How to Boost Your Diabetic Cat's Appetite

Feline diabetes is a serious condition in which a cat̵7;s body is unable to produce or properly use insulin. Left untreated, the disease can be fatal; but with proper medical attention and weight monitoring, you can manage your cat's diabetes. A cat̵7;s weight, food and water intake, urine output and insulin levels all play roles in managing feline diabetes. A vet-sanctioned, monitored diet and weight plan is essential for treating the disorder.

  1. Develop a Nutrition Plan

    • Ask your vet to help you develop a nutrition plan that meets the specific dietary requirements of your diabetic cat. Some forms of feline diabetes result in abnormal weight loss, and other forms result in abnormal weight gain. A vet can help you devise an eating schedule and weight management plan that will work in conjunction with the insulin needs of your cat. Typically, a vet will encourage a dietary plan that brings a cat̵7;s weight into a normal range as part of pretreatment medical care. Such a plan may include appetite enhancers or a decrease in food consumption.

    Select Appropriate Foods

    • In general, a diabetic cat benefits from a diet that features fiber and complex carbohydrates or low carbohydrates. Some cats respond better to one blend over the other, so consider trying each to see which works best and appeals most to your cat. When possible, try to use the same food manufacturer your cat is already familiar with. This will help keep your cat̵7;s appetite at normal levels. If your cat seems reluctant to eat, rub corn syrup on her gums to spur her appetite.

    Monitor Food Intake

    • Carefully monitor and record the amount of food your cat eats. If your cat appears to remain hungry after feeding, make a note of that as well. This will help you and your vet determine whether your cat needs to be enticed to eat additional food or to cut back on its portions. Also be aware of the effect of various medications on your cat̵7;s appetite. Glipizide, a feline hypoglycemic medication administered to lower blood glucose, can have adverse effects including a decrease in appetite. If your cat is on this medication and is not eating regularly, report it immediately to your vet.

    Establish Consistent Feeding Times

    • It's hard to measure the food intake of your cat when you leave food out for her all day long, so establish a regular feeding routine to help you monitor the cat's appetite levels and consumption. On average, diabetic cats require insulin injections twice a day and blood sugar testing at other times of the day. Your vet can help you coordinate feeding times and amounts based on your cat̵7;s unique condition. Typically, a vet will recommend feeding your cat at the time of each insulin injection. This approach will help spur your cat's appetite. If your cat is still reluctant to eat, ask your vet about the benefit of administering appetite-enhancing medications, such as cortisol, to help your diabetic cat increase her appetite.