How to Spot Feline Diabetes in Your Cat

Feline diabetes symptoms will vary from cat to cat depending upon the type and stage of the disease. This disease can affect cats of any age, either male or female. The prime candidates for diabetes, however, are older males, especially those who are over weight.

Excessive urination and thirst (known as polyuria and polydipsia) are the most obvious early signs of the disease. Initially, your cat may show only these symptoms, or no symptoms at all.

In addition to polyuria and polydipsia, progressive symptoms may include an increase in appetite, while at the same time losing weight.

In addition, diabetic cats may develop a condition known as diabetic neuropathy, which causes weakness in the back legs. Sick kitties may also become lethargic.

Untreated cats may experience increasingly more severe symptoms. These may include vomiting, dehydration, and subsequent loss of appetite. Over time, affected cats may develop poor hair coat, secondary infections, and liver disease.

Additional symptoms can be brought on if a cat develops diabetic ketoacidosis. This is a potentially fatal condition that may cause breathing problems, weakness, vomiting and diarrhea.

Over weight cats who get limited activity are at higher risk, so ensure that your cat gets plenty of exercise and doesn’t over eat. Keeping your cat’s weight down and activity level up will help reduce the effects of the disease. With treatment, feline diabetes is usually a very manageable disease.