Diabetic Cats
This page is educational reference material for preparing questions. A licensed veterinarian examines the animal, makes the diagnosis, and sets the treatment.
Low-carb, high-protein cat foods for diabetic cats. How diet management can reduce or eliminate insulin needs in feline diabetes.
Key Information
What You Need to Know
Practical Recommendations
Expert Tips
Understanding the Research
Budgeting for Pet Care
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Where can I learn more?
The AAFP Diabetes Management Guidelines are the reference for insulin, diet, monitoring, and the possibility of remission under veterinary supervision. Remission is confirmed with the glucose curves that document describes. A low-carbohydrate claim on a bag is a label. Insulin changes happen at the clinic, from the glucose curve.
How often should I take my pet to the vet?
A diabetic cat is rechecked on the diabetes plan, often within weeks of an insulin or diet change, which is tighter than a wellness year. Some cats reach remission under veterinary monitoring, and that is confirmed with the glucose curves the clinic schedules. Kittens are examined every 3 to 4 weeks until about 16 weeks, which is early for diabetes and is still the vaccine series. Adult cats who are not diabetic are examined about once a year, and cats from about 10 are often screened every six months because thirst and weight loss can be diabetes, kidney disease, or hyperthyroidism. The insulin dose is the veterinarian's decision.
How can I save money on pet care?
Do not change an insulin dose to make a vial last longer. That is how a cat becomes hypoglycemic, which is an emergency. A low-carbohydrate diet can be part of the AAFP plan, including remission in some cats, and it is still monitored with the curves the clinic schedules. The saving is regulation, including the glucose curve and a diet that holds it.
Editorial and clinical review
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