Madeleine Hull
Diabetes is an increasingly common disease in cats, with most cases being similar to Type 2 diabetes in humans. As such, weight management and diet are major factors in controlling the disease. Diabetic cats require a diet that provides for all their nutritional needs, minimises blood sugar spikes, and helps them achieve an optimal body weight. Insulin injections are also a mainstay of treatment, and these are typically administered every 12 hours. However, the optimal timing of meals in relation to insulin injections is controversial. While many veterinarians recommend feeding at the time of insulin injection, others argue that there is no evidence that the timing or frequency of meals protects cats from insulin-induced hypoglycaemia.
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What You'll Learn
Low-carbohydrate foods
A diabetic cat's diet should be low in carbohydrates, as this helps blunt the insulin response. Carbohydrate-rich meals lead to sudden spikes in blood sugar levels, which increases a cat’s demand for insulin. This is the exact opposite of what a diabetic cat needs.
Cats are obligate carnivores and are designed to eat other animals (meat, organs, etc.). Their diet should be high in protein, with around 50% of their calories coming from protein. Animal-based sources of protein are ideal. Fat is also needed to round out the diet, but high levels can be problematic if a cat needs to lose weight. Look for foods with around 40% of their calories coming from fat.
Many diabetic cats do well on foods that contain less than 10% carbohydrates, but some may need to go below 5%. Carbohydrate levels are not often listed on pet food labels, but they are relatively easy to calculate. It's important to note that not all low-carbohydrate diets are the same. Many low-carb diets are calorie-dense and associated with obesity, which is essential to avoid in a diabetic cat.
Dry food, or kibble, is not recommended for diabetic cats as it is extremely calorically dense and can cause insulin resistance, leading to diabetes. Canned food is best for diabetic cats, as it is less calorie-dense and promotes better hydration. Many over-the-counter, canned foods have the low-carbohydrate/high-protein profile that is appropriate for diabetic cats, so a prescription diet is usually unnecessary.
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High-protein foods
A diabetic cat's diet should be high in protein, with around 50% of their calories coming from animal-based sources of protein. Cats are obligate carnivores, so they need a diet that is high in protein and low in carbohydrates.
Protein is essential for maintaining muscle mass and promoting weight loss in overweight cats. It is important to note that the amount of protein in a cat's diet should be tailored to their individual needs, as advised by a veterinarian.
Canned cat food often provides a good source of protein and is generally recommended for diabetic cats. It is important to read the labels and ensure that the food is low in carbohydrates, as some canned food may contain sauces or gravies that are high in carbohydrates.
While dry food may be more convenient, it is typically not recommended for diabetic cats due to its high carbohydrate and plant-based protein content. Additionally, dry food can contribute to dehydration, as cats on dry food diets tend to consume less water.
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Weight management
If your cat is overweight, the veterinarian will likely recommend a diet formulated to promote weight loss while providing adequate levels of easily digestible protein. The goal is to preserve muscle mass while selectively using fat as an energy source. Obese cats should eat an amount that encourages a healthy rate of weight loss, aiming for around 1% of body weight loss per week until they reach their ideal body condition.
On the other hand, if your cat is underweight, the veterinarian may suggest a diet with higher caloric density. Canned diets are often beneficial for diabetic cats as they are less calorie-dense than dry kibble. Additionally, canned food helps improve hydration, which is crucial for diabetic cats.
When choosing a weight management diet for your cat, it is important to consider the calorie density of the food. Cats with diabetes should get most of their calories from animal-based sources of protein. Fat is also necessary, but high levels can be problematic if weight loss is the goal. Aim for foods with around 50% of calories from protein and 40% from fat.
It is worth noting that many commercial foods are low in protein and high in fat to increase profit margins. Therefore, some cat owners choose to make their own cat food to ensure their cat receives a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet.
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Insulin injections
The optimal timing of meals for diabetic cats is a subject of debate. Many veterinarians recommend feeding at the time of insulin injection to prevent a dangerous drop in blood glucose levels. However, there is no definitive evidence that meal timing or frequency protects diabetic cats from insulin-induced hypoglycaemia. If a cat does not eat a full meal, the amount of insulin can be reduced. It is recommended to consult a veterinarian for guidance on adjusting insulin dosages.
To administer an injection, pull the loose skin between the shoulder blades with one hand. With the other hand, insert the needle directly into the indentation made by lifting the skin. Draw back on the plunger slightly, and if no blood appears in the syringe, gently inject the insulin.
It is important to closely monitor the cat's water intake, activity level, appetite, and weight. A low-carbohydrate diet helps diabetic cats maintain proper glucose levels, and weight loss can lead to remission in some cases.
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Wet food vs. dry food
A diabetic diet for cats involves managing weight and blood sugar levels through insulin injections and a healthy diet. While there is no one-size-fits-all diabetic diet for cats, there are some general principles to follow. Firstly, it's important to work closely with a veterinarian to choose a diet that meets the cat's individual needs. Factors such as the cat's weight, muscle condition, and other medical concerns should be considered.
When it comes to wet food vs. dry food for diabetic cats, there are advantages and disadvantages to both. Wet food is typically higher in protein and lower in carbohydrates, which is beneficial for diabetic cats as carbohydrates can cause spikes in blood sugar levels. However, one disadvantage of wet food is that it is often higher in calories, which can be an issue if the cat needs to lose weight. Additionally, some cats may only eat wet food twice a day, which may not align optimally with the timing of insulin injections.
On the other hand, dry food often contains more carbohydrates, which can be problematic for diabetic cats. However, there are now specific types of dry food available that are designed for diabetic cats, with lower-than-average carbohydrate levels. These can be a good option for cats that refuse to eat wet food. It's important to note that portion sizes matter, and obese cats should eat amounts that encourage a healthy rate of weight loss, typically around 1% of their body weight per week.
Ultimately, the decision between wet and dry food for a diabetic cat depends on various factors, including the cat's individual preferences, weight management goals, and blood sugar regulation needs. It may be necessary to experiment with different types of food to find the most suitable option. Close monitoring of the cat's weight, blood sugar levels, and overall health is crucial during this process.
While managing diabetes in cats can be challenging, with proper veterinary care, a suitable diet, and consistent insulin injections, many cats can achieve diabetic remission and maintain normal blood sugar levels without lifelong reliance on insulin therapy.
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Frequently asked questions
A diabetic diet for a cat involves a low-carbohydrate and high-protein diet, with consistent meal timing and portion sizes. The diet aims to regulate blood sugar levels and reduce the demand for insulin.
Wet food is generally recommended over dry food as it is less calorie-dense and contains fewer carbohydrates. Prescription diets are not necessary, as many over-the-counter canned foods have a suitable low-carbohydrate and high-protein profile. Look for foods with around 50% of calories from protein and 40% from fat, with less than 10% from carbohydrates.
The optimal timing of meals for diabetic cats is controversial. Some recommend feeding at the time of insulin injection to avoid low blood sugar levels, while others suggest that meal timing does not significantly affect insulin-induced hypoglycaemia. It is important to maintain consistency in meal timing and frequency, with some sources recommending two meals a day, spaced 12 hours apart.
Yes, weight management is crucial for diabetic cats. Overweight cats should consume fewer calories to promote weight loss, while underweight cats may need a higher-calorie diet. The goal is to achieve an optimal body weight while preserving muscle mass and using fat as an energy source.
