Looking after a diabetic cat is a demanding task, as two pet owners from Hampshire have shared following their cats’ diagnoses with the condition.
Emma Damen, 44, from Andover, first noticed something was wrong with her cat Woody in 2023 when he began drinking excessively and losing weight. His back legs grew weak and shaky, prompting a trip to the vet. A blood test revealed he had diabetes.
“I had never heard of diabetes in cats,” said Mrs Damen. “I have to inject him twice a day at specific times or he gets very sick. It’s like having three children. I haven’t had a lie-in since May 2023.”
Woody’s care includes insulin injections, special food, and regular blood tests, costing about £80 per month. Because Woody is uninsured, the expenses fall entirely on the family.
Cat diabetes is similar to type 2 diabetes in humans, where the body becomes resistant to insulin or cannot produce enough of it. Symptoms include weight loss, increased thirst, frequent urination, and a bigger appetite. According to charities, about one in 100 cats may be affected.
Stacey Goddard, from Bishops Waltham, adopted her rescue cat Buddy in 2017. He was diagnosed with diabetes a year later after becoming extremely lethargic.
“He was sleeping all day and not eating. We thought he was just tired, but it turned out to be serious,” she said. Buddy was started on insulin immediately. He now receives injections twice a day, wears a glucose monitor, and follows a strict diet.
To help manage his condition safely, Ms Goddard built a “catio” — a secure outdoor enclosure — to keep him close. “We can’t risk letting him roam freely and not returning,” she said.
Obesity is one of the biggest risk factors for feline diabetes. The charity Cats Protection in Thatcham, Berkshire, has reported an increase in overweight cats since the Covid-19 lockdowns.
“People were home more and likely feeding their cats extra treats or meals,” said Elle Hatam, a veterinary nurse at the charity. “There’s no study yet, but the rise in obesity likely links to more diabetes cases.”
Ms Hatam urges owners to have their cats checked if they spot any concerning symptoms. Untreated diabetes can be fatal, but early and aggressive treatment can help some cats go into remission — meaning they can regulate their own glucose levels without insulin.
“Even though there’s no cure, remission is possible. But monitoring remains essential,” she said. “Many people still don’t know cats can get diabetes. We want to change that.”
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