Remission is a major milestone and popular goal for many caregivers on the Feline Diabetes Message Board (FDMB). Simply put, it means your cat no longer needs insulin and is maintaining normal blood glucose levels on their own. That’s a fantastic accomplishment. However, remission isn’t the end. A cat in remission is best thought of as a diet-controlled diabetic, rather than cured.
Without ongoing care and precautions, falling out of remission is a possibility. In this article, we’ll cover how to support remission, reduce the risk of relapse, and recognize early signs that insulin support may be needed again.
What is Remission?
In feline diabetes, remission is defined as a period when a cat maintains normal blood glucose levels without insulin or other blood glucose regulating medications for at least two weeks. For many cats, especially those diagnosed early and tightly regulated from the beginning, remission is a very real possibility. Remission is most commonly achieved within the first six months of treatment, especially when diabetes is diagnosed early and managed tightly, though later remission does occur. Some cats have even gone into remission multiple times!
Supporting Remission Through Diet and Routine
The most important way we’ve found to support remission is to continue feeding a low-carbohydrate, high-protein diet. Even small amounts of excess carbs can push a cat’s blood sugar back into diabetic ranges. Resist introducing any high-carb dry food or treats, even if things seem to be “back to normal”.
Keeping a consistent routine also helps. Feeding at the same times each day and maintaining a predictable environment to help reduce stress. For us personally, using a programmable timed wet food automatic feeder has really helped control that variable.
Life “Off The Juice” or OTJ
Once your cat has successfully completed a trial period off of insulin, often called an OTJ (off-the-juice) trial, they enter a new phase. From the years of experience dealing with diabetic remission, here are some guidelines from the Feline Diabetes Message Board (FDMB):
“Your cat is still diabetic but is now considered diet-controlled. This means diabetes is being managed without insulin, thanks to proper diet and stable glucose regulation.
It’s important to continue feeding the same low-carb food that helped achieve remission. If you ever need to adjust the feeding schedule, let your glucose meter guide you – some cats respond better to small, frequent meals, while others do fine with set mealtimes.
Certain medications can raise blood sugar, especially those containing sugar or steroids. These should be avoided unless medically essential. It’s also a good idea to weigh your cat monthly. A stable weight is a sign of continued remission, while unexplained weight loss could signal relapse.
Continue testing blood glucose at least weekly for the first month, then monthly for life. If your cat ever seems “off,” starts drinking or urinating more than usual, or shows signs of illness, test right away. Dental disease is a common cause of relapse, so regular dental care is essential. If you see rising glucose levels over time, it’s time to check in with your vet.”
Why Testing Blood Glucose Still Matters
Even in remission, a good best practice is to continue home testing your cat’s blood glucose, just at a reduced frequency. Weekly or biweekly tests are often enough to spot rising trends before they become dangerous. Keeping an eye on your cat’s numbers can give you peace of mind and help you catch a relapse early. Some caregivers use continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) for periodic monitoring, but the need for a device like that shrinks without insulin treatment.
Warning Signs
Coming out of remission can be sneaky. The most common early signs include increased thirst, more frequent urination, greater hunger, and unexpected weight loss. Some cats also become more lethargic or start having accidents outside of the litter box. If you notice any of these signs, it’s a good idea to do a quick blood glucose test, even if everything else seems normal. Blood sugar consistently over 120 mg/dL (6.7 mmol/L) is a red flag that would signal a closer look. The key word being consistently, don’t panic over one slightly elevated test.
If you catch rising blood sugar early, there’s a good chance you can intervene before a full relapse. Contact your veterinarian and share testing results, including any recent changes. Sometimes restarting insulin quickly can help a cat go back into remission.
Living With a Cat in Remission
Caregivers often feel a mix of relief and anxiety once insulin is no longer needed. It’s completely normal to worry about relapse. The key is balance. Stay alert, but don’t let fear dominate your relationship with your cat. Enjoy these days! Remission is a huge success. With the right treatment, it can last months or even years. By continuing to monitor, feed appropriately, avoid unnecessary risks, and stay connected to the community, you’re giving your cat the best possible chance to stay OTJ and thrive.
