brands of cat food that I could choose from and when they say to choose a good multi cat food, what company makes a multi cat food?

I have five cats and its impossible to feed them different sized portions separately. I intend to exercise him but I would like to get his weight down to normal before he does develop diabetes.

Dee

Hello Dee,

When we researched this area, we decided The Only Natural Pet store offered the best range. There is a link on right here.

Iams offer Multi cat food, available from stores or online at places like PetsMart.com or PetFoodDirect.com.

As you mention - play and exercise can help a great deal, so inconjunction with a lower carb diet, try getting some toys that will get him moving.

There are plenty of overweight cats that never get diabetes, but you are doing the right thing and he will feel better and be more lively for losing a few pounds.

Best wishes
The DiabetesRevealed Team

Hi,

Help...please.

My 7 y/o male cat was diagnosed with diabetes 2 weeks ago. His white cells were also elevated and he showed signs of the beginning of renal problems. I think I have it all.

I am relating what the vet said. His food has been changed to dm and he has been getting insulin. He started at 1.5 units and is up to 5 units of Lantus once a day. I have placed the Glucotest papers in his litter box to test his urine for sugar and it has always been coming out at the darkest color. He eats little bits at a time, it's always less than 1/4 of a can.

He is on my bed moaning every night about 2 a.m. and it seems that every other day he has a bad day. I also have to give him fluid Sub Q everyday (1.5) because he gets dehydrated.

My question is how soon should the insulin dose increase if he is showing no signs of improvement after three days of an increased dose. Started giving 5 units on Friday, and today is Monday and there is no change in anything with him.

I am really concerned that if this is not under control quickly that other things are going to get worse with him. Any suggestions, my heart is bleeding for this little guy. He was such a strong fellow and know all he does is look at me and moan and I don't know what to do. Can you please advise. I really would appreciate some input from someone else with some knowledge about this.
Thanks

Hello Fran,

You certainly have your hands full at the moment, the poor fellow. Often infections or sickness can affect diabetic control - so that could partially explain why his glucose levels are remaining high.

Lantus is a slow acting (approx 24 hours) insulin, so it will take at least a day for the level to build up in his system. You must be cautious when increasing insulin levels, too much can be fatal. We recommend you considered a digital blood glucose meter rather than the less accurate urine paper. That way you could get a much better idea of the real glucose levels and see any improvements much more easily. You can see a selection here

It often takes a few days or weeks to get the insulin levels right - it mainly depends on the weight of the cat (is he overweight?), how much exercise they are getting and their diet. Its a tricky balancing act and often it changes over time as the cats behavior changes. For that reason, you now have to monitor your cat's glucose level regularly and adjust diet/exercise or insulin accordingly. If he is not happy with his new food, you could even switch back to his old food (it may cheer him up) - he may just need more insulin if it contains more sugar than his new food, your Vet can advise.

It sounds like the dose should go up, but you must talk to your vet of course. Ask them to perform a blood glucose test at the same time, that will give you a much better idea of how high his glucose levels really are. He is getting insulin now, so any complications that occur will be slowed from starting, so don't worry too much about that.

Hope that helps - it sounds like he is in good caring hands.

Best wishes
The DiabetesRevealed Team

Hi

My 8 month old kitten was just diagnosed with diabetes, about 3 weeks now. We give her 3 units every morning of insulin. I understand most symptoms and diagnostic things, but want to know if my kitten will get better emotionally.

She is tired, depressed, unplayful, lethargic, skinny, etc..... Will she get over these?

Thanks
Joesph

Hello Joesph,

Have you had her blood glucose levels re-tested? It could be that the 3 units are not enough, or too much, for the food she is on.

When diabetes in pets is well controlled, they should behave normally, so it seems quite likely that the dose is perhaps not quite right yet. Its perfectly normal to have to adjust the dose in the initial stages.

You will find as she grows and changes her eating habits and exercise, her units will need to change again and you must keep an eye on her to spot any changes in behavior that indicate a dose change is needed. Of course your Vet will usually need to perform a re-test to check and adjust the dose.

