Hypoglycemia in Cats: Expert Vet Guide 🐱⚠️ 2025

By Dr Duncan Houston BVSc, veterinarian & founder of Ask A Vet.

Hypoglycemia refers to a dangerously low blood sugar (glucose) level in cats. It’s a potentially life-threatening condition that requires immediate attention ⚠️.

🍬 Why Is Glucose Important?

Glucose fuels the brain, nerves, red blood cells, and muscles. When glucose drops too low, organs malfunction—especially the nervous system.

🚨 Causes of Hypoglycemia

• 🍽️ **Fasting or starvation:** kittens, sick cats, anorexia
• 🐱 **Critical illness:** sepsis, liver disease, heart failure
• 🪴 **Toxin exposure:** xylitol, ethanol
• 💉 **Insulin overdose:** in diabetic cats
• 🦠 **Severe infections:** bacterial, viral (like FeLV, FIP)
• 🎀 **Paraneoplastic syndromes:** insulin-secreting tumors (insulinoma)
• 🧬 **Metabolic disorders:** Addison’s disease, glycogen storage disease

⚠️ Signs & Symptoms

Watch for:

• 😿 Weakness, lethargy
• 🔄 Seizures, tremors, uncoordinated gait
• 😵 Disorientation, coma
• 🍳 Hypothermia, slow heart rate
• ❤️ Collapse, limpness
• 🐾 Pica or unusual eating if conscious

In kittens and critical cases, hypoglycemia can escalate in minutes—make every second count!

🧪 Diagnosing Hypoglycemia

• Blood glucose test: emergency bedside reading confirms levels <60 mg/dL (varies by age).
• Bloodwork: CBC, chemistry, liver enzymes, kidney values.
• Urinalysis: rule out infection or ketone presence.
• Specific tests: insulin level (for insulinoma), infectious screening, x-ray/ultrasound for tumors.

Repeat glucose checks are critical for monitoring and treatment response.

💉 Emergency Treatment

• ✅ **Oral glucose gel or honey** rubbed on gums for mild cases (with conscious, stable cats).
• 💉 **IV dextrose solution** to rapidly increase blood glucose.
• 🥤 **Subcutaneous dextrose or glucose fluids** if IV access isn’t available immediately.
• 🔥 **Warm fluids** to combat hypothermia.
• ⚠️ **Emergency monitoring** of heart, temperature, blood pressure, and repeated glucose checks every 15–30 minutes.

🏥 Ongoing Treatment & Investigation

• Treat underlying disease: manage liver failure, infections, toxin exposure.
• Insulin dose adjustment: for diabetic cats—ask your vet or Ask A Vet for safe tapering.
• Tumor management: insulinoma workup and surgical/medical care.
• Nutrition support: frequent small meals with quality protein, or prescription high‑calorie diets.
• Home glucose monitoring: glucometer use for diabetic or high-risk cats.

🏠 Home Care After Stabilization

• ✏️ Record feeding times, appetite, activity, any seizure episodes
• 🍽️ Offer regular, palatable meals—wet or dry high‑fiber/quality diets
• ⌚ Follow insulin schedule closely (for diabetics)
• 📲 Use Ask A Vet telehealth for guidance on glucose checks or dosing changes
• ❤️ Monitor temperature and overall behavior at home

📅 Long-Term Prognosis

Prognosis depends on the cause:

• ✅ **Reversible causes** (fasting, mild toxin, infection): excellent with treatment.
• ⚠️ **Chronic disease or insulinoma:** guarded; ongoing monitoring vital.
• 👶 **Kittens:** risk is high due to low body reserves—rapid treatment essential.

📌 Prevention Tips

• ✔️ Maintain consistent feeding schedule
• ✔️ Do not skip meals for diabetic cats
• ✔️ Prevent access to toxins (xylitol gum, ethylene glycol)
• ✔️ Regular vet or Ask A Vet check-ins for at-risk cats
• ✔️ Provide warmth for kittens/critically ill cats

🤝 Role of Ask A Vet, Woopf & Purrz

Ask A Vet offers 24/7 telehealth support for emergency symptom guidance, glucose interpretation, and meal scheduling. Woopf & Purrz provide nutritious high‑calorie meals for kittens or cats recovering from hypoglycemia, aiding smooth transitions back to stability.

🔑 Key Takeaways

• 🐱 Hypoglycemia is a veterinary emergency—act fast!
• 🧪 Confirm with glucose test (<60 mg/dL)
• 💉 Start with oral honey/gels then IV dextrose if needed
• 🩺 Investigate and treat underlying cause
• 📈 Monitor glucose and symptoms closely at home
• 🤝 Use Ask A Vet support and quality nutrition for recovery

📞 Final Thoughts

Low blood sugar isn’t just “tired kitty”—it’s a medical emergency 🆘. Immediate treatment, thorough diagnosis, and consistent follow-up care ensure the best outcomes. With expert vet planning, Ask A Vet support, and nutritional aid from Woopf & Purrz, you can keep your cat safe and thriving. 😊

Need advice on dosing, glucose monitoring, or diet post‑hypoglycemia? Visit AskAVet.com and download the Ask A Vet app now!