Guidelines for nutritional management of feline diabetes mellitus: a proposed classification system integrating medical considerations

Hookey, T; Backus, RC; Bjørnvad, CR; Davison, LJ; Fleeman, L; Fracassi, F; German, AJ; Gilor, C; Gostelow, R; Schoeman, T; Flanagan, J

Journal article : Review

Guidelines for nutritional management of feline diabetes mellitus: a proposed classification system integrating medical considerations

Abstract:: The management of diabetes mellitus (DM) in cats can benefit from an integration of medical and nutritional strategies, based on an understanding of the dynamic nature of the disease, together with an appreciation of the interrelationships between nutritional status and clinical status. In this context, a new classification system for feline DM is proposed, comprising three clinical status categories: those at risk of developing DM, those with clinical DM and those in diabetic remission. The influence of individual dietary components (carbohydrate, protein, fat and water fractions) on clinical outcomes is discussed, followed by overarching principles for the dietary management of diabetic cats, based on both the limited scientific evidence and the clinical experience of the authors. Key aspects of nutritional assessment, the principles of therapeutic weight reduction and feeding practices are covered. Using the classification framework, recommendations for nutritional management are proposed for cats at risk of development of DM, cats with clinical DM and those in clinical remission. Successful implementation of these recommendations can be achieved by using a relationship-centred approach, where owner concerns are addressed and goals for management are agreed in partnership. It is hoped that these perspectives will help guide veterinary professionals in their clinical management decisions, thereby improving health outcomes in cats in all three categories of DM.

Publication status:: Published

Peer review status:: Peer reviewed

Actions

Email

Email this record

Send the bibliographic details of this record to your email address.

Your Email
Please enter the email address that the record information will be sent to.

-
Your message (optional)
Please add any additional information to be included within the email.
Share
Cite

Cite this record

APA Style

Hookey, T., Backus, R. C., Bjørnvad, C. R., Davison, L. J., Fleeman, L., Fracassi, F., German, A. J., Gilor, C., Gostelow, R., Schoeman, T., & Flanagan, J. (2025). Guidelines for nutritional management of feline diabetes mellitus: a proposed classification system integrating medical considerations. Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, 28(3), 1098612x251409019.

MLA Style

Hookey, T, et al. “Guidelines for Nutritional Management of Feline Diabetes Mellitus: a Proposed Classification System Integrating Medical Considerations.” Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, vol. 28, no. 3, 2025, p. 1098612x251409019.

Chicago Style

Hookey, T, RC Backus, CR Bjørnvad, et al. 2025. “Guidelines for Nutritional Management of Feline Diabetes Mellitus: a Proposed Classification System Integrating Medical Considerations.” Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery 28 (3): 1098612x251409019.
Print