Symptoms of Feline Vitamin Deficiency: What You Need to

Insufficient Vitamin B1 Intake

Vitamin deficiencies are more common in dogs than in cats.

Cats require significantly more Vitamin B1 than dogs, with the typical daily intake being 0.4mg, which is over five times the amount needed by dogs. Generally, dry cat food contains 4.4mg of Vitamin B1 per kilogram, which is sufficient to meet their daily needs without the need for additional supplementation.

Primary Causes of Vitamin B1 Deficiency in Cats

1. Improper storage conditions or prolonged opening of cat food can lead to the breakdown of the food itself, resulting in the loss of nutrients.

2. Excessive intake of shellfish and freshwater fish, which contain enzymes that break down Vitamin B1 in the organs.

3. Health issues, such as intestinal diseases that lead to malabsorption of nutrients or decreased appetite resulting in lower intake.

4. Medication issues, as Vitamin B1 is watersoluble and certain diuretics can cause it to be excreted in urine.

Signs of Vitamin B1 Deficiency

Early Signs:

1. Decreased appetite and significant weight loss.

2. Frequent vomiting.

3. Delayed pupillary response.

Intermediate Signs:

1. Normal vision but inability to focus the pupils (pupils do not become a line in light).

2. Decreased motor skills and weakness.

3. Unsteady gait, head bending towards the abdomen, and frequent abdominal curling.

4. Sudden spasms.

Advanced Signs:

1. Constant wailing.

2. Prolonged drowsiness and poor mental state.

Treatment and Prevention:

Oral or injectable Vitamin B1 can be administered.

Insufficient Vitamin B2 Intake

Primary Causes of Vitamin B2 Deficiency in Cats:

1. Lack of Vitamin B2 in cat food.

2. Longterm use of antibiotics and corticosteroids.

3. High fat intake leading to increased consumption of Vitamin B2.

4. Damaged digestive organs, liver cirrhosis, and nephritis, which can hinder the absorption and synthesis of Vitamin B2.

5. Increased consumption due to kitten growth, pregnant and lactating queens, chronic infections, etc.

Signs of Vitamin B2 Deficiency:

1. Decreased appetite and weight loss.

2. Severe hair loss around the ears.

3. Stomatitis, cataracts, fatty liver, and incomplete testicular development.

Treatment and Prevention:

Oral or injectable Vitamin B2 can be administered. Foods rich in Vitamin B2 include eggs, milk, liver, and meat.

Insufficient Vitamin B6 Intake

Primary Causes of Vitamin B6 Deficiency in Cats:

1. Vitamin B6 is heatsensitive and can be destroyed by heat in food.

2. High protein intake leads to increased consumption of Vitamin B6.

3. Diseases such as damaged digestive organs can lead to poor absorption of Vitamin B6.

4. Metabolic inhibitors such as isoniazid.

5. Increased consumption due to kitten growth, pregnant and lactating queens, chronic infections, etc.

Signs of Vitamin B6 Deficiency:

1. Slowed growth and weight loss in kittens.

2. Sudden spasms.

3. Urinary stones that can lead to kidney damage, stomatitis, and dermatitis.

4. Hypochromic anemia (reduced red blood cells).

Treatment and Prevention:

Liver, milk, and egg yolks are rich in Vitamin B6. Feeding two yolks per week can effectively prevent a deficiency. Generally, 0.2mg of Vitamin B6 is required per 100g of food.

Insufficient Vitamin B12 Intake

Primary Causes of Vitamin B12 Deficiency in Cats:

1. High protein intake leads to increased consumption of Vitamin B12.

2. Exposure to strong light or ultraviolet light can destroy Vitamin B12.

Signs of Vitamin B12 Deficiency:

1. Difficulty breathing and hair loss.

2. Fatty liver, cataracts, conjunctivitis, corneal opacity, difficulty moving, stomatitis, and drooling.

3. Slowed growth and weight loss in kittens, chronic diarrhea in adult cats, and reduced reproductive ability in adult cats.

Treatment and Prevention:

The main source of Vitamin B12 is animal liver, followed by milk, meat, eggs, and fish.