Feline Diabetes Is More Common Than Most Owners Realize — Here Are the Warning Signs

Feline diabetes has become significantly more common over the past two decades, largely tracking the rise in cat obesity and sedentary indoor lifestyles. An estimated 1 in 100 to 1 in 200 cats now develops diabetes — and the numbers are rising.

The good news: caught early, feline diabetes is very manageable. Many cats go into remission entirely with the right treatment. The challenge: the early signs are easy to miss.

The Early Warning Signs

• Increased thirst — drinking noticeably more water than usual; frequently at the bowl
• Increased urination — larger clumps in the litter box, more frequent trips
• Weight loss despite normal or increased appetite — the classic combination
• Increased appetite — the body isn't using glucose properly, so the cat is always hungry
• Lethargy — less active, sleeping more than usual
• Unkempt coat — cats stop grooming when they feel unwell

A Later Sign That Means Get to the Vet Now

"Plantigrade stance" — where the cat walks on their hocks (the lower leg and heel) rather than on their toes. This results from diabetic neuropathy, nerve damage caused by prolonged high blood sugar. If you see your cat walking flat-footed like this, the diabetes has been uncontrolled for some time and needs immediate veterinary attention.

Risk Factors

• Obesity — by far the biggest risk factor
• Male cats (2-4x more likely than females)
• Age over 7 years
• Burmese cats (genetically predisposed)
• Long-term steroid medication use
• Sedentary indoor lifestyle

Treatment and Remission

Most diabetic cats are managed with twice-daily insulin injections. This sounds daunting, but most owners adapt quickly — the needles are tiny and most cats tolerate it well.

Here's the remarkable part: cats, unlike humans or dogs, can go into diabetic remission. With early, aggressive treatment — especially a switch to a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet — up to 80% of newly diagnosed cats achieve remission and no longer need insulin. The sooner diabetes is caught, the higher the remission rate.

If your cat is over 7 years old or overweight, ask your vet to include blood glucose in their annual bloodwork. Early detection dramatically changes outcomes.