C-reactive protein (CRP) is an acute-phase protein produced primarily by the liver in response to inflammation, tissue injury, or infection. In cats, feline C-reactive protein (feline CRP or fCRP) serves as a major acute-phase protein, meaning its concentration can rise rapidly—often within 24 hours—following an inflammatory stimulus. The production of fCRP is stimulated by proinflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). As a nonspecific but sensitive biomarker, fCRP reflects the presence and intensity of systemic inflammation rather than indicating its exact cause. Its short half-life also allows fCRP levels to return to baseline relatively quickly once the inflammatory process resolves, making it a dynamic marker for monitoring disease progression and recovery.
In clinical veterinary practice, fCRP is increasingly used as an adjunct diagnostic and prognostic tool for detecting inflammation and evaluating treatment responses in various feline conditions, including infections, neoplasia, trauma, and immune-mediated diseases. It can help differentiate between inflammatory and non-inflammatory disorders when combined with other laboratory findings and clinical assessments. Quantitative fCRP assays—such as species-specific immunoassays—have been developed to enhance diagnostic precision, given that feline CRP differs immunologically from canine and human CRP.
In research settings, fCRP serves as a valuable biomarker for studying the feline acute-phase response, providing insights into disease mechanisms and the impact of therapeutic interventions. It is particularly useful in comparative immunology and translational studies, where understanding species-specific inflammatory responses contributes to both veterinary and biomedical research. Ongoing studies continue to refine the reference intervals, analytical methods, and clinical interpretations of fCRP, reinforcing its role as a key marker for systemic inflammation in cats.
This product is manufactured in USA by Eagle Biosciences.
| Size | 1 x 96 Well |
| Sensitivity | 0.656 ng/mL |
| Dynamic Range | 3.125 ng/mL – 200 ng/mL |
| Incubation Time | 1 hour 10 minutes |
| Sample Type | Serum, plasma |
| Storage | 2-8°C |
| Alternative Names | Cat C-reactive protein, feline C-reactive protein, and CRP (feline). |