Feline diabetes mellitus requires dedicated daily management but can be controlled effectively with appropriate treatment, allowing good quality of life for affected cats.
Uncontrolled feline diabetes causes progressive suffering through hyperglycaemia, muscle wasting, weakness, and eventually ketoacidosis which is life-threatening. The management burden on owners is significant and sustained, but well-managed diabetic cats can maintain excellent quality of life. Diabetic remission is achievable in a significant proportion of cases with appropriate dietary management and insulin therapy, representing a genuine opportunity to restore normal health. The rising prevalence of feline diabetes directly reflects rising obesity rates - a preventable welfare crisis created by feeding practices and sedentary indoor lifestyle.