Cats with diabetes sought for diet research study

New research is investigating the effects of a novel diet for diabetic cats who would benefit from weight loss.

The study aims to provide a new and effective form of treatment for diabetic cats, using dietary change to help cats revert to a non-diabetic state and to stop insulin therapy.

Initial results look promising, and the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) is looking for more cats with diabetes in Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire and London to take part.

Owners and cats joining the trial are asked to attend between five and seven outpatient appointments at the RVC Queen Mother Hospital for Animals, near Potters Bar in Hertfordshire. Additional monitoring will be conducted by owners at home.

Participants in the year-long study will receive free underlying disease screening, free cat food for the 12-month period, free home blood glucose monitoring supplies, newly developed glucose monitoring cat litter for use at home and dedicated diabetic care from the RVC clinic team.

Since the study began, recruited cats have recorded a diabetic remission rate of approximately 75%. This is “an outstanding result compared to what is typically reported for diabetic cats,” said Dr Ruth Gostelow, lecturer in small animal internal medicine at the RVC.

“Although some cats will remain diabetic for the duration of their life, a considerable proportion can achieve diabetic remission and stop insulin treatment completely,” Dr Gostelow explained. “Achieving diabetic remission significantly increases their life expectancy, as well as owner and pet wellbeing.”

After reading this, you may also be interested in learning about what the signs of diabetes are in older dogs.

At Petwise we offer senior cat insurance with no upper age limit and dental cover as standard. You can also claim up to £25 per period of insurance for your cat’s specially formulated senior pet food.