Diabetes mellitus in cats
Also known as Feline diabetes, High blood sugar.
Similar to type 2 diabetes in people and closely linked to obesity. With early treatment and a low-carbohydrate diet, a significant share of cats go into remission.
Weakness, wobbling or seizures in a cat on insulin: possible hypoglycaemia, an emergency.
- System
- Hormones and metabolism
- Is it urgent?
- Not usually
- Spreads to other cats
- No
- Spreads to people
- No
- Typical cost in Spain
- Diagnosis, €150–300; insulin, €30–70 a month; glucose curve, €60–150.
Symptoms
- Drinks and urinates a lot
- Eats ravenously yet still loses weight
- Walks on its hocks
- Unkempt coat
- Vomiting and listlessness if there is ketoacidosis
Causes
Obesity, inactivity, age, being a neutered male, corticosteroids and, in some lines, a predisposition in the Burmese.
How it is diagnosed
Blood and urine glucose, plus fructosamine to rule out a stress-related rise during the vet visit.
Treatment
Insulin twice a day or, in some newly diagnosed cats, an oral treatment; a high-protein diet and weight loss.
No doses, on purpose: any medicine must be prescribed by your vet for your cat.
Prognosis
Good with good control. Remission is possible, especially if treated in the first few months.
Prevention
Keep the cat at its ideal weight, with wet food and daily play.
Breeds at higher risk
It is described more often in these breeds. That does not mean all of their cats will have it, nor that a moggy is free of it.
Frequently asked questions
What causes diabetes mellitus?
Obesity, inactivity, age, being a neutered male, corticosteroids and, in some lines, a predisposition in the Burmese.
Can diabetes mellitus be cured?
Good with good control. Remission is possible, especially if treated in the first few months. Insulin twice a day or, in some newly diagnosed cats, an oral treatment; a high-protein diet and weight loss.
How much does it cost to treat diabetes mellitus?
As a guide for Spain in 2026: Diagnosis, €150–300; insulin, €30–70 a month; glucose curve, €60–150. Prices vary a lot between clinics and cities, and out-of-hours emergencies cost more.
Which breeds are most at risk?
It is described more often in Burmese, Siamese and Maine Coon. That does not mean every cat of those breeds will have it, nor that a moggy is free of it.
More in hormones and metabolism
Educational content from Michipedia. It does not replace diagnosis or treatment by a vet: if you have any doubt about your cat's health, ask. Costs are a guide for Spain in 2026.