Your cat has been diagnosed with diabetes, so now it’s time to learn how to care for your diabetic pet. Although diabetes can’t be cured, the disease can be successfully managed with daily insulin injections (if needed) and changes in diet. And successful diabetes management means your cat can lead a happy, healthy and active life.

Controlling feline diabetes often requires daily insulin injections to restore your diabetic cat’s insulin level and manage blood glucose levels. Your veterinarian may suggest an insulin product specifically for cats, a human insulin product or an oral hypoglycemic medication, depending on your cat’s needs. Each diabetic cat’s insulin requirement is different, so you will need to work with your veterinarian to find the correct dose for your pet. It may even be necessary for your cat to stay at the veterinary clinic for a few days so your veterinarian can closely monitor your cat’s response to insulin.

Some diabetic cats no longer need insulin after a few weeks or months of treatment, a condition known as clinical remission. However, remission does not mean your cat’s diabetes has been cured. Care must still be taken with your cat’s diet and lifestyle.

If your cat does need daily insulin injections, you’ll need to learn how to administer them. At first you may be nervous or even afraid to give your cat an injection. You’re not alone. Many pet owners are anxious about giving injections, but it’s easier than you think and you’ll quickly learn how to handle daily injections with little stress for your pet or for you.

Monitoring your cat’s blood glucose level is an important part of diabetes management. Because each diabetic pet is different, your veterinarian will need to help you determine which monitoring device — such as urine strips or blood glucose meters — will work best for you and your cat.

Diet plays a vital role in helping to keep your cat’s diabetes regulated. Ideally, your cat should be fed the same amount of food at the same time(s) every day. Some cats prefer eating small amounts throughout the day. If your cat prefers to eat small, frequent meals, your veterinarian probably will not try to change it.

Cats require high levels of dietary protein and are uniquely able to use protein for energy. A high-protein, low-carbohydrate food is ideal for a diabetic cat.

Overall, a palatable and nutritious diet that minimizes fluctuations in blood glucose and helps your cat maintain a healthy weight is important for managing diabetes. Your veterinarian can recommend a diet that’s best suited to the needs of your cat.

Regular veterinary checkups help identify changes in your pet’s condition. Diabetes can affect a cat differently over time, even after a long period of stability. While you may feel confident in your ability to care for your diabetic cat, visiting your veterinarian regularly will help you to successfully manage the disease over time.