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SENVELGO is changing the way we treat feline diabetes
Injecting your cat every day can be stressful for you and for them. And it’s not something most owners ever feel fully comfortable with. Managing feline diabetes also means strict routines and daily glucose monitoring, and it can be incredibly overwhelming. SENVELGO is a new liquid medication administered once daily that has the potential to replace insulin injections for some cats.
At Cat Specialist Services, our premier veterinary care exclusively for cats includes expert treatment for those living with diabetes. We’re excited about how SENVELGO is changing the way we manage this condition, so we spoke with Dr Rachel Korman, feline internal medicine specialist and co-author of the SENVELGO Patient Management Guide, about why this treatment is such a significant step forward.
Understanding feline diabetes
Diabetes in cats often presents subtly. Signs and symptoms can include increased thirst (polydipsia), urination (polyuria), appetite (polyphagia) and unexplained weight loss. Sometimes, they can be dismissed as normal signs of ageing. You may not even notice your cat has symptoms until they are already quite unwell.
Some diabetic cats have concurrent conditions like pancreatitis, kidney disease or hyperthyroidism, which affect how the diabetes presents and how well it responds to treatment. That’s why screening for these conditions is a critical part of confirming a diagnosis and planning effective care.
“Cats will potentially come in and out of being diabetic,” says Dr Rachel Korman, highlighting the variable nature of the disease. Although not all cats follow a straightforward path, early diagnosis is still important. It gives vets the chance to stabilise the condition early and keep a close eye on how it progresses.
What is SENVELGO, and how does it work?
While SENVELGO is only just making its entrance in Australia, it has been available in the United States and the United Kingdom for some time. “It’s the first drug of its class… We have the benefit of gaining from the experience of the use of the drug elsewhere,” explains Dr Korman, noting that this gives Australian vets the advantage of learning from both the successes and challenges already seen.
SENVELGO is an SGLT2 inhibitor that lowers blood glucose by stopping the kidneys from reabsorbing it, so the excess is passed out in the urine. This reduces blood sugar without relying on insulin injections. It’s specifically registered for use in cats with non-insulin-dependent diabetes.
The liquid medication is given once daily in food, with no need for needles or strict timing. “Being able to treat a disease like diabetes without injections… will make life so much easier for many cat owners and their cats… Cats love simplicity, and so do I,” says Dr Rachel.
Glucose levels are effectively reduced, but SENVELGO doesn’t help the body use that glucose. That’s why it’s only effective in cats with residual insulin production, as it can’t be used in cases of complete insulin deficiency. “The diabetic cats need to have their own source of insulin for their body to use. And not all diabetic cats will have that,” explains Dr Rachel. Suitability is confirmed through clinical examination and ketone screening before starting the medication.
Monitoring, safety and what to expect when starting SENVELGO
Close monitoring is essential in the early stages, as cats who don’t produce enough insulin are at risk of developing euglycaemic ketoacidosis (eDKA). This involves ketone testing and clinical exams to assess general health, hydration and body weight on day seven and day 14 after starting treatment. If your cat shows any signs of illness before these check-ins, such as lethargy, vomiting or loss of appetite, it’s important to seek veterinary attention right away.
Once cats are stable on SENVELGO, they should be reviewed at week four, and then every three months.
If clinical signs of diabetes like polyuria, polydipsia, weight loss or appetite changes persist, the cat’s fructosamine and blood glucose levels will need to be re-evaluated.
Long-term success with this treatment depends heavily on an owner’s ability to notice subtle changes and act early. At home, this means keeping an eye on your cat’s energy, appetite, behaviour and hydration. Urine ketone strips can also be used every one to three days during the first couple of weeks, and any time your cat seems unwell. “The monitoring is probably more intensive in the early part of the prescription of the drug,” says Dr Korman. However, it’s important to remember that home checks don’t replace proper clinical assessments.
“It lowers blood glucose by preventing the kidneys from reabsorbing it.”
When SENVELGO might not be the right fit
“It’s not going to be the perfect drug for every cat… there’s still going to be cats that need insulin,” Dr Korman reminds us. As mentioned earlier, cats that can’t produce their own insulin aren’t suitable for SENVELGO. These cats are at risk of developing eDKA, a serious complication that can occur even when blood glucose appears normal. That’s why regular ketone monitoring is essential.
SENVELGO is also not recommended for cats that are clinically unwell at the start of treatment. Signs such as lethargy, inappetence, vomiting or severe dehydration may point to underlying complications that need to be resolved first. The ideal candidate is stable, eating normally and otherwise well.
