Where are we on oclacitinib in cats?

RE: Where are we on oclacitinib in cats?

Kate Richardson — Sat, 21 Mar 2026 09:55:46 GMT

I agree Michael. I do prefer oral corticosteroids rather than depomedrone, but I do use depo. I have had a couple of cats develop diabetes following it, but both were not cats I would have considered high risk- they weren't overweight, one was a bengal the other a DSH. And I have used depomedrone in fat cats, one in particular who I was worried about DM risk as she was quite overweight but was treated every month with it for severe allergic dermatitis for several years and never developed diabetes. Both the cats that developed DM after depomedrone went into remission after a period of treatment with insulin.

RE: Where are we on oclacitinib in cats?

Stephen Shaw — Sat, 21 Mar 2026 08:57:16 GMT

Cinzia gave an account of the literature.

Ciclosporin is worth a shout - licenced and often well tolerated.

If you are considering euthanasia in a cat as you have unmet welfare needs that cannot be satisfied by other drugs, then there is a cascade reason to consider oclacitinib. However for a while it was becoming more casually used as a steroid alternative and that is not appropriate and that clear message came out and I concur. Always rule out fleas and if possible food allergy before treating chronically for FASS

I would suggest FeLV/FIV testing and evaluation of toxoplasma risk and a more cautious dose than some of those quoted in the first instance. Speaking to Zoetis to get their view is a good plan

We desperately need cat specific allergy treatments, but more primary research of the pathophysiology in cats is needed first. A huge need that leads you your question.

RE: Where are we on oclacitinib in cats?

Cinzia Gandini — Fri, 20 Mar 2026 12:38:14 GMT

[quote userid="7002" url="~/f/clinical-questions/31318/where-are-we-on-oclacitinib-in-cats"]Looking quickly[/quote]

You can create a list of published research articles with AI such as (it takes 2 seconds)

Lopes NL et al., 2019 – Safety of oclacitinib in healthy cats 1 mg/kg BID for 28 days well tolerated minimal adverse effects

Noli C et al., 2019 – Double-blinded methylprednisolone-controlled study in allergic cats approximately 0.7–1.2 mg/kg BID for 28 days improved pruritus and lesions

Carrasco I et al., 2021 – Oclacitinib in feline atopic skin syndrome 1 mg/kg BID for 2 weeks then 1 mg/kg SID for 2 weeks good clinical response well tolerated

Urkiola A et al., 2025 – Long-term oclacitinib for feline allergic pruritus 14 cats median 15.5 months treatment generally well tolerated

Ehling S et al., 2025 – Oclacitinib in a diabetic cat with periocular eosinophilic furunculosis case report showing efficacy when steroids were problematic

It's even creating a summary:

1 mg/kg BID for 28 days appears safe in healthy cats.
Clinical trials show efficacy in allergic cats, though responses vary.
Long‑term use is limited but generally tolerated in small case series.
Use is off-label; monitoring is recommended.

I liked this one

https://avmajournals.avma.org/view/journals/ja vma/261/S1/javma.22.12.0570.xml?tab_body=fulltext

[quote userid="3169" url="~/f/clinical-questions/31318/where-are-we-on-oclacitinib-in-cats/248460#248460"] tolerate steroids[/quote]

Even if I liked what Michael said more.

RE: Where are we on oclacitinib in cats?

Michael Woodhouse — Wed, 04 Mar 2026 01:37:24 GMT

Cats tolerate steroids really well, I'd tend to reach for Depo in an itchy cat. Think the diabetes risk vastly overplayed.