Feline drug metabolism and disposition: pharmacokinetic evidence for species differences and molecular mechanisms

Abstract

Although it is widely appreciated that cats respond differently to certain drugs compared with other companion animal species, the causes of these differences are poorly understood. This article evaluates published evidence for altered drug effects in cats, focusing on pharmacokinetic differences between cats, dogs, and humans, and the molecular mechanisms underlying these differences. More work is needed to better understand drug metabolism and disposition differences in cats, thereby enabling more rational prescribing of existing medications, and the development of safer drugs for this species.

Keywords: Cat; Glucuronidation; Pharmacokinetics; Species differences.