Diet for Diabetic Cats: Feeding Tips After a Diabetes Diagnosis

Cats are what we call obligate carnivores, and they don’t tolerate carbohydrates well. Unlike humans or dogs, they struggle to regulate blood sugar after high-starch meals. That’s why a low-carb diet is necessary for stabilising glucose levels. Their meals should focus on protein, which helps maintain muscle mass, metabolic balance and a healthy weight.

Once your cat is on the right diet, the effects can reach well beyond mealtime. Some cats respond to dietary changes so well that they require lower insulin doses, and remission is even possible under close veterinary supervision. By reducing glucose fluctuations through diet, we can also protect them from serious complications like diabetic ketoacidosis.

However, eating low carb doesn’t mean incomplete. Your cat’s diet should still be balanced for their age and provide appropriate levels of fat, fibre, and essential vitamins and minerals. If they have additional conditions, such as kidney disease or pancreatitis, their diet may need even further modification. Prescription diets formulated for diabetic cats are a reliable option. They’re designed to support blood glucose control while meeting all nutritional needs. Your vet can help you decide if one is right for your cat.

Wet food generally supports better blood sugar control and hydration, thanks to its lower carbohydrate content and higher moisture. The softer texture can be easier to digest, and the extra water helps with satiety, which means your cat is more likely to feel full and less inclined to overeat. You could also try adding grated zucchini to your cat’s wet food. This can also help them feel full.

When is the best time to feed your cat? The “optimal” meal timing for diabetic cats is not really known, but twice‑daily meals at the same time as insulin injections and grazing or “free feeding” can work. Sometimes it is practical to start with two measured meals 12‑hourly, timed around insulin injections, because it makes it easier for owners to monitor their cat’s appetite and ensure the safety of insulin dosing. Grazing can also be fine, particularly if your cat is on a low‑carbohydrate diet and longer‑acting insulin (e.g. glargine), as their blood glucose control tends to be smoother.

Weight management is crucial in diabetes care. This isn’t just about preventing obesity, but also about avoiding rapid weight loss, which can lead to complications of its own. Maintaining muscle mass, especially in older cats, is so important for their long-term health. Total daily calorie intake should be based on body condition and adjusted regularly as weight or activity levels change. If you’re unsure about targets, speak with your regular vet for a personalised plan.

Diabetes is a complex condition, and the dietary approach is never a one-size-fits-all. And your cat’s needs may change over time. That’s why regular checkups are essential. Even subtle shifts in weight, appetite or behaviour can signal a need for adjustments to their feeding plan.

From tweaking portion sizes to trialling different formulas or reassessing optimal feeding times, your veterinary team will know what to do and how to guide you and your cat. In complex cases, they can also seek specialist advice or consult a feline nutritionist for more tailored diet decisions.

Food may not have been your first thought upon hearing your cat’s diagnosis, but it’s definitely going to be important moving forward. With a little education, time, practice, paying attention and asking questions, you’ll get into a familiar routine that works for both of you.

Start by reviewing your cat’s current food and feeding schedule, and make changes where needed. Work closely with your regular vet to ensure their diet remains appropriate as their condition evolves.

If you’re looking for specialist support, speak with your vet about a referral to Cat Specialist Services. Our team is experienced in managing complex feline conditions, including diabetes.

Vets can refer patients here.

If you are concerned about your cat, please reach out to our friendly team. Call us on 1300 228 377 or fill out the contact form below. In an emergency, please contact your local vet.

For vets – to refer a patient or book a telehealth consultation, please call us on 1300 228 377, book through the portal or fill in the form.