Introduction

Just like humans, cats can also develop diabetes, a condition that affects their pancreas's ability to produce insulin or their body's response to the hormone. Insulin is crucial for distributing glucose, obtained from food, to the cells in a cat's body. When cats have diabetes, their blood glucose levels become uncontrolled, leading to hyperglycemia, which can result in severe medical complications.

Types of Feline Diabetes

There are three types of diabetes that can affect cats: type 1, type 2, and type 3 diabetes.

1. Type 1 Diabetes:

The body does not produce enough insulin, requiring insulin injections for treatment. This type is less common in cats.

2. Type 2 Diabetes:

The body's cells do not respond properly to insulin, despite its production. This is the most common type of diabetes in cats.

3. Type 3 Diabetes:

Results from insulin resistance caused by other hormonal imbalances, such as during pregnancy or due to hormone-secreting tumors.

Recognizing Symptoms of Diabetes in Cats

Early identification of diabetes symptoms in cats is vital to ensure prompt diagnosis and treatment. Some common early symptoms include increased urination and weight loss despite a healthy appetite. In advanced stages of the disease, lethargy, vomiting, increased respiratory rate, and a sweet smell in breath and urine may also be observed. Unkempt coat and a plantigrade stance (walking on heels) may be present in cats with more advanced diabetes.

Risk Factors for Diabetes in Cats

Several risk factors increase a cat's susceptibility to developing diabetes, including obesity, age, physical inactivity, male gender, and the use of glucocorticoids (steroids). Understanding these risk factors can help