Companion Animal Welfare

Feline Diabetes and Quality of Life

Feline diabetes mellitus is a manageable condition where well-controlled cats can achieve good quality of life and even remission.

Key Facts

Welfare Considerations

Uncontrolled feline diabetes causes chronic suffering from hyperglycaemia including weight loss, weakness, susceptibility to infection, and neuropathy. Diabetic neuropathy manifests as a plantigrade stance causing difficulty walking and pain. With appropriate management including insulin, dietary modification, and regular monitoring, many cats achieve good quality of life and remission. Owner commitment to twice-daily injections and monitoring is substantial but transformative for cat welfare. Education about managing feline diabetes empowers owners to achieve remission.

What You Can Do