Diabetes in cats

Chronic endocrine condition — insulin + monitoring + diet for life.

Signs of feline diabetes

  • Increased thirst + urination
  • Weight loss despite a good appetite
  • Lethargy + weakness
  • Poor coat condition

Treatment

Daily insulin injections + glucose monitoring + prescription diet. With proper management, diabetic cats can live long, healthy lives. Some cats achieve diabetic remission with early aggressive treatment.

NZ pet insurance considerations

  • Pre-existing handling. Any prior elevated-glucose or weight-loss note flags diabetes as pre-existing.
  • Chronic-medication cover. Diabetes is mostly recurring insulin + monitoring. Check whether policy treats each year as fresh or caps lifetime spend.
  • Prescription diet. Often excluded — verify before relying on it.
  • Renewal-age cap. Diabetes prevalence rises in senior cats.

Use /find-my-policy with "older-pet-existing-conditions" to compare.

Not personalised veterinary or financial advice. Speak to your vet; quote with each insurer.