Feline diabetes mellitus is an increasingly common condition, primarily affecting middle-aged to older, overweight, neutered male cats. Effective management can provide excellent quality of life, and in some cats, dietary management alone can achieve diabetic remission. Understanding diabetes management from a welfare perspective helps owners provide the best possible care.
Cats primarily develop type 2 diabetes (analogous to human type 2) — insulin resistance combined with impaired insulin secretion. Risk factors: obesity, sedentary indoor lifestyle, male sex, neutering, middle to older age, glucocorticoid administration, and some specific breeds. Unlike human type 2 diabetes, feline diabetes is potentially reversible with appropriate management.
Untreated or poorly controlled diabetes causes significant welfare compromise: excessive thirst and urination (polyuria/polydipsia), weight loss despite good appetite, muscle wasting, poor coat condition, and lethargy. Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) — a life-threatening complication — causes vomiting, collapse, and severe metabolic derangement. Hypoglycaemia (low blood glucose) from over-treatment causes weakness, disorientation, and seizures.
Remission (return to normal blood glucose without insulin) occurs in 30-90% of newly diagnosed cats managed with low-carbohydrate diets and appropriate insulin. Early, aggressive management significantly improves remission rates. When remission occurs, owners should continue monitoring for relapse and maintain the low-carbohydrate diet.