Home Glucose Monitoring in Diabetic Cats: What You Should Know

If your cat has been diagnosed with diabetes, managing their blood sugar is one of the most important parts of keeping them healthy.. While insulin and diet play the main role, monitoring blood glucose levels at home can make a huge difference in how well their diabetes is controlled.

Luckily, there are a few ways to keep an eye on your cat’s glucose levels, and not all of them involve needles every day. Here's a look at the most common methods, how they work, and what might be right for you and your feline friend.

Home glucose testing is not usually technically difficult with practice

1. Glucometer Testing

This is the most hands-on method, but it’s also one of the most precise.

What It Is:

You use a handheld glucometer to check your cat’s blood sugar by collecting a tiny drop of blood—usually from the edge of the ear or a paw pad.

We recommend either the Alphatrak 3 or Petrackr glucometers which we have available in the clinic (or they can be purchased online via a pet chemist)

Pros:

• Provides accurate, real-time glucose readings

• Ideal for creating glucose curves at home

• Gives you immediate information to share with our vet

• Low ongoing cost for measuring strips (approximately $1/test) once the unit is purchased ($130-160)

Things to Consider:

• It can be tricky to get used to at first

• Not all cats love being handled for ear or paw pokes

• Requires relatively frequent effort, depending on your cat's treatment plan

The following video will guide you through the steps

2. Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs)

If the idea of frequent blood draws makes you (or your cat) a little nervous, a continuous glucose monitor might be a good option.

What It Is:

A small sensor is placed on your cat’s skin—often between the shoulder blades or on the side. It reads glucose levels in the fluid just under the skin and sends the data to your phone or a reader.

Pros:

• Tracks glucose 24/7 without repeated pokes

• Helps spot trends and hidden highs/lows

• Often better tolerated than frequent testing

Things to Consider:

• Sensors need to be applied by your vet

• They stay on for about 7–14 days, depending on the model

• Not every cat tolerates wearing one, especially at first

• Can be temperamental as they are not specifically designed for cats

• They can be expensive (around $150-200 per application)

This video shows how a CGM is applied in the clinic

3. Urine Glucose and Ketone Testing

While not as accurate as blood-based methods, urine testing can offer some basic information—especially if you're just starting out or checking for ketones.

What It Is:

You collect a urine sample (yes, it’s possible!) using non-absorbent litter or a clean tray and test it with special strips.

Pros:

• Non-invasive

• Can alert you to consistently dangerously high glucose or ketones (which need immediate attention)

• Very inexpensive (approx 20c/test)

Things to Consider:

• Doesn’t show real-time blood glucose levels

• Can’t detect if blood glucose is variable throughout the day

• Best used as a supplement, not a replacement for blood monitoring

This video shows how simple it is to perform a urine glucose test

Finding the Right Fit

Every cat—and every household—is different. Some owners prefer the control and detail of daily testing with a glucometer. Others love the convenience of a CGM (although these can be temperamental and expensive). And for some, a mix of methods (like weekly urine checks plus periodic blood tests) might work best.

If you’re not sure where to start, speak with our vets. They can walk you through your options, help you choose the best tools, and show you how to use them safely.

Conclusion

Managing feline diabetes at home may sound overwhelming, but the right monitoring method can make it much more manageable—and give your diabetic cat the best chance at a long, happy life.