Safe Compounding for Felines

This course provides a comprehensive overview of safe and effective pharmaceutical compounding for feline patients, focusing on the unique physiological, metabolic, and behavioral characteristics that make cats a particularly sensitive species in veterinary medicine. Unlike other animals, felines present significant differences in drug metabolism, absorption, and toxicity, requiring a highly specialized and cautious approach to formulation design.

Participants will explore key aspects of feline pharmacokinetics and biotransformation, including the well-known deficiency in glucuronidation pathways, which increases the risk of drug accumulation and toxicity. The course also highlights common causes of drug intoxication in cats, emphasizing the importance of avoiding contraindicated APIs, excipients, and topical ingredients that may be safe in other species but harmful to felines. A strong focus is placed on formulation strategy and dosage form selection, taking into account feline behavior, taste preferences, and administration challenges.

Learners will gain practical insights into selecting appropriate pharmaceutical forms — such as suspensions, pastes, and transdermal systems — to improve treatment adherence and therapeutic outcomes. Real-world examples and formulation considerations are presented to support safe, personalized, and effective veterinary compounding practices. By the end of this course, participants will be able to design feline-specific compounded medications that prioritize safety, efficacy, and patient compliance.