Companion Animal Welfare

Cat Diabetes Mellitus Welfare Management

Feline diabetes mellitus is manageable with insulin therapy and dietary management, with good glycaemic control providing excellent quality of life for affected cats.

Key Facts

Diabetes mellitus affects approximately 1 in 100-500 cats with Burmese overrepresented
Signs include polyuria, polydipsia, weight loss, and poor coat condition
Low carbohydrate high protein wet diets improve glycaemic control significantly
Insulin injection twice daily is the standard treatment requiring owner commitment
Remission is achievable in many cats diagnosed early when glucose toxicity is reversed

Welfare Considerations

Uncontrolled diabetes causes suffering through chronic hyperglycaemia, neuropathy, and secondary infection risk. Well-managed diabetes with appropriate insulin dosing and diet enables cats to live comfortably, making owner education and monitoring crucial welfare interventions.

What You Can Do

Monitor diabetic cats for hypoglycaemia signs and keep glucose gel available
Feed a low carbohydrate wet diet to improve glycaemic control
Maintain a consistent insulin injection schedule for optimal diabetes management