Cats and Diabetes

Insulin syringe

Diabetes in cats, as in humans, is a medical condition resulting in an excessive amount of sugar in the blood, caused by a deficiency of insulin (a hormone secreted by the pancreas). An estimated one in four hundred cats are affected.

Clinical signs include an increase in water consumption and urination. Weight loss and an increase in appetite may be noticed. Diagnosis is based on clinical signs, elevated blood glucose concentration in blood tests, and the presence of glucose in the urine.

Diabetes is a treatable condition. Although long-term treatment requires commitment, it can be very rewarding to successfully manage this condition. Obese cats are more prone to develop diabetes and weight reduction can lead to resolution of the signs in some cats.

Although a small proportion of cats will respond to oral hypoglycemic medication, most cats will require insulin injections to control the diabetes. Most cats will require once or twice daily injection of a small dose of insulin. Syringes with very small needles are available which cause no pain to the cat, and within a short period of time the procedure becomes very routine. The condition and treatment must be monitored with the cat’s vet, partly through the collection of occasional blood samples.

It should be noted that guardianship of a diabetic cat can be more expensive, financially, than that of a ‘normal’ cat. There are ongoing costs for items such as syringes, insulin and, in some cases, special diet food to help control blood glucose levels.

Below are some of the cats with diabetes currently available for adoption or foster:

Animal type: Cat Ginger A101040 Ginger was surrendered in July. She is sweet, curious, affectionate and playful. For more information call 416.392.2273 ext. 2460/2422, or email one of our Feline Services coordinators.
Animal type: Cat Sammi A104030 Sammi was adopted 10 years ago but returned recently when her guardians could not afford to care for her diabetes. She is an affectionate and sweet older girl looking for a comfortable place to spend her retirement years. For more information call 416.392.2273 ext. 2460/2422, or email one of our Feline Services coordinators.
Animal type: Cat Mr. Hastings A103341 Mr. Hastings came to the shelter as a stray in August. He is a gentle and sweet boy. For more information call 416.392.2273 ext. 2460/2422, or email one of our Feline Services coordinators.
Animal type: Cat Kayla A103057 Kayla was surrendered in August because her guardians could not care for her with her diabetes. She is a very sweet, silly cat and very affectionate. For more information call 416.392.2273 ext. 2460/2422, or email one of our Feline Services coordinators.
Animal type: Cat Milo A098357 Milo was surrendered to us in April 2006. He is a sweet, affectionate boy who loves belly rubs and being brushed. This laid back, easy going cat will probably do well with kids and dogs if introduced properly. For more information call 416.392.2273 ext. 2460/2422, or email one of our Feline Services coordinators.