Vitamin D Requirements For Cats

Cats and dogs have low vitamin d requirements when calcium phosphorus and the ratio of the minerals are correct.
Vitamin d requirements for cats. How do cats get vitamin d. When ingested in exorbitant levels however this fat soluble vitamin i e stored in the fatty tissues of the body and liver can cause serious health issues. While for us humans is quite simple to get vitamin d by exposing ourselves to the sun in addition to getting it from specific foods for cats there is only one way of getting the needed level of vitamin d. Marchnwe in may 2015 the university of edinburgh vet school announced the results of a study showing that seriously ill cats with high levels of vitamin d in their blood were more likely to be alive one month later than cats with low vitamin d levels.
It also promotes the retention of calcium thus aiding bone formation and nerve and muscle control. Before buying a supplement ask your veterinarian which kind if any is best suited for your cat s life stage and medical condition. That is from their diet. Cats have some dietary requirements that are different from those of dogs and can develop nutritional deficiencies when fed diets formulated to meet the nutritional needs of dogs.
The sun can t help cats create vitamin d in their bodies because of their fur. Where to buy cat supplements. Too much can cause overly acidic urine which can lead to crystal formation and a lifethreatening blockage. Vitamin d is vital in regulating the calcium and phosphorous balance in your cat s body.
A too high level of vitamin d can be toxic to the body especially with cats. Dogs and cats unlike humans and most other species are unable to naturally convert very much vitamin d in their skin when exposed to ultraviolet light. For example unlike dogs cats require dietary sources of vitamin a arachidonic acid and taurine. Too much can be toxic.
Vitamin d toxicity in cats. The need for vitamin d depends to a large extent on the ratio of calcium to phosphorus.