Can cats get diabetes from being too fat?

Question

Our cat has always been large...she was already huge when we adopted from a shelter when she was 3. She's almost ten now and she's a siamese/tortoise shell mix.

In the last couple of weeks, her urine output as increase dramatically...more than doubled. I know for humans, that can be a sign of type diabetes. She doesn't appear to be in any physical distress, but I'm a little worried and I'm schedule a vet appointment.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_-uRKd3P5Zg

Answer 1

You have done the best thing by scheduling a Vet appointment! Cats as they get older develop all kinds of problems with their urine, kidneys and bladder! It could be diabetes or kidney failure. Many cat foods are high in ash and over a lifetime can seriously injure a cats kidneys! Good Luck!

Answer 2

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Answer 3

Yes, just like people overweight cats are more prone to diabetes. Eating too many carbs can also increase their risk of diabetes, which is why you should always feed your cat a food that has a meat listed as the first ingredient instead of a grain.

Increased urine output could be a sign of diabetes or it could be a kidney infection, which is also common for older cats. The vet will be able to tell you what's wrong, and can give you medicine and/or recommend a new diet for your cat as necessary!

Answer 4

My cat was also overweight and did develope diabetes. Of course it's not known for sure if it developed from being overweight. We did end up needing to give her two insulin injections in the AM and PM with her food. It wasn't so easy to go on vacation or things like that anymore as the cat needs the shots pretty consisitantly. Our vet's office does have people we would hire to tend to her while we were away. She lived for another 5 years or so being diabetic and did pass away a few months ago at the age of 15. In case diabetes is the case with your cat, it will seem overwhelming at first to get it all under control. But if you're like my husband and I, it was all worth it to have her be with us for a few more years. Good luck!
PS-it's quite easy to do the shots and our cat never really minded. She actually seemed to learn it helped her as there were times she'd come looking for her injection and didn't even want to eat (which is a whole new area you'll learn about from your vet). We had several family members who we showed how to give the injections to help us out here and there.

Answer 5

she very well could be a diabetic I had a cat named smoky who was also a diabetic ( we found that out by taking her to a vet ) she lived a good long life she died at the age of 11and 1/2yrs she did have to have insulin. but one bottle will last for about 2-3months (if you catch it early ) other wise it could be 1and 1/2 months . it can be from diet but our vet told us that in cats it is usually very rare and it is from genetics . you will have to change her kitty box about every other day and put in new litter thats what we did with smoky because she still soaked her litter and we also had to put her on a special food from the vets office (science Hiil ) it is a little bit more expensive but the bag will last longer because you probably have to feed her 3/4 to 1cup of food a day .we divided it up like this 1/4 morning 1/4 afternoon 1/4 in the evening . we only had to give her a shot in the morning and she was fine the rest of the day . my hubby gave her the shot because I could not it did not seem to hurt her she knew it was medicine to help her live longer . I feel for what you are going through try not to worry (I know people say not to worry and it does not help much exspecially when you have a family member that you love and are worried about ) p.s. try a clumping kitty litter mixed with her old brand that will help the mess some. hope every thing goes well at the vets I will be praying for you and her . from some one who has been there hope this helps some( we caught her diabetes when she was age 9she lived for another 2and 1/2yrs and they were good ones ) so if she is a diabetic she still has many years ahead of her .

Answer 6

Our nine yr old cat was diagnosed as being diabetic 3 yrs ago and he is doing just fine. The insulin is pricey but i only have to order refills every 2 mo. I noticed something was wrong when he started drinking large amounts of water and his coat looked drab and dry.Watch for these signs so your vet will have some insight into the problem. I hope it is just a simple and easy to treat bladder infection. Good Luck.

Answer 7

Yes, excess weight is a risk factor for diabetes & other health problems in cats, just as it is in humans. Of course, I can't say for certain what's wrong with your cat, but you're doing the right thing by scheduling an appointment with the vet.

Answer 8

I have the same breed, and he was given to me by a friend. Cats like that, especially ones from a shelter, don't know their limit. Just like a person, who has been starved all their life, and will eat as many plates of food as you lay in front of them. Portion out the food, I use a medium size scotch glass to scoop my cats food, he gets breakfast, lunch, and a small treat, like a few scoops of fancy feast, at dinner. The vet will be able to help more, but in the mean time set some portions. Leting your cat get overweight is abuse, if you don't take care of the situation.

Answer 9

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Answer 10

I know cats can get diabetes. I work as a pharmacy technician and there is one woman who comes in to get insulin for her cat. Now whether obesity will cause this- it is supposed to be a factor in human diabetes, so I would imagine it is possible for cats as well.

The vet should be able to tell, regardless.