Vitamin D Requirements For Cats

Too much can cause overly acidic urine which can lead to crystal formation and a lifethreatening blockage.

Vitamin d requirements for 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. 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. Where to buy cat supplements. It also promotes the retention of calcium thus aiding bone formation and nerve and muscle control.

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. As this ratio becomes either wider or narrower than the optimum the requirement for vitamin d increases but no amount will compensate for. Pro vitamin d3 7 dehydrocholesterol in the skin of dogs and cats has a much lower concentration than that found in the skin of species that can convert 7 dehydrocholesterol to. Vitamin d toxicity in cats.

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. Cats and dogs have low vitamin d requirements when calcium phosphorus and the ratio of the minerals are correct.

Indeed this chimes with work done in the human field. For example unlike dogs cats require dietary sources of vitamin a arachidonic acid and taurine. Vitamin d is vital in regulating the calcium and phosphorous balance in your cat s body. Too much can be toxic.

Before buying a supplement ask your veterinarian which kind if any is best suited for your cat s life stage and medical condition. A too high level of vitamin d can be toxic to the body especially with cats.