Feline Diabetes Symptoms to Notice in Your Cat

Feline diabetes symptoms can range from extreme thirst to extreme lethargy. Many cats are not diagnosed until well into the illness because the symptoms are sometimes attributed to other problems. In other cases, the owner just thinks the cat is getting older and experiencing some changes as a result of age. If not treated, the disease can progress and eventually be fatal to your cat. It is important to know the symptoms of diabetes. If your cat has several of these symptoms, a vet will run some blood sugar tests to see if your cat has Feline Diabetes Mellitus.

One of the most noticeable symptoms of diabetes in cats is an increased thirst. Your cat may seem to hover around the water bowl and still never be completely quenched.

Your cat will likely increase his urine output significantly. This is partly because the cat has increased thirst and liquid intake, and partly because the disease impacts the kidneys. You may notice that you have to change the litter box more frequently or that your cat makes more trips to the box. In some cases, the cat may begin to have accidents outside of the litter box when he never has before. This can signal illness and is often a cry for help.

Although your cat may be drinking more, she will likely not eat as much. Many cats with diabetes experience a complete loss of appetite. You may have to coax her to eat just a few morsels of even her favorite treat.

Many diabetic cats experience some weight loss. This is usually due to the decreased appetite and the fact that the insulin level in his bloodstream is abnormal. Typically, the weight loss will be rapid and unexplained.

As if the weight loss, not eating and excessive thirst aren't enough, some cats begin to experience extreme nausea when being coaxed to eat and may vomit up any food that is offered.

Some cats experience breathing problems with diabetes. You may notice your cat panting as though trying to catch his breath or breathing with his mouth open. Some cats will begin to snore loudly while sleeping.

As with many feline illnesses, you may first begin to notice the sickness because of a difference in your cat's coat. The fur grows dull and becomes coarse. The cat may stop grooming as much as he once did, making the problem even worse.

Lethargy is another symptom of this disease. Your cat may not have nearly as much energy as he once did. Although cats normally sleep much of the day, you may notice that your cat now spends an increased amount of time sleeping. In addition, your cat will not have much energy for tasks he once enjoyed, such as playing with your other pets or chasing a toy.

These are the common symptoms that you are most likely to notice. If you notice these symptoms in your cat, write down your observations and take your cat to the vet as soon as possible for testing for diabetes and other problems.

Although the problem might not be diabetes, the symptoms listed above are all signs of a sick cat and should be investigated by a veterinarian.