US government approves use of world's first diabetic pill for cats

The world's first diabetic pill for cats has been approved for use by the US government, easing treatment in newly diagnosed animals, without the shots.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved, Bexacat, a drug made by Elanco Animal Health Inc., an American pharmaceutical company, to help in treating feline diabetes.

“Some people are afraid of giving insulin injections. Some people don’t have the time to dedicate to the care of their cats,” said Dr. Catharine Scott-Moncrieff, a Purdue University veterinarian who consulted with the makers of Bexacat on the product testing.

Bexacat is a non-insulin, needle-free, once-daily oral medication specifically designed for treatment of cats with diabetes mellitus.

“It will be life-changing for some cats and some owners, but it’s not for every cat,” Scott-Moncrieff said.

The pill, which is expected to be available in the U.S. in the next several weeks, aims to treat cats by lowering their blood sugar, causing it to be excreted in urine.

Though similar drugs have been approved for humans for about a decade, this is the first drug of its type to be approved for animals.

Diabetes in cats is caused when too much glucose, or sugar builds up in the bloodstream because the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin, or use it properly.

Its symptoms in cats include increased thirst and urination, increased appetite and weight loss.

About a quarter of U.S. households include one or more cats, totaling more than 58 million felines. Between 1 in 100 and 1 in 500 cats in the U.S. are diagnosed with diabetes, which is rising as obesity rates in the species approach 50%, said Dr. Bruce Kornreich, director of the Cornell Feline Health Center at Cornell University.

Comments

The 10 Best Pet Sitting Apps of 2025: Compare Costs and Book Instantly

Trying to be a responsible dog owner is rewarding, but it’s also a huge commitment. Finding a last-minute dog walker for a late meeting, a trusted sitter for a vacation, or an affordable trainer can feel overwhelming. You need help that’s reliable, vetted, and available now. That’s where pet sitting apps come in. They connect you with a community of professional dog walkers, sitters, and trainers at the tap of a button. But which app is the right fit for your needs and budget? We’ve broken down the top ten platforms that are leveraging artificial intelligence and advanced technology to provide exceptional care for your pets. We also analyzed hundreds of user reviews, compared features, and tested platforms to bring you the most current information on finding reliable, tech-enhanced pet care. Whether you need occasional dog walking, overnight sitting, or specialized medical care, these apps combine human expertise with technological innovation to ensure your pet receives the best p...

The Best Fish Feed in Nigeria for Catfish: Why Quality Matters

A few months ago, I visited a fish farm run by an ambitious aquapreneur who had high hopes for his homemade fish feed. His pond was large, his vision clear: this feed would cut costs, boost growth, and drive profitability. But within a week, disaster struck. Fish floated belly-up. Growth stalled. The numbers didn’t add up. The problem wasn’t the fish. It was the feed. The catfish were growing exactly as they were fed: poorly. Just as fish can’t flourish on empty calories, a farm can’t succeed on subpar feed. The right nutrition makes the difference between a thriving business and a sinking investment. In Nigeria’s competitive catfish farming industry, choosing the best feed isn’t just about cost, it’s about protein content, digestibility, floatability, and growth performance. The wrong feed leads to stunted growth, higher mortality, and lost profits. The right one maximizes yield, health, and market value. In this article, we’ll explore:...

How Much Does It Really Cost to Start a Catfish Farm in Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt in 2025?

After the Nigerian government hinted at a possible ban on fish importation , my inbox began to fill with a familiar question from would-be fish farmers in Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt: “Can I start a catfish farm now and do it for less?” It’s a timely concern. With import restrictions looming and demand for locally raised fish climbing, 2025 could be a turning point for Nigeria’s aquaculture industry. But while the opportunity is real, the path to profitability depends on where you set up, how lean your operations are, and whether you can balance cost-cutting with quality production. A Market on the Edge of Change Nigeria needs an estimated 3.2 million metric tonnes of fish annually. Yet local production meets barely 30% of that demand. The rest comes from imports mainly mackerel, sardines, and tilapia; worth over ₦500 billion annually. A potential import ban would create an immediate supply gap, and catfish is perfectly positioned to fill it. Already a staple in Nigerian homes and...

Trojanpost