You might also like to look at natural alternatives, like RemedyDirect

Best wishes
The DiabetesRevealed Team

Hello,

My 13 year old Female cat Freda has just been diagnosed with diabetes. We have been advised by our Vet to use insulin or put her down. The cost of the insulin is between £80-£100 ($140 - $175) per month. The cost of this is a real issue for myself.

I have had Freda since a kitten and now she is older, I wondered if you could suggest any cost effective /alternatives treatment/diets I could use to keep her comfortable and hopefully improve her health.

I look forward to your helpful hints.

Many thanks

Lisa

Hello Lisa,

We are in the middle of redoing our pet diet pages in the light of some new information. The summary is that there may well be alternatives. Check her cat food - most dry cat food contains far too much carbohydrate for a cat and a lot of moist cat food does too.

Cats are designed to eat things like mice and small birds, these do not have much carbohydrate in them. They are mostly protein and fat which a cat is more able to digest. Current thinking is that carbohydrate in a cats diet should be around 3% to 4%. If cats have a diet too high in carbohydrate, they tend to store the carb as fat (because they find it harder to digest it). Overweight cats are more likely to get diabetes.

Unfortunately we haven't yet researched what brands etc.. of food are the best, you will have to do that research yourself, but it might be worth considering switching Freda to a very low carb diet - remember you could always mince up some cuts of meat yourself for her.

You must of course tell your Vet about any diet changes and get advice on monitoring her blood glucose levels if you do cut down or even stop any insulin.

Best wishes
The DiabetesRevealed Team

From Debbie, CT
Q

Hello,

My cat Tiger, is 17 years old. She has been in extremely good health till just recently. Tiger had a bladder infection about 3 months ago. Since that time she hardly stops drinking and the litter box is anything left on the floor.

The vet bills here in CT are ridiculous. $700.00 later and we found the simple bladder infection. I do not wish to spend a ton to find answers to what to do and why she is doing this. I have her on bladder meds now. Could this be diabetes? Please help!

Lovin Tiger and broke.

Debbie

Hello Debbie,

So Tiger is on bladder medication, but is still drinking constantly and not using her litter tray? Certainly increased thirst is a sign of possible diabetes, but it could be something else. Diabetes can be tested in a couple of ways, blood testing and urine testing, Usually urine testing is harder for Cats, but perhaps Tiger can be tested. A good pet store or your vet should be able to sell you urine testing strips that you dip in urine and will give you an idea of any problems.

A much more reliable and accurate test is a blood test. Wal Mart and other stores sell cheap blood glucose meters (or your Vet could do a test). A sample of blood is taken (a tiny drop) and placed on a test strip in a blood glucose test meter. The meter will give you a reading in around 30 seconds. The meter will come with full instructions. A reading over 120mg/dl is an indication of possible diabetes. You should test at least 1 to 2 hours after any food has been eaten. Do a series of tests every couple of hours over a whole day to by sure.

If you do find Tiger is diabetic, diet is very important, cutting down carbohydrates can sometimes really help (you could try this anyway). Check out our pet diet page There are also alternatives like RemedyDirect

We hope that is helpful. Good luck Tiger!
Best wishes

The DiabetesRevealed.com Team

From Nancy
Q

Hello,

My cat's diabetes seems to be under control...His weight is stable and his blood sugar levels remain in the normal range with the use of gypicide.

He has recently developed neuropathy in his back legs and has a little difficulty jumping on to things. Are there any treatments for this?

Nancy

Hello Nancy,

Neuropathy develops when glucose levels are too high over a long period of time. So from the brief details, it would appear your cat may need tighter control of his blood sugar levels.

You can examine his diet - make sure he's getting a high protein, *very low* carbohydrate diet, see our pet diet page If you make significant changes to his diet, consult your Vet as the medication may need to change.

You could also look at diet supplements such as RemedyDirect These can help normalize glucose levels and thus help the neuropathy.

