Costs of a Diabetic Cat
Although we all want the best care for our cat, it is
natural to worry about how much it is all going to cost. The
good news is that cat diabetes, although a lifelong illness, is not too
expensive. It's treatable and doesn't lead to other diseases
or problems such as blindness.
The initial expenses are the most costly. The sooner you catch the symptoms of diabetes and take your cat in for testing, the less expensive your first bill will be. The first vet bill for the testing and diagnosis will usually run from $150-$350. The total of this bill will vary due to the area you live in. In some places vet care is inexpensive, while in others it costs a significant amount more.
If your cat has serious symptoms when you take your cat to the vet, expect to pay more. Hospitalization can add hundreds of dollars to your bill. Most cats don't need hospitalization so few people have to worry about this cost.
The first few months after your cat's diagnosis, you will be meeting with the vet regularly to get the diabetes under control. How often you will need to meet with your vet depends on how quickly your pet's diabetes is regulated. Once your cat's diabetes is regulated, you won't need frequent vet visits and the costs will decrease.
Once the diabetes is regulated, expect to pay around $40 a month for all the supplies you need. You will need a high quality wet food, insulin and syringes, and strips to test your cat's blood glucose.
Some people choose to purchase health insurance for their pets. Keep in mind that the pet insurance will not cover previously diagnosed diseases, so purchasing it after your cat has diabetes will not help with the costs of diabetes. It might, however, help with the bills of any other pet emergencies that come up, especially if you have more than one animal to care for.