In this article
Insulin Administration in Cats 💉
By Dr Duncan Houston, BVSc
Caring for a diabetic cat can feel overwhelming—but with correct insulin use, monitoring, and lifestyle, your cat can thrive. This complete 2025 guide covers insulin types, how to administer, storage, monitoring, and avoiding complications, all delivered with compassion and clarity by Dr Duncan Houston. 🐾❤️
1. Why Insulin Matters
Diabetic cats cannot produce enough insulin or use it properly, leading to elevated blood sugar, increased thirst, urination, appetite, weight loss, and even life-threatening ketoacidosis. Insulin restores balance, improving quality and longevity of life :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.
2. Common Insulin Types for Cats
Each insulin has unique action time and dose needs. Here's a comparison table based on 2025 consensus and guidelines:
| Insulin | Origin | Duration | Start Dose (q12h) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vetsulin (porcine lente, U-40) | Veterinary | 8–10 h | 0.25–0.5 U/kg |
| ProZinc (PZI, U‑40) | Veterinary | 13–24 h | 0.2–0.4 U/kg |
| Glargine (Lantus/Basaglar, U‑100) | Human analog | 12–24 h | 0.25–0.5 U/kg |
| Detemir (Levemir, U‑100) | Human analog | 12–24 h | 0.25–0.5 U/kg |
Glargine and detemir offer higher remission rates in newly diagnosed cats (up to 80%) :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.
3. Syringe vs. Pen Injection
By Syringe 🧪
Use U‑40 syringes for veterinary insulin and U‑100 for human types. Prefer 0.3 cc format for accuracy :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}. Always draw vertically, flick out air bubbles, then inject into the scruff or shoulders—alternate sites to prevent lipohypertrophy.
By Insulin Pen 🖋️
Pens like VetPen, Lantus SoloStar or Levemir FlexTouch offer accuracy and ease. Store pens per label—usually refrigerated until first use, then room temperature. Always prime before dosing, inject, hold 5–10 seconds, and rotate sites :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}. Dispose needles safely.
4. Proper Storage Guidelines
- Keep unopened bottles refrigerated (36–46 °F / 2–8 °C). Avoid door or light exposure :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}.
- Refrigerate opened vials; most are usable for 4–6 weeks (some extend to 3–6 months if quality maintained) :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}.
- Discard if cloudy, discolored, frozen or expired.
- Some pens stay at room temp post-activation—verify label.
5. Administering Insulin Correctly
- Feed your cat before injection to prevent hypoglycemia :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}.
- Prep insulin: roll or shake as directed—e.g., gently roll Glargine/detemir or Vetsulin heavier shake :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}.
- Draw or set dose; remove air bubbles.
- Lift skin tent, insert needle, aspirate briefly, then inject.
- Hold for count, then safely discard needle—no recap.
- Log dose, time, eating, and any changes.
6. Monitoring & Adjusting Dose
After 1–2 weeks on insulin, perform a blood glucose curve (10–24 hrs). This maps peaks, duration, and dose needs. Beginners can visit vet; experienced owners can use home glucometers :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}.
Look for: excessive thirst, appetite, urination, or weight loss—signs dose is too low. Hypoglycemia (lethargy, tremors, seizures) requires immediate feeding of sugar (Karo syrup, honey), then vet contact :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}.
7. Hypo‑ and Hyperglycemia: Be Prepared
Hypoglycemia
Signs include weakness, shaking, collapse. Act quickly—offer food or sugar gel, and contact your vet :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}.
Hyperglycemia
If signs like polyphagia, polydipsia, weight loss persist, perform glucose curve and adjust insulin accordingly.
8. Chance for Remission
~25–80% of newly diagnosed cats achieve diabetic remission, especially when treated early with long-acting analogs like glargine or detemir and low-carb diets :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}.
9. Lifestyle, Diet & Vet Partnership
Alongside insulin, feed a low-carb, protein-rich diet. Keep meals matched to injections, maintain routine, and minimize stress. Monitor weight and adjust as needed :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}.
Schedule regular vet follow-ups every 3–6 months, or sooner if changes occur.
10. Ask A Vet Support & App Integration
Managing feline diabetes takes teamwork. Download the Ask A Vet app for:
- ⭐️ On-demand vet guidance for dosing questions or glucose concerns
- 📈 Uploading glucose curves and receiving dose recommendations
- 💊 Medication reminders and in-app logbooks
- 🏥 Care planning for emergencies or transitioning to pens
This ensures peace of mind—your veterinarian and Dr Duncan Houston are just a tap away.
Conclusion
Insulin therapy for diabetic cats is a journey—but with the right insulin, tools, and support, your cat can live a healthy, happy life. Follow the guidance in this 2025 update: choose the best insulin type, store and administer correctly, monitor glucose diligently, and partner with your vet via the Ask A Vet app. You've got this—and your cat does too! 🐱💖
