The US Food and Drug Administration has approved a new pet medication called Bexacat, which is an oral treatment for improved glycemic control in cats diagnosed with diabetes mellitus.

According to an article in Veterinary Practice News, the drug works by preventing the kidneys from reabsorbing glucose into the blood. The excess glucose is passed in the urine, lowing the cat’s blood glucose levels.

Cats can be susceptible to diabetes, just like humans. Diabetes in cats has traditionally been treated with diet and twice-daily subcutaneous (under the skin) insulin injections.

Obesity is a risk factor for diabetes in cats, so keeping your cat at a healthy weight is important. Common signs of diabetes in cats include increased thirst and appetite, weight loss, and increased urination.

Be sure to talk to your vet about treatment options if your cat is diabetic, as not all treatments are appropriate for every cat. The FDA is also interested in receiving reports on any adverse drug reactions in pets.

For more information on feline diabetes, check out this article on Cornell University Medical School’s Feline Health Center website.