“Early detection and a structured treatment plan allowed Boaz to stabilise quickly and return to a normal routine.”
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I’d like to introduce you to Boaz, a gorgeous 5-year-old VETaround patient.
His devoted owner, Caitlin, caught him in this cute yet very compromising position above.
Boaz can be a little timid, but he is actually very friendly, and he became one of my star patients.
Boaz was diagnosed with diabetes
Caitlin contacted me to visit Boaz because he wasn’t his usual bubbly self and he lacked energy, so after running a variety of tests, I diagnosed him with diabetes.
Cats with diabetes have an inability to produce enough insulin to balance their blood sugar levels, and this disease is particularly common in overweight cats.
As soon as I diagnosed Boaz, I prescribed him twice-daily insulin injections as well as an adjustment to his diet.
A low-carbohydrate and high-protein diet is usually the best option for treating diabetes in cats, with a focus on wet food (no or very little dry kibble).
And just four weeks later, we achieved an amazing result!
Boaz went into remission
Within four weeks, Boaz was off his insulin and is now enjoying his new diet.
This great result was achieved mainly because we caught his diabetes early and put a diligent action plan in place.
I’ve found that if we catch diabetes in cats early, many go into remission quickly and do not require insulin at all.
This is a real credit to Boaz’s dedicated owner, Caitlin, for calling me in straight away.
Watch out for the early signs of feline diabetes
So, what are the symptoms of feline diabetes that you need to look out for?
The two main symptoms you need to be aware of are increased thirst and increased urination. Your cat may also have a ravenous appetite because when they contract diabetes, their body can no longer use the fuel supplied in their diet.
And while we do see feline diabetes in cats with appropriate body weight, it’s more common in obese cats.
“Increased thirst and urination are often the first signs that something isn’t right.”
Technologies for treating feline diabetes are always improving
We have new glucose monitoring devices, which make initial diagnosis and treatment a lot easier, so I’m looking forward to getting all my future cat diabetics into remission quickly.
My main recommendation for my clients with cats are to not let your cat become overweight in the first place, and focus on feeding them on a high protein, low carbohydrate diet.
If your cat is already overweight, they are at a higher risk of contracting diabetes, so even if you haven’t noticed any of the other symptoms, it’s really worth getting them checked out.
We can come to your home to quickly diagnose whether your cat has feline diabetes, because the quicker it is diagnosed, the better the outcome.
And I’d love to see all of my feline patients make as impressive a recovery as Boaz.
Key Takeaways
- Early diagnosis can significantly change outcomes
Recognising changes in behaviour and energy levels early allows for faster diagnosis and treatment. - Feline diabetes is often linked to weight and diet
Overweight cats are at higher risk, and diet plays a key role in both management and prevention. - Structured treatment can support remission in some cases
A combination of insulin therapy and dietary changes may stabilise blood sugar levels and, in some cases, reduce the need for ongoing insulin. - Monitoring and consistency are critical to management
Ongoing observation, diet control and appropriate veterinary care help maintain long-term health.
In-Home Services
In-home care forms the foundation of how we treat and manage your pet’s health. Most conditions can be assessed, treated, and monitored in a familiar environment where pets are calmer and easier to handle. Available to residents of Sydney’s inner city, Inner West, Eastern Suburbs and the Lower North Shore.
Testimonials
Debby Ross
First visit from Ari and Ellie and it went beyond all expectations. They were so genuinely interested in my two cats. Of course I couldn’t stop talking about them but they clearly were not bored. Did excellent health checks and vaccinations – was an absolute pleasure and I would totally recommend them to anybody. So fabulous having no stress of lugging…
Daniel Birchall
Elle’s exceptionally professional, warm, and helpful phone manner, together with Dr Ari’s prompt arrival, gentle approach with Hudson, and clear, thorough medical explanations and recommendations, immediately put my mind at ease. The high level of care and professionalism demonstrated confirmed that contacting VETaround was the right decision.
Amanda Yeates
Ari is the best vet ever. His home visits are incredible. Such a great service to not have to put your beloved pets in the stressful situation of a car. Or around sick pets in a waiting area. My cats LOVE HIM. Ollie my male cat NEVER comes out of hiding when visitors come over. With Ari, he not only came out, let him weigh him, have his check up done…
Charmaine Caffrey
I was very pleased with the ladies from VETaround Mobile vet. Professional, polite and very knowledgeable. Certainly eased my mind about my cat 🐈 would recommend them to anyone needing good veterinary care for their pet. We all know just how important our four legged friends are!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the early signs of diabetes in cats?
The most common early signs of feline diabetes are increased thirst and increased urination. Some cats may also show increased appetite or reduced energy levels. These changes can appear gradually, making them easy to miss.
Can feline diabetes go into remission?
Some cats can go into remission, particularly when the condition is identified early and managed promptly. Treatment usually involves insulin and dietary changes to stabilise blood sugar levels. Outcomes vary depending on the individual cat and the timing of treatment.
What causes diabetes in cats?
Feline diabetes occurs when the body cannot produce enough insulin to regulate blood sugar levels. It is more commonly seen in overweight cats, although it can also occur in cats at a healthy weight. Diet and overall health both play a role.
What diet is recommended for cats with diabetes?
A low-carbohydrate, high-protein diet is commonly recommended for managing feline diabetes. Wet food is often preferred over dry kibble to help support blood sugar control. Dietary changes are usually introduced alongside other treatments.
How is feline diabetes diagnosed?
Diagnosis involves veterinary assessment and testing to evaluate blood sugar levels. Changes in behaviour and physical condition often prompt further investigation. Early testing helps guide an appropriate treatment plan.
Can a mobile vet diagnose and manage feline diabetes at home?
A mobile vet can assess symptoms, perform diagnostic testing and begin treatment in the home environment. This can be helpful for cats that are timid or stressed by clinic visits. Ongoing monitoring and care can also be managed as part of a structured plan.