Feline diabetes, commonly known among humans as diabetes mellitus, is a condition that renders the body unable to produce or respond to insulin. Insulin naturally helps break down the sugars ingested and converts them to energy for use in vital body functions, but diabetes slows down this production, resulting in health complications. There’s no cure for the condition, except for making certain dietary and lifestyle changes.

Here are some of the common indicators of developing feline diabetes.

• Problems with appetite
  Is your cat not eating regularly, or is it overeating? These are clear warning symptoms of feline diabetes and are mostly the result of an imbalance in blood sugar levels in their system. Just like humans, cats can suffer from hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) or hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) that involuntarily affects their eating habits. The inability to produce natural insulin can lead to loss of appetite, coupled with other problems like weight loss, vomiting, and dehydration.
• Lethargy
  While cats do enjoy the occasional afternoon snooze, they are active by nature. However, you will notice a shift in their daily activity levels when they have diabetes. They tend to lose their appetite during the onset of the condition, which leads to decreased energy levels as essential nutrients and vitamins are not absorbed through their daily diet. Also, dehydration, frequent urination, and vomiting put tremendous stress on their body, and if left unchecked, inactivity can lead to severe health complications. As a responsible pet owner, you must monitor your furry friend’s mood and activity.
• Depression
  Signs of depression are not uncommon among pets, and depression is one of the common symptoms of feline diabetes. Forget fancy scratch posts and toys, cats, even the big ones, are thoroughly amused and entertained chasing a big ball of wool. But if you happen to notice your pet not taking any interest in what is going around, chances are the feline might be suffering from depression. Showing disinterest in their surroundings, barely interacting with people, forcing themselves into isolation, and feeling anxious without reason are signs of hormonal changes as a result of an imbalance in blood sugar levels, and they indicate depression.
• Severe problems
  Some severe symptoms of feline diabetes are a reduced range of motor skills and function or in grave situations, slipping into a coma that may result in a fatality. As there is no cure for the condition, planning a healthy diet and administering insulin supplements to maintain healthy blood sugar levels can improve their quality of life. A majority of cases are mild to moderate, making diabetes management more effective with early detection and timely treatment, so it is always advisable to consult a vet to plan the treatment at the onset of the disease.