Diabetes Symptoms in Cats: Key Indicators to Watch Out

One, Specific Symptoms of Diabetes in Cats:

1. Increased Water Intake

Cats are naturally not fond of drinking water. If you, as a pet owner, notice your cat drinking more frequently, it's a sign you should take notice. The development of diabetes in cats involves glucose being unable to enter cells, leading to elevated blood sugar levels. Once these levels surpass the kidney's reabsorption capacity, diabetes sets in. During this process, the body loses a significant amount of glucose and water, which in turn increases the cat's thirst.

2. Increased Urination

Diabetes can affect a cat's normal urinary system, leading to abnormal urination.

3. Increased Appetite

Cats with diabetes often experience an increase in appetite. This is due to the impact of diabetes on the hypothalamus, which sends abnormal hunger signals to the body. Consequently, cats eat more, and when complications like diabetic ketoacidosis arise, their appetite may decrease or disappear entirely.

4. Weight Loss

Diabetes affects a cat's ability to use energy normally, causing the body to break down fat continuously. This results in a situation where the cat eats more but loses weight instead.

5. Lethargy and Reduced Activity

When a cat's body cannot use energy properly, its muscles become weak or lose strength, leading to symptoms such as drowsiness, depression, and a lack of desire to move. Since a lack of exercise is often a contributing factor to a cat developing diabetes, further reduced activity can worsen the condition, creating a harmful cycle.

6. Changes in Movement

Severe diabetes in cats can lead to nerve damage, causing the cat to walk with its hock joints touching the ground.

7. Vomiting

When symptoms are severe, the cat's body may break down its own fat, leading to the accumulation of metabolites in the blood. This can result in symptoms like vomiting and nausea, and in extreme cases, it may even lead to the cat's death.

The above symptoms of diabetes in cats have been summarized by Oxygen Pet Doctor. If detected early, diabetes in cats is not severe. However, because it has not been controlled, the disease can worsen over time. Therefore, we hope that pet owners will pay more attention to their cats and be vigilant in detecting any abnormalities.