Diabetes mellitus is a disease that generally affects the pancreas of cats and reduces its ability to produce enough insulin to balance glucose levels in the body.

It is one of the most common endocrine disorders in cats and can be seen more frequently in middle-aged male cats. This disease is more common among cats that are overweight, as excess weight leads to their body showing less sensitivity to insulin. In the early stages, the condition does not usually show any kind of symptoms that may alarm you. Here are some signs and symptoms of diabetes mellitus in cats that you should look out for:

Sudden change in appetite

A sudden change in appetite is one of the very first symptoms of a cat being diabetic. Some cats affected by the condition usually lose their appetite, while others may start eating more than they naturally do. Other gastrointestinal diseases can also cause poor appetite, so taking the advice of a doctor is a must.

Excessive thirst and urination

Cats having diabetes usually tend to drink much more water than they generally do. As a diabetic cat’s body cannot break down glucose properly, the kidneys try to eliminate extra sugar through urination. The body loses water due to frequent urination, which increases the thirst of the cat.

Weight loss

Weight loss is another very important sign of diabetes mellitus in cats that owners generally tend to ignore. The body of a diabetic cat cannot absorb glucose from the blood, so it breaks down the fat to get energy. A small amount of weight loss can be normal, especially if your cat is overweight, but extreme weight loss in a short time can be concerning.

Some other signs of diabetes in cats are:

• Lethargy: If your cat has become lethargic and does not want to move, it can be a sign of diabetes.
• Decreased activity: As diabetic cats usually do not eat much, it can make them weak, and they may lose interest in doing anything.

Treatment of diabetes

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic condition in cats and should not be left untreated. However, these symptoms can also be caused by other diseases, so you should consult a vet before starting treatment. The condition is quite manageable with proper treatment. Here are some ways to manage it:

• Diet change : As diabetes usually affects obese cats, the first thing your vet may advise is a change in the diet plan of your cat.
• Insulin : Insulin needs to be injected twice a day as oral insulin does not work for cats.
• Medications : There are some oral medications that your vet may prescribe to lower your cat’s blood sugar levels.

Diabetes mellitus in cats can be managed easily with proper treatment. So, if your cat shows any of the symptoms, consult your vet at the earliest.