How to Detect Symptoms of Diabetes in Your Cat A Step-by-Step Guide Diabetes mellitus a common endocrine disease in cats occurs when the body fails to properly produce or respond to insulin resulting in elevated blood glucose levels The main symptoms of diabetes in cats are increased thirst increased urination weight loss and increased appetite There are three main types Type I complete destruction of insulin-producing cells Type II insufficient insulin production or insulin resistance and Type III insulin resistance due to other hormones Cats most commonly suffer from Type II diabetes mellitus where cells do not respond appropriately to insulin The disease is the second most common endocrine disorder in felines with obese cats over lbs at high risk Recognizing the signs and symptoms of diabetes in cats such as excessive thirst frequent urination weight changes and increased hunger is crucial for early detection and proper management Causes and Risk Factors The most significant risk factors for diabetes in cats include obesity increasing age physical inactivity male gender and the use of glucocorticoid steroid medications Obesity is a major contributor with cats weighing lbs or more over their ideal weight considered obese and at high risk Other potential risk factors and causes include Certain medications like corticosteroids Pancreatitis Hormonal disorders Genetic predisposition Indoor confinement Being a greedy eater Eating predominantly dry food Certain breeds like Burmese and Norwegian Forest Cats Previous treatment with corticosteroid injections Being fully vaccinated In terms of diabetes types Type II is the most common... Login to read full