Drugs like Ozempic are making a statement in the world of human medicine, offering a new management approach for people struggling with type II diabetes and weight loss. Since our kittens can also have these medical issues, many people wonder if Ozempic will work for cats.
You should not give Ozempic to your catbut there are similar drugs currently being researched to provide comparable benefits in the feline world.
What is Ozempic?
Ozempic, or semaglutide, is a weekly injection that many people use to help manage their type II diabetes. It works like a natural hormone, GLP-1, produced by the stomach and regulates insulin release, the rate at which the stomach empties, and appetite. Increasing the amount of GLP-1 in the body helps lower blood sugar, decrease appetite, and slow the rate at which food leaves the stomach to make people feel fuller. Because of these abilities, it can help manage type II diabetes by increasing the amount of insulin released, and it can also help reduce the chances of stroke and heart attack.
Ozempic is also used for weight loss because it helps control a person’s appetite and helps them feel fuller for longer, potentially reducing the number of calories they consume.
Since cats can have the same issues—it’s estimated that about 1% of cats have diabetes and more than 60% are obese, it’s no wonder that both veterinarians and cat owners are jumping for joy at the prospect of a drug like this. But we’re not quite there yet.
What is the Best Treatment for Cats With Diabetes?
Currently, the most common ways diabetes is managed in cats are injectable insulin and a change in diet. Some pet owners don’t like the idea of injecting their cat twice a day, and for others, it’s difficult to manage the tight schedule that requires insulin administration. Instead, these cats can be treated with a daily oral medication, such as Bexacat or Senvelgo. While giving a pill may still not be every cat owner’s dream, it can prove to be more comfortable than injections.
Are There Weight Loss Medications for Cats?
Although a healthy diet, smaller portion sizes, and more exercise are the three pillars for a kitten to lose unwanted weight, veterinarians and cat owners alike know the challenges of getting a cat to exercise and beyond the familiarity of begging-for-food. eyes and screams. Also, for some cats, it seems that every calorie they eat tends to end up in their body as fat.
Today, weight loss aids are focused on making those three pillars more doable, with low-calorie food options, automatic pre-portioned feeders, and interactive toys that help the cat move. Supplements such as conjugated linoleic acid and hydroxycitric acid may also have success.
The Future of Weight Loss in Cats
Although pharmaceutical companies are not working on Ozempic as a weight-loss drug for cats, they are looking at similar-acting drugs. One study showed some potential benefit of another GLP-1 agonist, OKV-119, in helping to achieve a 5% weight reduction over 4 months. This medication is implanted under the skin, meaning there is no daily dosing. While this may seem ground-breaking, there are study limitations and outstanding questions, so don’t expect to see this product in your vet’s office anytime soon.
With increasing awareness of the obesity problem in cats among owners and pharmaceutical companies, there is little doubt that something similar to Ozempic will likely be on the market soon to help the chubby ones. that cat to lose unhealthy weight.
Conclusion
While Ozempic is increasing in popularity on the human front, it is currently not something that should be given to cats, either the diabetic type or the roly-poly type. If your cat has either condition, talk to your veterinarian about potential changes to their treatment plan. They may be able to provide oral medications for diabetes or supplements for weight loss. Your vet is probably the best person to decide if these treatments are right for your cat, as they may not be the best fit for all feline friends.
Featured Image Credit: Healthy Definition, Shutterstock
