Anywhere between 1 in 100 to 1 in 500 cats develops diabetes,1 and according to experts, those numbers are expected to increase. Diabetes has been diagnosed in cats of all ages, both sexes (intact and neutered), and all breeds. It more frequently affects older cats, especially neutered males.
Experts believe feline diabetes results from several different factors. Key risk factors for diabetes in cats include:
Reference:
1. Panciera DL, Thomas CB, Eicker SW, Atkins CE. Epizootiologic patterns of diabetes mellitus in cats: 333 cases (1980–1986). J Am Vet Med Assoc. 1990;197(11):1504–1508.