Oral Diabetes Medications for Cats in 2025 🐱

Insulin injections have long been the standard for treating diabetes in cats and dogs—but newer oral medications may offer needle-free relief for some feline patients. I’m Dr Duncan Houston BVSc, and in this 2025 guide, I’ll walk you through today’s top oral diabetic therapies for cats, when they can work, and why insulin may still be necessary for many pets. 💉📉

🧬 Type I vs Type II Diabetes in Pets

• 🐶 Dogs are usually insulin-dependent (Type I)—oral meds are rarely effective
• 🐱 Cats are more likely to resemble human Type II diabetics and may respond to oral therapies—especially early in the disease

📋 Oral Diabetes Medications for Cats

1. Bexagliflozin (Bexacat®)

• 🧪 SGLT2 inhibitor—helps eliminate excess glucose through the urine
• 💊 Once-daily tablet
• 🧾 For cats never treated with insulin, without pancreatitis or advanced illness
• 📈 Requires regular vet monitoring
• ❌ Insulin may still be needed later in disease progression

2. Velagliflozin (Senvelgo®)

• 💧 Liquid SGLT2 inhibitor
• 🐱 Blocks glucose reabsorption so excess sugar exits via urine
• 🌿 Needle-free alternative to insulin for early-stage diabetes
• 📋 Daily monitoring at home and regular bloodwork required

3. Glipizide (Glucotrol®)

• 🧪 Stimulates the pancreas to produce more insulin
• ⚠️ Causes nausea in ~15% of cats
• 🚫 Not ideal for long-term use—can worsen amyloid build-up in pancreas
• 💡 Usually reserved for cases where insulin is not an option

4. Metformin (Glucophage®, Diabex®)

• 🧪 Increases insulin sensitivity
• ⚠️ Not safe for cats with kidney issues or ketoacidosis
• ⚠️ Side effects: vomiting, appetite loss, lethargy
• ⛔ Should not be used if recent imaging with iodine contrast is planned
• ⚠️ Interacts with many drugs: trimethoprim, furosemide, digoxin

5. Acarbose (Precose®, Glucobay®)

• 🍞 Blocks breakdown of starches, slowing sugar absorption
• 💩 Side effects: flatulence, diarrhea, weight loss
• 🐾 Safe for both dogs and cats, used alongside insulin
• 🕒 Must be given with food

6. Vanadium & Chromium Picolinate

• 🧬 Trace mineral supplements that may enhance insulin action
• 🔬 Evidence still limited—generally used to support insulin therapy
• 🧃 Sold in health stores but should be vet-approved for dosing safety

🍽️ Dietary Therapy: Still the Most Powerful Tool

Nutrition plays a critical role in managing feline diabetes:

• 🥩 Low-carbohydrate diets help regulate blood sugar naturally
• 🥗 For dogs: high-fiber diets are more beneficial than low-carb
• 🍽️ Diet change alone can sometimes lead to remission in cats!

Veterinary-prescribed diets such as Purina DM, Hill’s m/d, and Royal Canin Diabetic are specifically formulated to help diabetic cats achieve better glucose control.

🧪 Monitoring & Adjusting Treatment

• 🩺 Blood glucose curves, fructosamine levels, and urine glucose checks are key
• 📊 Weight, hydration, appetite, and behavior should be tracked daily
• ⚖️ Oral therapies may need to be stopped if the cat relapses or insulin becomes necessary

⚠️ When Oral Therapy Isn't Enough

• 🐱 Cat is losing weight or showing ketoacidosis signs
• 🔁 Glucose levels remain high despite oral meds and diet change
• 💉 Time to switch to insulin therapy, usually glargine (Lantus®) or detemir (Levemir®)

📲 Ask a Vet for Support

Is your cat newly diagnosed with diabetes? Unsure if oral therapy is the right start? Use the Ask A Vet app for fast, trusted advice from licensed veterinarians 🐱💬

✅ Summary

• ✔️ Some cats respond to oral meds like Bexacat or Senvelgo—but not all
• ✔️ Insulin is still the gold standard for long-term diabetic control
• ✔️ Diet change is often more powerful than medication alone
• ⚠️ Oral meds have strict eligibility and carry side effect risks
• ✔️ Always monitor closely and consult your vet before switching or stopping meds

With proper care, many diabetic cats can live full, happy lives 💛

— Dr Duncan Houston BVSc