Ozempic (semaglutide) is not approved for cats and should not be given to a cat unless you are in a controlled veterinary clinical trial and working directly with a veterinarian.

What Ozempic Is

Ozempic is a human diabetes and weight‑loss drug in the GLP‑1 agonist class (semaglutide), used mainly for type 2 diabetes and sometimes weight loss in people. It alters insulin release, slows stomach emptying, and reduces appetite, which can cause significant weight changes.

Current Status In Cats

Veterinary authorities have not approved Ozempic or any human GLP‑1 drug for routine use in cats as of late 2025. Some specialists have experimented off‑label with GLP‑1 drugs in diabetic cats, but this is limited, expensive, and not considered standard care.

Emerging “Ozempic‑like” Options

A biotech company (Okava/Okava Pharmaceuticals) is running clinical trials of a GLP‑1–type implant (using exenatide, not semaglutide) for obese cats, designed to release drug for months at a time. Early studies suggest modest weight loss (around a few percent over several months), but the product is not yet commercially available and remains experimental.

Risks And Side Effects

Cats metabolize drugs differently from humans, so doses that are safe for people may harm feline liver, kidneys, or the digestive system. Reported problems in pets exposed to human GLP‑1 drugs include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and dangerously low blood sugar that can require emergency veterinary care.

Safer Alternatives Now

For diabetic cats, standard treatments are:

• Twice‑daily injectable insulin plus a veterinary‑recommended low‑carbohydrate diet.

• In some cases, approved oral diabetes drugs for cats, such as bexagliflozin products (for example, Bexacat) or velagliflozin (Senvelgo), when a vet decides they are appropriate.

For overweight cats without diabetes, veterinarians rely on:

• Calorie‑controlled prescription or weight‑management diets and precise portion control.

• Environmental enrichment and play to increase activity (toys, feeders that make cats “work” for food).

• Regular weigh‑ins and a structured weight‑loss plan supervised by a vet.

If you are considering Ozempic or any “Ozempic‑like” drug for a cat, the safest action is to contact a veterinarian, ask about evidence‑based weight‑loss or diabetes plans, and discuss whether your cat might qualify for any legitimate clinical trials rather than trying human medication at home.