Feline-specific clinical medicine covering unique metabolic limitations (glucuronidation deficiency), stress-sensitive physiology, common feline diseases (CKD, hyperthyroidism, diabetes, FLUTD), and cat-specific handling.
Feline-specific clinical medicine addressing the unique metabolic vulnerabilities, stress physiology, and disease predispositions of domestic cats. Cats lack hepatic UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UDP-GT) activity, making them sensitive to drugs metabolized by glucuronidation (acetaminophen, permethrin, NSAIDs). Stress-induced hyperglycemia is near-universal in veterinary settings and must be differentiated from diabetes mellitus. Common feline diseases include chronic kidney disease (IRIS staging), hyperthyroidism, FLUTD, diabetes (often reversible with dietary management), and viral infections (FIV, FeLV). Cats are obligate carnivores with minimal carbohydrate tolerance. Natural hiding behavior masks severe illness until late-stage presentation.
| Parameter | Normal Range |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 100.5-102.5°F (38.0-39.2°C) |
| Heart rate | 110-140 bpm (resting, stress-dependent) |
| Respiratory rate | 20-30 bpm |
| Systolic BP | 90-110 mmHg (direct measurement preferred; oscillometric inflates values) |
| Blood glucose (calm) | 70-100 mg/dL |
| Blood glucose (stress) | 100-300+ mg/dL (common) |
| PCV | 30-45% |
Cats are deficient in hepatic UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UDP-GT) activity. This critical metabolic pathway detoxifies:
Stress hyperglycemia is nearly universal in clinical cats. Blood glucose up to 300+ mg/dL is common from handling stress alone. Differentiate using fructosamine:
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): Most common disease in geriatric cats (>50% of cats >15 years).
Hyperthyroidism: Often presents as weight loss + tachycardia + elevated T4.
Diabetes Mellitus: Often reversible with low-carbohydrate diet alone.
Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD): Includes idiopathic cystitis, uroliths, strictures.
FIV/FeLV Status: Both retroviruses; FeLV more acute/severe; FIV more chronic/progressive.
Cats are obligate introverts; illness is masked by hiding behavior.