Mary Allen
If the diet does not meet the physical needs, then deficiency symptoms can occur in cats. We will tell you here what consequences this can have for the animals.
Nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and trace elements are essential for a cat to have a long and above all healthy life. The animal is dependent on its owner – after all, it eats what its master or mistress puts in front of it. An unbalanced diet can cause deficiency symptoms in cats. In order to meet their nutritional requirements, there are a few things to consider.
Vitamin D, Calcium & Phosphorus
Young animals need vitamin D, calcium, and phosphorus in particular for bone formation. Otherwise, a lack of these nutrients can lead to skeletal damage and severe deformities such as rickets or soft bones.
Vitamin D is also important for healthy teeth. It can be easily absorbed through food. Foods such as liver, cod liver oil, or fish are rich in vitamin D.
However, not only a deficiency of the vitamin can be dangerous, but also an overdose. It can lead to calcification in the kidneys and vessel walls.
Vitamin A
Cats need vitamin A for good eyesight and healthy skin. Deficiencies are rare. But when it does, it can mean lameness, spinal damage, sore eyes, unkempt fur, or increased susceptibility to infection for the animal. Vitamin A is found in large amounts in raw liver, fish oils, or fresh egg yolk.
Similar to vitamin D, an overdose of vitamin A can also have health consequences for cats. Too much of the fat-soluble vitamin is not excreted but stored in the body. Liver damage can result.
Vitamin B1
Vitamin B1, also known as thiamine, is needed by cats for their nerve cells, normal heart function, and gastrointestinal tract. Such deficiency symptoms in cats cause, for example, loss of appetite with weight loss, nerve inflammation, dizziness, and cardiac arrhythmia.
Cats that mainly eat fish are particularly affected by a lack of vitamin B1. The ferments it contains can destroy thiamine.
Essential Fatty Acids
One of the most common deficiencies in cats is that of essential fatty acids such as linoleic acid. It is important for energy production, muscle activity, the heart, the skin but also fur.
So if there is a deficiency, this can mean, among other things, shaggy fur, increased shedding, or even hair loss for the cat. Tip: A lack of essential fatty acids can be counteracted by simply enriching the cat food with a little safflower or sunflower oil.
Are Supplements Really Necessary?
When it comes to deficiency symptoms in cats, the feed industry is well prepared. There are a variety of supplements in the form of pills, pastes, and drops. However, you should only give your pet what it really needs. To be on the safe side, it is best to consult a veterinarian.