Research overview: low carbohydrate utilisation and feline glucose metabolism

Cats handle dietary carbohydrate differently from omnivores, and this overview reviews their specialised glucose metabolism. Adapted to a low-carbohydrate, meat-based diet, cats have reduced activity of some enzymes for processing sugars and starches and rely heavily on protein and fat for energy, maintaining blood glucose largely through gluconeogenesis from amino acids. Their digestive system is geared accordingly. Researchers study this through metabolic and digestive physiology. Why it matters: limited carbohydrate utilisation has practical implications for feline diet and for understanding conditions such as obesity and diabetes in domestic cats fed carbohydrate-rich foods. It is another facet of obligate carnivory, showing how a metabolism built around prey treats sugars as a minor and somewhat awkward fuel rather than the dietary staple they are for many other animals.