Finding out your cat has diabetes is not just sad news - it can also be very daunting when you consider the care and commitment needed to deal with the condition.

But, thanks to an exciting new initiative pioneered by the UK’s leading feline welfare charity Cats Protection, reassurance is at hand. The charity has compiled a register of people who are happy to share their experiences of coping with a diabetic cat’s illness to help owners come to terms with their pet’s disease.

The register’s volunteers can give support to worried owners and, although they cannot give out veterinary advice, they can offer hints and tips on how to deal with the day-to-day management of the condition.

Lisa Morrow, Cats Protection’s Head of Veterinary Services, says that more and more felines are now being diagnosed with the disease. “It has been recognised that diabetes occurs more commonly in middle-aged to older cats and that obesity is a significant risk factor. Signs of the illness include increased thirst, increased urination, increased appetite, weight loss, lethargy and weakness and treatment involves giving regular injections of insulin, implementing a diet change and monitoring how much your feline eats and drinks.”

Owners of a diabetic cat have to be aware of the importance of a strict routine if they are going to manage their feline’s condition and many cat owners are put off caring for a diabetic feline because of the ongoing treatment required.

Marilyn Digby-Brown, Assistant Editor of Cats Protection’s membership magazine The Cat, came up with the idea after talking to a number of owners that were finding it hard to come to terms with their cat’s condition. “Managing a diabetic cat can be a steep learning curve and reassurance is probably the biggest need - most people are filled with horror at the thought of having injections themselves, let alone having to inject a cat! Fear of the unknown is the biggest problem but these 'Sugarmums' can reassure people based on their own experiences that there is usually nothing to worry about and that the condition can be managed successfully.”

The diabetic register contains both phone and email contact details of the volunteers and can be obtained from Marilyn Digby-Brown, Cats Protection, Chelwood Gate, Haywards Heath, Sussex RH17 7TT.

Please enclose a SAE to the value of 50p. for further information please contact Marilyn on 08707 708631.