If SENVELGO is not appropriate for your cat, insulin therapy is a well-established and effective treatment. Some cats may start on SENVELGO and later need to transition back to insulin if glycaemic control isn’t adequate. This isn’t a failure of the treatment, but part of managing a disease that can vary significantly between patients, and even within the same patient over time.
Talk to the cat specialists at CSS
SENVELGO is a promising new option for treating feline diabetes in cats who meet the criteria. For some, it can take the stress out of daily injections and make ongoing care more manageable. It’s worth screening to see if it’s the right fit for your cat. While there are potential risks, careful monitoring allows any issues to be picked up and addressed early.
Has your cat been diagnosed with diabetes, or are they showing symptoms? Speak with a friendly member of our team at Cat Specialist Services to learn more about SENVELGO. Vets can refer patients for treatment here.
For veterinarians wanting to know more, join Boehringer Ingelheim for ‘Evolving Endocrinology – The Roadshow’. Enjoy an evening of exciting endocrinology topics presented by leading experts in the field, including game-changing innovations in diabetes management such as SENVELGO. Contact us to learn more.
Are you worried about your cat’s health?
If you are concerned about your cat, please reach out to our friendly team. Call us on 1300 228 377 or fill out the contact form below. In an emergency, please contact your local vet.
For vets – to refer a patient or book a telehealth consultation, please call us on 1300 228 377, book through the portal or fill in the form.
Meet The Author
Dr Rachel Korman
Specialist in Feline Internal Medicine
BVSc MANZCVS (Internal Medicine) FANZCVS (Feline Medicine)
Dr. Korman’s childhood love for cats led her to veterinary medicine, and early on, it was clear that feline care was her calling. After graduating from the University of Queensland in 2000, she worked in small animal and feline-only practices across Australia and the UK.
She received a Senior Clinical Training Scholarship from the Feline Advisory Bureau (now International Cat Care) at the University of Bristol, where she researched feline infectious and haematological diseases, and in 2018, became a Fellow of the Feline Medicine Chapter of the Australian New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists and a registered Feline Medicine specialist.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is SENVELGO for cats?
SENVELGO is a liquid medication used to treat certain cases of feline diabetes. It is given once daily and works differently from insulin therapy.
How does SENVELGO work in diabetic cats?
The drug blocks glucose reabsorption in the kidneys. As a result, excess sugar leaves the body through the urine, helping reduce blood glucose levels.
Can SENVELGO replace insulin injections?
In some cats with non-insulin-dependent diabetes, SENVELGO may be used instead of insulin injections. Your veterinarian will determine if it is appropriate for your cat.
What symptoms suggest a cat might have diabetes?
Common signs include increased thirst, increased urination, increased appetite and unexplained weight loss. These symptoms can sometimes be mistaken for normal ageing.
Why is early diagnosis of feline diabetes important?
Early diagnosis allows veterinarians to stabilise the condition sooner and monitor how it progresses. This can improve long-term management and overall health outcomes.
Patient Stories
Our commitment to feline health is best seen in the stories of the cats we’ve had the privilege of treating. These journeys highlight the dedication, expertise and compassion that drive us.
Each patient faced unique challenges, and it was our honour to offer high-quality care and help them regain strength and happiness. We value the deep bonds with cats and their owners, knowing the difference we make in their lives.
Kitty, a lymphoma survivor
We first met Kitty after she was referred to CSS for the evaluation of a large intestinal mass
Poppi finds her feet again
Following surgery to remove a hairball obstruction, Poppi was referred to us at CSS as she had not bounced back as expected
Rusty and his ongoing chronic rhinitis journey
Lifelong nasal issues, including persistent discharge and breathing noise, have been a bit of a thorn in Rusty’s side.
Lando’s long game with cryptococcus
Lando was referred to CSS because he had a swelling under his jaw that wouldn’t go away.
Popeye coughs up the culprit
Ares is a handsome young Maine Coon who was referred to CSS after presenting at AES with sudden lameness in his back leg.
Key Takeaways
SENVELGO is a once-daily liquid medication used to treat some cases of feline diabetes.
The medication works by preventing the kidneys from reabsorbing glucose, allowing excess sugar to pass out in the urine.
Unlike traditional diabetes treatment, it may reduce the need for insulin injections in certain cats.
Cat Specialist Services Reviews 
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Tanya Bell
6 months ago
We transported our cat here from another animal hospital, as his condition was too complex for them. Our pet was given the highest quality of care, multiple investigations/procedures being able to be done at the one place a godsend. We were kept up to date frequently throughout his stay. All questions & options explained thoroughly. Being able to have private visits certainly helped us and our cat too. I would highly recommend Cat Specialist Services at Underwood. Amazing staff from reception, vet nurses, vets & specialists. Oh, and yes he is recovering wonderfully at home.
