Feline Diabetes in Multi-Cat Homes

Medical

• Feline diabetes is a medical condition in cats, which occurs when the cat's body doesn't produce enough insulin or stops being able to use the insulin it produces. Diabetes in cats is not a contagious condition, so other cats in a multi-cat household can't catch it. However, since factors such as obesity and food choices affect diabetes, other cats living under similar conditions may also be prone to developing the disorder.

Feeding

• A diabetic cat usually has to eat different food than other household cats. Owners may choose prescription diabetic cat foods acquired from the vet or may opt to buy or make a high-protein or high-fiber diet. The diabetic cat may need to be fed in a separate room to prevent other cats from eating its food or to prevent it from eating normal cat food

Behavior Issues

• Sometimes a diabetic cat will display inappropriate behavior, such as urinating outside the litter box or displaying aggression to other cats in the household. Instead of punishing the diabetic cat, the owner should strive to treat the diabetes and, if necessary, keep the cat isolated until the disease is under control.