Hormonal disease · Updated 2026-09-20
Feline diabetes mellitus
A disorder of blood-glucose regulation that commonly causes increased thirst, urination, appetite changes and weight loss.
Signs to watch for
- Drinking and urinating more
- Weight loss despite appetite
- Weak hind legs
- Lethargy
- Dehydration
Causes and risk factors
Insulin resistance and reduced insulin production are central. Obesity, age, inactivity, some medicines and other hormonal disease increase risk.
How veterinarians diagnose it
Persistent high blood glucose, urine glucose and clinical signs support diagnosis; fructosamine may help separate diabetes from stress-related glucose elevation.
Treatment and management
Most cats need insulin, a consistent suitable diet, home monitoring and planned rechecks. Dose changes must be veterinarian-led.
Prevention
Maintaining a lean body condition and encouraging daily activity reduces risk, although not every case is preventable.
Outlook
Many cats achieve good control and some enter remission with early, consistent treatment.