Feline diabetes is similar to human diabetes, but the condition is usually diagnosed late in cats. It is treatable, and your feline friend can continue to live a normal life with the right medication and nutrition.

Read on to know about some of the common causes of diabetes mellitus in cats.

What is diabetes mellitus?
It is a condition wherein the body is unable to respond correctly to the hormone insulin that regulates blood sugar levels. There are different types of diabetes: Type1 that is an autoimmune response and is also known as juvenile diabetes, Type2 diabetes caused by insulin resistance, and gestational diabetes that develops during pregnancy and usually affects the fetal body-weight and size.

Diabetes mellitus is a treatable condition when diagnosed early and can be managed with proper diet and lifestyle control, insulin injections, or oral medication.

Feline diabetes
Diabetes mellitus in cats is similar to type 2 diabetes in humans. Here, the body produces insulin but is unable to process it. Early symptoms in cats include excessive urination and thirst, along with weight loss and lack of appetite. Late-stage feline diabetes is indicated by signs like disorientation, an inability to jump, hind-leg weakness, vomiting, and excessive sleeping. Let’s look at the causes of diabetes mellitus in cats:

• Obesity:  Overweight cats can develop diabetes, as there is a strong link between higher body weight and insulin resistance. Excessive release of fat cells into the bloodstream affects the functioning of insulin-responsive cells, which become resistant to the hormone. Overweight cats may consume more calories than are burned off through exercise or other activities, leading to insulin-resistance diabetes.
• Breed:  Some breeds of cats like Maine Coon, Burmese, and Siamese are prone to develop diabetes. There is an above-average risk of such breeds developing insulin-resistance diabetes due to a genetic predisposition.
• Gender:  Male cats, especially if they have been neutered, tend to put on weight and develop this condition.
• Age:  Middle-aged and older cats, like humans, are more likely to develop diabetes.
• Chronic diseases : Pancreatitis and hyperthyroidism are two chronic diseases that may trigger diabetes mellitus in cats. These two conditions are also insulin-resistant.
• Medications:  Certain strong medications that contain corticosteroids can cause diabetes. These medications are generally prescribed for arthritis, allergies, and respiratory problems, but they may contribute to the development of diabetes.
• Inactivity:  A cat that doesn’t get enough exercise and physical activity tends to become less active and lethargic, leading to a cycle of excessive weight gain and arthritis and joint pains that prevent cats from moving around much. Also, older cats become less active and prefer to sleep or rest for the majority of the day if left alone. If you’re away at work and your cats are alone at home, they may develop sedentary habits, one of the leading causes of diabetes mellitus in cats, due to reduced social stimulation or play opportunities.