Oral Diabetes Treatment for Cats: Senvelgo and Bexacat Explained | Mello
Two oral medications are now approved for treating diabetes in cats, offering an alternative to insulin injections for some. What they are, which cats they suit, and the warning signs every owner should know.
Oral diabetes treatment for cats: Senvelgo and Bexacat explained
Two oral medications are now approved for treating diabetes in cats, offering an alternative to insulin injections for some. They are not suitable for every cat, and they do not remove the need for close veterinary monitoring. Start with our overview of pet diabetes, then read about signs of diabetes in cats and feeding a diabetic cat.
What Bexacat and Senvelgo are
Bexagliflozin (Bexacat) and velagliflozin (Senvelgo) are SGLT2 inhibitor medicines. They work on the kidneys so excess glucose passes out in urine, rather than replacing insulin.
For owners who find injecting distressing, an oral medicine may feel emotionally easier to give. That decision still needs to be made with a vet, because the medication changes what you need to monitor.
Which cats may be suitable
These medicines may be considered for some newly diagnosed, uncomplicated cats with some remaining natural insulin production. Whether a cat is suitable is entirely the vet's assessment.
Insulin remains the right choice for many cats. A different treatment route is not automatically a safer or better route for an individual pet.
Common side effects
Gastrointestinal upset can occur and is usually mild. Your vet should explain what to watch for and what to do if your cat's appetite, energy or behaviour changes.
The warning sign that looks like nothing
Cats on these medications can develop ketoacidosis while blood glucose looks normal. A reassuring glucose reading does not rule out an emergency. Published trial data indicates this was usually identified within the first two weeks of starting treatment.
If your cat becomes lethargic, stops eating, vomits, or seems unwell in any way while on these medications, contact your vet immediately — even if their glucose reading looks fine. Do not wait for a high reading.
What this means for monitoring
Your vet may ask you to check ketones as well as glucose. Follow the monitoring plan they give you and report changes promptly rather than waiting for the next scheduled appointment.
Sources
- Cook AK, Behrend EN. "SGLT2 inhibitor use in the management of feline diabetes mellitus." Journal of Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics, 2025;48:19–30.
- Hadd MJ et al. "Safety and effectiveness of bexagliflozin in cats newly diagnosed with diabetes mellitus." Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 2023;37:915–924.
- Behrend EN et al. "Velagliflozin... the SENSATION study." JAVMA, 2024;262:1343–1353.
- Taylor S et al. "2025 iCatCare consensus guidelines on diabetes mellitus in cats." JFMS, 2025.
When to contact your vet
- Contact your vet promptly if your pet’s symptoms, appetite, drinking, urination, behaviour or glucose readings change unexpectedly.
- Ask your vet for advice before changing insulin, food, exercise or any other part of your pet’s routine.
- Seek urgent veterinary care for collapse, seizures, severe weakness, repeated vomiting, or suspected hypoglycaemia or diabetic ketoacidosis.
Quick answers
What's Next?
Continue your diabetes management journey with these recommended next steps.
You might find this useful too
Signs of Diabetes in Cats: Symptoms Every Owner Should Know
The warning signs of diabetes in cats — drinking more, heavier litter trays, weight loss, and a distinctive change in how they walk.
Feeding a Diabetic Cat: Why Low-Carbohydrate Matters
Low-carbohydrate diet for diabetic cats explained — why low-carb matters, wet vs dry food, remission support, and practical feeding guidance from vets.
Ketones in Diabetic Dogs and Cats: Why They Matter
What ketones mean in diabetic dogs and cats, how ketoacidosis develops, and why some cats can be seriously unwell despite a normal glucose reading.
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