Lifespan of a Cat With Diabetes

Diabetes in cats has no cure, but it is not a death sentence. Committed owners who are willing to treat a diabetic cat at home can be rewarded with many more years with their pet.

Identification

Diabetes in cats, as in humans, is caused by a lack of insulin or by the body's inability to use it effectively. The result is an excess of sugar in the bloodstream, which usually must be controlled by insulin injections.

Time Frame

The average survival time for cats after a diabetes diagnosis is three years. But cats that do well with initial treatment often stay healthy for more than five years, according to PetPlace.com.

Considerations

Factors that affect a diabetic cat's life span include its overall health, including any other ailments; whether the diabetes causes complications; and how dedicated the owner is in caring for the pet.

Misconceptions

Unlike diabetes in humans, the condition rarely causes life-threatening or chronic complications in cats, according to the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine.

Potential for Recovery

If the cat's diabetes is caused mainly by obesity, it may go away completely when the extra weight is lost. Some cats stop requiring insulin injections, even years after diagnosis, according to Cornell.

References

• Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine
• PetPlace.com: Diabetes prognosis