Diabetes is a common problem in dogs and cats. It’s symptoms are very similar to those seen in diabetic people. Most common symptoms include drinking more water, urinating large amounts, and sudden weight loss often in the face of an increased appetite. Cat owners may notice their cat having litter stuck to the bottoms of their feet and larger clumps in the litter box. Dog owners may notice signs of poor vision including stumbling or running into objects, because diabetic dogs very frequently develop cataracts (cats can as well, but it occurs less frequently).

Diabetes is almost always treated with insulin injections. Clients are sometimes worried about the idea of giving injections to their pets but many find that it can be easier to give injections than to give pills. Changing to a high protein low carbohydrate diet can sometimes decrease the dosage of insulin in diabetic cats, to the point that some may be able to stop receiving injections.