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Diabetes mellitus affects approximately 0.25% of cats (1 in 400), with 82% of diabetic cats being 7+ years old
Source: PMC / JAVMA (2024)
Notes
~800,000 diabetic cats in US; obesity increases risk 3-5x. Source is peer-reviewed PMC article.
PMC / JAVMA. (2024). Time trends and risk factors for diabetes mellitus in cats. As cited in Cat Cognition. https://catcognition.com/statistics/health/#us-cats-diabetes-prevalence
40% at 10+, 80% at 15+
Chronic kidney disease affects 40% (2 in 5) of cats over 10 years old, rising to 80% (4 in 5) of cats over 15
Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine (2025)
~10%
Hyperthyroidism affects approximately 10% of US cats over 10 years old, making it the most common endocrine disorder in senior cats
PMC / Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery (2024)
2.5-5%
Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) affects 2.5-5% of cats in North America
Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine (2025)
40%
Only 40% of cat owners take their cats to the veterinarian annually, compared to 82% of dog owners
Hill's Pet Nutrition (2025)