Best wishes

The DiabetesRevealed.com Team

From Donna
Q

Hello,

Is feline diabetes painful?

Thank you,

Donna

A

Hello Donna,

That's a very interesting question we haven't been asked before!

The short answer is no. Of course it is difficult to be completely sure, but if we talk about humans with diabetes, it is the complications caused by poor control of diabetes that can be distressing. Complications like blindness, lack of sensation/feelings in limbs and in extreme cases loss of some control due to extensive nerve damage.

However, if the diabetes is well controlled either through diet or medication or both, then your feline friend should not be in any diabetes related pain.

Best wishes

The DiabetesRevealed.com Team

From Becky
Q

Hello,

We have a nine year old male cat just diagnosed with diabetes. We bought a glucose tester and have been testing twice a day. Last night his level was 581. We gave him three units of insulin. This morning it was 241. We gave him three more units. Tonight it is back up to 556.

Should it be see-sawing this much? Could there be something wrong with the tester?

Please HELP!

Becky

A

Hello Becky,

Is he overweight, inactive? For his levels to go back up high it sounds as if
he is getting alot of carbohydrate in his food. You have to be very careful
with commercial cat food. Check out the information on our diet page and also the information on the Janet & Binky site, that lists most popular cat foods.

You do have to be careful when you test - if you test straight after he has eaten, you will get a high reading. If you can, test an hour of two after he has had any food at all.

Its difficult without more information, but take a look at his diet, if you
find it is greater than about 5% carb, try switching food and see what happens - but you must monitor carefully, if you lower carb intake, you should need to give less insulin, you don't want his levels dropping too low. Of course, sweet treats are out now, unless his glucose levels drop very low.

It is a diffcult balancing act between diet / exercise and insulin - but once you have it right, as long as things stay constant, if should become easier.

Best wishes

The DiabetesRevealed.com Team

From Anne
Q

Hello,

My cat just got diagnosed with diabetes. His level was at 410 yesterday. I gave him a shot last night after he ate. He did not want his food this AM so I skipped the morning dose. He still hasn't eaten by the time I've come home from work. So still no dose. Is this something I should be alarmed at?

He did vomit over night, but doesn't seem to be sick now. Walking around normally.

Should I be concerned by the lack of appetite? Can I give the dose w/out
him eating?

Thanks,

Anne

A

Hello Anne,

Insulin should only be given if food has been eaten. Otherwise, you risk lowering blood glucose levels too low. Food makes the levels go up, insulin (and exercise) brings them down.

Unless you test his levels, it is all a mix of guesswork and judgement. He is probably a bit freaked out, having had his first shot. Things usually settle down once you are in a routine.

Have a read of our home testing page, testing really is the best way to get glucose levels right.

Diet is extremely important, please read our diet page. Try and reach a max of 5% carbohydrate content if possible. If you change diet, you may need to change insulin dose levels, again testing is the surest way to know, or your Veterinarian can advise.

You can also look at some of the alternatives (if you live in the US or Canada) such as RemedyDirect. Some pet owners have had great results with this product.

Good luck with the treatment

The DiabetesRevealed.com Team

From RDeLorenzo
Q

Hello,

My 12 year old cat was just diagnosed with diabetes. When I called the vet, the doctor wasn't in; I spoke to a tech. She told me a bottle of insulin, 10 mls (?) was $47.83. I asked how many shots that is, but she couldn't answer as each cat is different. Can you give me a ballpark figure? My cat has lost weight, and weighs 14.6 lbs. I need to know if I can afford treatment before I start. Is that about a months supply, or a week? Thanks for any help you can give.

Thanks,

DeLorenzo

A

1ml contains 100 units (shots) of insulin. So $47.83 buys you 1000 units. To give you an idea, a human would be taking maybe 60 to 100 units a day depending on their lifestyle. A cat will be taking a lot less of course because they are a fraction of the wieght of an adult.

Cost should not be a factor, even with the credit crunch.

Good luck with the treatment

The DiabetesRevealed.com Team

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