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My old cat has diabetes. How to tell if she's uncomfortable or in pain?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | American Shorthair | Female | spayed

Hello. My cat, age 14, has diabetes. I am on disability and do not have the resources to obtain and give her insulin injections. I have been feeding her some wet and dry food that is formulated for diabetic cats. My kitty drinks tons of water has lost a lot of weight, has defecated and urinated outside her box she also vomits far more often than she ever did. I guess my question at this point is, how do I know when she's very uncomfortable, If she's in pain?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Jessica Keay, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on June 14th, 2017

I am sorry to hear about Cozy. Unfortunately diabetes is a disease that does require medical management. Your kitty is going to get progressively sicker and eventually will probably go into diabetic ketoacidosis, and make her very sick. It sounds like she is already declining, losing lots of weight and vomiting frequently. I would consider euthanasia as a humane option if you are unable to treat her, as she is likely to continue to go downhill. She may not be in pain, such as pain when you break a bone, but she likely does not feel well or herself.

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