• A new Chinese drug helps obese cats lose weight
• The injection provides a feeling of fullness

Weight-loss trends now extend to pets, after a Chinese pharmaceutical company announced that a new drug specifically for overweight cats has passed an initial regulatory milestone, according to a local newspaper.

The report explained that the drug, developed by the company, was officially accepted for review by China’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs on December 26, 2025.

If approved, it would be used to help adult obese cats safely manage their weight.

The medicine is administered via injection once a week and works by making cats feel full and regulating their metabolism, in a manner similar to human weight-loss drugs.

Trials showed that cats lost about 9% of their body weight within six weeks, while nearly three-quarters lost more than 5%. The report confirmed that the animals tolerated the treatment well, with no serious side effects.

The report also noted that China’s pet population has risen significantly in recent years, reaching over 430 million in 2024 compared to 310 million in 2020, with urban pet cats alone exceeding 71 million.

With increased snacking and reduced activity, obesity rates among cats have risen; more than 28% of pet cats are now considered overweight.

Excess weight is not just a cosmetic issue, as it increases the risk of diabetes, heart disease, respiratory problems, and joint pain.

Although diet control and exercise remain the first steps in treatment, they are not always sufficient, especially for indoor cats that can be difficult to persuade to eat healthily.

The company indicated that the new drug is the first of its kind globally, specifically designed to help cats lose weight, potentially opening a completely new market in pet care.

It continues to pursue the approval process in China, offering a potential new option for overweight cats alongside smaller feeding bowls and exercise routines to aid weight loss.