A Guide to Adopting a Diabetic Cat

So, you’re considering adopting a cat with diabetes. Naturally, you have some questions. How often will I need to give my cat insulin, and how much does it cost? What’s the best food for cats with diabetes? What’s the expected lifespan of a cat with diabetes? We talked to veterinarians to get the answers to the above questions and more, so you can make an informed decision about adopting a cat with diabetes. 

Some adopters may have reservations about bringing home a special-needs animal, but here’s the thing: Feline diabetes is manageable, not a death sentence. With proper knowledge, dedication, and of course love, you can give a diabetic cat a happy, fulfilling life.

Diabetes in cats

Feline diabetes (diabetes mellitus) is a long-term illness that occurs when the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin, or the body doesn’t respond to insulin as it should, explains veterinarian Dr. Alex Crow. Insulin is important because it helps the body turn sugar into energy. Without it, blood-sugar levels increase (hyperglycemia) and can cause complications like nerve damage, eye disease, and kidney damage. 

“Approximately one in 200 cats develop diabetes, with older cats and males being more commonly affected,” Crow says. “I often see this condition in cats over the age of seven, particularly those who are overweight.”

Pet parents and caregivers often notice increased thirst and urination as the first signs of diabetes in cats. Cats may also lose weight despite a good appetite and have a decrease in energy. 

Adopting a diabetic cat 

Caring for a diabetic cat requires financial and​​​​ time commitments that aren’t for everyone, but they sure can be rewarding. Here are a few considerations. 

Responsibilities of adopting a diabetic cat

Financial planning

In addition to regular cat care costs (food, toys, and litter box supplies) expect extra expenses for insulin, syringes, blood-glucose monitoring equipment, and regular veterinary visits. “On average, pet parents might spend between $50 to $200 monthly on these necessities,” Crow says. Occasional blood work and special diets can add to that bill.

Routine care

Cats with diabetes should visit their vet every three to six months, Crow says. Diabetic cats may be prone to other health problems such as urinary tract infections (UTIs) and cataracts. 

Travel planning

Adopting a diabetic cat doesn’t mean saying goodbye to getaways. However, it does require careful planning, including boarding your cat or hiring a cat sitter who can administer medications twice daily. 

Rewards of adopting a diabetic cat

Easing the strain on the shelter system

Pets with pre-existing medication conditions, like cats with diabetes, often face longer stays in shelters. Already at capacity with animals in need, these facilities may lack the resources for long-term specialized care. This can lead to them making the difficult choice of limited care or even euthanasia. 

By adopting a diabetic cat, you can make a real difference. You’ll not only ease the burden on shelters, but you’ll also offer a loving home to a deserving animal who can live a long life with the right care.

Developing a special bond

The bond with a rescued diabetic cat might become even stronger due to the experience of helping them. “The rewards of providing a loving home to a special-needs pet are immeasurable,” Crow says. 

How to treat diabetes in cats

There’s no cure for feline diabetes, but it can be managed. Many cats with diabetes live long and happy lives. Some even enter remission. The shelter or rescue can share how they manage the cat’s condition, and your vet can help you create a personalized treatment plan, which may include the following.

Medication

Insulin is a common medication for managing feline diabetes. But Dr. Amanda Chambers, a veterinary consultant at Embrace Pet Insurance, says pet parents have other options, too.

• Insulin ($70 to $100 per bottle): This is an injection that’s usually given every 12 hours with food. Chambers says you can expect one bottle to last one to three months, depending on the cat’s size and the required dose. 

• Bexacat (around $90 for a 30-day supply): This is a pill that’s given daily. 

• Senvelgo (around $270 for a 90-day supply): This is an oral liquid that’s given daily. 

Diabetic diet

A low-carb, high-protein diet is typically recommended for cats with diabetes, according to both vets. Your veterinarian can help recommend the best food for diabetic cats, and may even prescribe a special diabetic diet. “I often recommend brands like Royal Canin Glycobalance,” Crow says. Treats are typically okay in moderation, but opt for low-calorie ones and always consult your vet before introducing anything new. 

Exercise and weight management 

Both vets can’t stress enough that exercise and weight management should be part of a diabetic cat’s health plan. There are a few good reasons for this. For one, Chambers says, excess fat can increase a cat’s resistance to insulin. Exercise, on the other hand, does the opposite by helping the body use blood glucose as it should — for energy. “Interactive toys, laser pointers, and climbing structures are great for keeping a diabetic cat active,” Crow says. 

Potential complications of diabetes in cats

Diabetic ketoacidosis in cats 

Without enough insulin, the body quickly begins breaking down fat as fuel, a serious condition called diabetic ketoacidosis. Breaking down fat is an issue because it creates ketones, Chambers explains. Ketones make the blood too acidic, which creates an imbalance of electrolytes in the body. 

Symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis in cats include:

• Vomiting

• Lethargy

• Rapid breathing

Crow warns that diabetic ketoacidosis can be life-threatening. However, it can be treated — and prevented — with diabetic medications to manage blood glucose levels. 

UTIs in cats

According to vets, ​​diabetic cats are more prone to UTIs due to extra glucose in their urine. Signs of UTIs in cats include:

• Frequent trips to the litter box, but only passing a small amount of urine

• Peeing outside of the litter box

• Straining to pee 

• Blood in urine

• Excessive licking of the genital area

• Strong pee smell

• Loss of appetite

Fortunately, UTIs in cats can be treated with antibiotics and its symptoms managed with pain medications. Your vet may suggest a change in diet to prevent future UTIs if they become frequent. 

The prognosis of cats with diabetes

“With proper management, diabetic cats can live long and healthy lives,” Crow says. The key to keeping your diabetic cat healthy includes:

• Regular vet checkups

• Strict diet

• Consistent medication

• Loving environment

From saving one cat and making room for another, to enjoying the companionship of a loving companion, there are a host of benefits that come from choosing a less adopted cat, such as a cat with diabetes. 

Commonly asked questions 

Can I get financial assistance on vet bills?

Pre-existing conditions, such as diabetes, are typically excluded from most pet-insurance coverage. Thankfully, there are other ways to help manage vet costs, including discussing payment plans and lower-cost appointments with your vet, seeking financial aid for from nonprofits or charities, using a service that allows you to pay for veterinary care over time (such as CareCredit), or using fundraising platforms like GoFundMe to raise funds. 

What should I ask a cat shelter when adopting?

You should ask the shelter staff and volunteers questions about the cat’s history, current health, and personality quirks. When it comes to adopting a cat with special needs, you should ask about the cat’s existing wellness plan, medications, and the potential cost of their care. Additionally, the shelter may know of resources to access medications and veterinary care at a reduced cost.

References

Breakthrough in Treatment for Newly Diagnosed Diabetic Cats

Survival, Remission, and Quality of Life in Diabetic Cats

Two New Drugs to Treat Diabetes in Cats — Is One Right for Your Cat?

What’s in a Name? Classification of Diabetes Mellitus in Veterinary Medicine and Why It Matters