Vet Guide 2025: Velagliflozin (Senvelgo) for Feline Diabetes 🐱🩺

By Dr Duncan Houston, BVSc 🩺

Diabetes in cats is increasingly common, especially among middle-aged and older felines. But recent advancements in treatment have made it easier than ever to support diabetic cats—sometimes even without insulin 💉. One such advancement is Velagliflozin, marketed as Senvelgo®, a once-daily oral solution that can improve blood glucose control in cats with early-stage diabetes 🧪🐾.

⚠️ Important Veterinary Safety Notice

⚠️ WARNING: The physical size of the medication bottle does not indicate proper dosage. Never administer Velagliflozin without veterinary guidance. Improper use can lead to serious side effects or even be fatal. This guide is informational only and not a substitute for veterinary advice 📋🚫.

💊 What Is Velagliflozin?

Velagliflozin is an SGLT2 inhibitor—a class of medications that blocks a kidney protein responsible for reabsorbing glucose back into the bloodstream. Instead of keeping excess sugar, the body flushes it out via urine. This lowers blood sugar levels without requiring insulin in some early-stage diabetic cats 🌊🧬.

It’s available as a 15 mg/ml oral liquid solution and is administered once daily, with or without food 🍽️.

🧬 How It Works: SGLT2 Inhibition Explained

The kidneys normally reabsorb glucose through a protein called SGLT2. In diabetic cats, this can contribute to dangerously high blood sugar levels. Velagliflozin:

• 🚫 Blocks SGLT2, preventing reabsorption of glucose
• 🌊 Encourages glucose excretion in urine
• 💡 Does not affect SGLT1 (a separate protein), reducing the risk of hypoglycemia

This targeted mechanism allows Velagliflozin to manage diabetes in cats that still produce some insulin naturally 🐱🧠.

🔍 Monitoring Protocols: What to Expect

📅 First Week of Treatment

• 👁️ Watch for reduced appetite, lethargy, or dehydration—report immediately
• 🧪 Blood and urine tests should be performed before and during early treatment
• ⚖️ Track weight and hydration daily at home
• 📉 Monitor for ketones in urine—a sign of diabetic ketoacidosis

🧪 Week 1–2

• Repeat lab work may be recommended
• Fructosamine testing and blood glucose curves help track sugar control
• Vet may adjust your cat’s treatment plan based on results

📆 At One Month

If blood glucose remains elevated after 4 weeks, Velagliflozin should be stopped, and insulin therapy considered. If control is achieved, continued monitoring is required 🔁💉.

📉 Potential Side Effects

• 💩 Mild diarrhea or loose stools—usually resolves without intervention
• ⚠️ Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)—most serious risk; can be life-threatening
• 🐾 Weight loss is common initially, but appetite should normalize quickly
• 📊 Temporary changes in kidney and electrolyte bloodwork may occur

🩺 What Increases DKA Risk?

• 🙅 Cats with no insulin production
• 🍽️ Cats not eating enough calories
• 💉 Cats already on insulin (Velagliflozin should NOT be combined with insulin)

🚫 Contraindications: When NOT to Use Senvelgo

Velagliflozin should NOT be used in cats with:

• 🚫 Anorexia or not eating properly
• 💧 Dehydration or severe lethargy
• 🧪 Positive ketones in urine
• 🩺 Diagnosed or suspected pancreatitis
• 💩 Chronic or unresponsive diarrhea
• 🦴 Cachexia (severe weight and muscle loss)
• 🧫 Abnormal kidney markers (BUN, creatinine)

Also, do not use in pregnant or nursing cats—safety data is unavailable.

💊 Drug Interactions

• 💉 Do NOT use with insulin—risk of severe hypoglycemia
• 💦 Diuretics (like furosemide): Interaction effects not yet studied

🧴 Storage Guidelines

• 🧊 Store at or below 77°F (25°C)
• 📅 Use within 6 months of opening
• 🔒 Keep out of reach of children and pets

📊 Monitoring Summary Table

🛡️ Velagliflozin vs. Insulin: What's the Difference?

Insulin:

• 💉 Injected medication
• Used in insulin-dependent cats
• Often requires more rigorous home testing

Velagliflozin:

• 🧴 Oral liquid medication
• Used in early-stage diabetes (some insulin function remains)
• May delay or reduce need for insulin injections

📲 Ask A Vet: Support for Feline Diabetes

Newly diagnosed feline diabetes can be overwhelming. Not sure if Velagliflozin is right for your cat? 📱 Use the Ask A Vet app to chat with a licensed vet about test results, treatment adjustments, and medication safety. Download at AskAVet.com and get answers when you need them 🐾💬.

🔚 Final Thoughts

Velagliflozin (Senvelgo®) opens a new door for early feline diabetes management in 2025. By gently lowering glucose through kidney function, it offers an insulin-free option for select cats. But safety requires attentive monitoring and expert guidance. Work closely with your vet—like Dr Duncan Houston—to ensure the best outcome for your feline companion 🐱❤️.