Melinda Cox
A month ago
So very happy we were asked to come here for advice for our NORBIT. He has had 2 x UTI blockages within weeks of each other since turning 6. Surgery seemed to be his only option and he didn’t feel it was very fair on him if we didn’t at least exhaust all other avenues first.
Dr Allison was very thorough in her tests and has let us know she would like to treat the cause of the problem. Great news.
It may lead to removal of crystals in his bladder if his diet doesn’t let him pass them naturally.
At least this surgery won’t be as severe at taking his penis off him – so as his fur parents – we are very happy with this.
We await further tests to see what’s in store for him.
NORBIT will now be a patient of the clinic as we are so far very happy with his treatment thus far.
Lesley Rosekrans
A month ago
Hi has only been a week since losing my beautiful Peaches but can’t thank Dr Cindy, Maree and Jackie enough for the tender care they gave her and they after care they gave me. I sincerely thank them and can’t recommend the Clinic highly enough they are such caring people. Peaches I’m happier times.
Madison McEwan
A month ago
I cannot thank the entire CSS team enough and especially Dr Cindy for the care they provided for our boy with a urinary blockage, and we will be taking both our cats here from now on. The clinic is exceptionally clean and calming compared to all other clinics we’ve been too, and all staff from the reception to the nurses/vets were so supportive during a stressful time. I knew from the first minute that I got to see him after he was transferred that he was in the best place, and that the staff genuinely care about their well-being and positive long term outcomes. We were given regular updates and full transparency, so much information including QR video codes on how to administer medications, along with print outs and emails about how to best help avoid future issues or recurrence. Our boy got to smooch on everyone and was beyond well looked after. Thank you again, you all made an incredibly stressful situation actually manageable and calming.
Astrid El Gamal
6 months ago
Dr Wan-Ju has been treating my baby since her first seizure in November 2025 and she has been fantastic.
Everybody at the clinic is so friendly and caring and I know my baby is in good hands.
Thank you team!
Deeba M
3 months ago
Dr Alison Jukes from CSS Underwood is an AMAZING feline physician. She is kind, professional, thorough and our cat is blessed to have her on his side. She even was able to save us money and invasiveness by being skilled to the level of doing ultrasound on two separate occasions without our cat needing to go under full sedation. Our other cat was recently seen by Dr Jukes as well, and she made sure our cat’s heart was ok. I also want to thank the lovely Jacqueline and Mairead from customer care. They are very kind each time I see them and call up. Sending thanks from our family, including Smokey and Floozy!
Judith Dionysius
A month ago
My whole experience with CSS was positive – from the first email I received giving lots of information regarding the process of radioactive iodine treatment to the expected costs, to checking my cat in for the treatment, boarding for 2 weeks after the treatment and picking her up to come home. They didn’t push for any tests that were not necessary.
Janelle Wieden
5 months ago
We never knew this service existed but we are very grateful we were referred to them. Our vet Cindy was really great, she made us feel at ease during a very stressful time. We got the sense straight away the Leo was in good hands. This service made us feel better knowing that they specialise is cats only. Would highly recommend their services
Georgia Carter
5 months ago
My Lani finished her I-131 treatment today and I am beyond impressed with the way she was looked after. I am by definition a neurotic pet owner and sending my fur child away for a week was seriously daunting.
I was given daily updates about how kitty was eating, toileting and behaving. This really put my mind at ease. Vets and vet nurses were so accomodating and allowed Lani to have her favourite foods from home prepared her favourite way.
Her vet was so thorough when explaining her treatment and condition to me.
The ladies at reception were so friendly and understanding.
I honestly cannot recommend this clinic enough and I am so thankful for the positive experience Lani and I have had.
Lauren Woodward
A year ago
My sweet ginger boy Louis was hospitalised at CSS for a Urinary Obstruction. Dr Cindy and all the reception staff were amazing and empathetic. I would often ring up with questions post procedure and Dr Cindy would make time to talk and explain things to me
Service Locations
Cat Specialists accepts referrals for cats across Brisbane and surrounding regions, working closely with local veterinary clinics to provide specialist diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing management.
Contacting Us
Pet Owners
If you would like to talk about treatment for your cat, call us on 1300 228 377 or fill in the form.
In an emergency, please contact your local vet.
Vets and Nurses
To refer a patient or book a telehealth consultation please call us on 1300 228 377, book through the portal or fill in the form. For advice calls, please see the guidelines here.
Monday-Friday: 8 am-6 pmSaturday/Sunday - Closed