Dear DocSide Vet,
My cat is overweight and I have heard that this can cause diabetes, is this true?
-Jack, Mount Vernon
Dear Jack –
Being overweight does not cause diabetes, but does make both cats and dogs more prone to becoming a diabetic. Some of the signs of diabetes include increased thirst, increased urination, increased appetite and weight loss. Be aware that these changes can occur very gradually and may easily go unnoticed for quite awhile. The number of overweight or obese pets in the United States has reached epidemic proportions. Depending on the study you read, anywhere from 35% to 53% of adult cats in our country are overweight! An overweight pet is at a higher risk for heart disease, liver disease, pancreatic disease, arthritis and cancer. It is estimated that 1 in 500 cats will develop diabetes. When your cat is overweight you dramatically increase that risk. I strongly recommend you consult your veterinarian to develop a healthy weight loss program for your cat. Simple blood and urine tests can screen for diabetes as well as other health problems associated with being overweight.
Deborah Tierney, DVM
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