Understanding Diabetes in Cats: Causes and Diagnosis

Diabetes mellitus is one of the most common hormonal disorders in middle-aged to older cats. Understanding what causes diabetes in cats and how we diagnose it can help you identify the signs early and seek appropriate treatment to give your cat the best quality of life.

What Causes Diabetes in Cats?

Feline diabetes is most similar to type 2 diabetes in humans, where the body either doesn't respond properly to insulin (insulin resistance) or stops making enough of it (pancreatic dysfunction).

Let’s take a closer look at the most common underlying causes:

1. Obesity: The #1 Risk Factor

As in people, excess weight is one of the biggest contributors to diabetes in cats. Overweight cats are up to four times more likely to develop the condition. In Australia, where indoor lifestyles and overfeeding can be common, obesity is on the rise among pets. Keeping cats at a healthy weight through balanced nutrition and regular play is one of the best ways to reduce their risk.

2. Age

Most cats diagnosed with diabetes are middle-aged or older—usually over the age of seven. As cats age, their bodies become less efficient at managing insulin, increasing their risk of developing the disease.

3. Breed

Certain breeds may be more prone to diabetes. In Australia, Burmese cats are especially noteworthy—they have a significantly higher risk of developing diabetes compared to other breeds. If you have a Burmese cat, it’s worth being extra vigilant about their weight and diet, and discussing the risk with us during routine checkups.

Australian Burmese cats are more prone to diabetes than other breeds

4. Sex and Neutering

Male cats, especially neutered males, are more frequently diagnosed with diabetes. The reasons aren’t fully understood, but hormones and body composition may play a role. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t neuter your cat—neutering has many health and behavioural benefits—but it’s helpful to be aware of the increased risk.

5. Diet and Feeding Habits

Cats who are fed high-carbohydrate diets or allowed to “graze” all day may be more at risk. While some dry foods are convenient, they often contain more carbs than a cat’s body is built to handle. Feeding measured portions of a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet may help reduce the risk of diabetes, especially in at-risk cats.

6. Lack of Exercise

Indoor cats in Australia can lead pretty sedentary lives—lounging in the sun and enjoying plenty of food. While that sounds like paradise, it can lead to weight gain and reduced insulin sensitivity. Daily play sessions, climbing trees, or puzzle feeders can help keep your cat active and engaged.

7. Other Health Conditions

Cats with conditions like pancreatitis, Cushing’s disease, or those on long-term steroid medications (such as for asthma or skin issues) may have a higher chance of developing diabetes. These health issues can interfere with insulin production or use.

If you’re noticing signs like increased thirst, frequent urination, or weight loss despite a good appetite, it’s a good idea to book a healh check.. Early detection makes a huge difference.

If you notice that your cat is drinking a lot of water, diabetes may be the culprit

How Is Diabetes Diagnosed in Cats?

If your cat is drinking more water, urinating more, eating excessively but still losing weight, or seems unusually tired, it’s time to book an appointment.

Diagnosis of diabetes usually includes:

1. Physical Exam and History

Our vet will start by asking about your cat’s behaviour, weight, appetite, and litter box habits.

2. Blood and Urine Tests

• Elevated blood glucose: An elevated fasting glucose level raises concern. However, stress can cause temporary spikes in cats, so this alone is not usually enough to confirm the diagnosis.

• Glucose in the urine: Normally, there should be no sugar in urine. Its presence suggests the blood glucose is high enough to "spill" over into the urine.

• Fructosamine test: This blood test shows average glucose levels over the past 1–2 weeks and helps distinguish true diabetes from stress-related elevations.

Excessive sugar in the urine is easy to detect on a simple dipstick test

Conclusion:

Diabetes is a serious but manageable condition in cats. Early diagnosis makes a big difference in treatment success. If you notice any changes in your cat’s appetite, weight, thirst, or energy levels, don’t delay—speak to us. With early intervention, many diabetic cats can live long, happy, and healthy lives.

If you’d like to learn more about treatment options or how to manage your cat’s diabetes at home, check out our upcoming blog posts.