Vitamin D in Cats: Deficiency and Excess

Vitamin D is necessary for the absorption of calcium, a mineral that ensures bone health, muscle mobility, nervous system function, and immune system function in the body. Excess vitamin D, however, leads to poisoning. Vitamin D is divided into two types: vitamin D2, produced by fungi and yeast, and vitamin D3, produced by animals. Vitamin D2 is called ergocalciferol, and vitamin D3 is called cholecalciferol. In this article, you can find what you need to know about vitamin D deficiency and excess in cats.

Vitamin D Deficiency in Cats

Vitamin D is known as the sunshine vitamin because the body naturally synthesizes vitamin D when exposed to sunlight. Vitamin D supplementation is very important for cats. Since cats' bodies cannot produce enough vitamin D, it must be included in their diet for them to be healthy. Vitamin D plays an important role in bone development and the regulation of calcium levels. Vitamin D controls calcium absorption in the intestine, the movement of calcium into and out of the bone, and the amount of calcium excreted by the kidneys.

Muscles and nerves need vitamin D to continue functioning properly. Vitamin D is among the most important vitamins for cats. In cases of vitamin D deficiency in cats, disorders such as congestive heart failure, other heart diseases, bone softening, and deformities in bone tissues may occur. To prevent vitamin D deficiency in cats, it is necessary to ensure they receive enough vitamin D.

Vitamin D Sources for Cats

The answer to the question "Should I give vitamin D to a cat?" varies from cat to cat. Supplementing cats that do not have a vitamin D deficiency can lead to poisoning. Therefore, it is necessary to avoid giving additional vitamin D without the advice of a veterinarian.

The most common sources of vitamin D for cats are liver, fish, egg yolks, steak, or milk. However, it is important to ensure that the milk is lactose-free. Adult cat food should contain a minimum of 280 IU of vitamin D per kilogram, and this amount should not exceed 30,080 IU. These amounts apply to commercial pet foods. However, the situation is different for cats that consume homemade food. If you prefer such a diet, you should consult a veterinarian to ensure that your cat is getting all its needs in sufficient quantities. If your veterinarian recommends vitamin supplements for your cat, you can review the vitamin supplements you can use by clicking here.

Vitamin D Excess in Cats

Vitamin D excess poisoning in cats usually occurs when the cat ingests rat poison containing cholecalciferol or something else containing vitamin D. Excessive consumption of vitamin D2 is safer than excessive consumption of vitamin D3. Many psoriasis medications contain some vitamin D. A cat licking the skin or cream tube of someone who has applied cream can cause vitamin D excess. In addition, homemade foods with improperly adjusted ingredients can also lead to vitamin D poisoning in cats.

Symptoms of Vitamin D Toxicism in Cats

Symptoms of vitamin D toxicity in cats usually appear 12-36 hours after ingestion. The severity of symptoms varies depending on the amount of vitamin D ingested. Symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst, frequent defecation, abdominal pain, and loss of appetite are generally seen in cases of mild toxins. Higher amounts of vitamin D intake lead to an increase in calcium and phosphorus in the body, which in turn causes kidney failure. In addition to the above, severe toxicity can cause problems such as rapid breathing, difficulty breathing, intestinal bleeding, low heart rate, and accumulation of inorganic salts in the cell wall. If left untreated, toxicity usually results in death.

D Vitamini Zehirlenmesi Tedavisi

If your cat is poisoned in any way, its chances of survival are quite high with early treatment. Therefore, if you suspect your cat has vitamin D poisoning, you should contact a veterinarian immediately. The treatment method varies depending on the amount of vitamin D ingested. Early detection and immediate treatment eliminate the serious poisoning situation. In such cases, the veterinarian may try to make the cat vomit. However, you should not try to make the cat vomit at home. This can cause serious damage to the abdominal wall of cats. Vomiting with activated charcoal should be done under the supervision of a veterinarian. This reduces the amount of vitamin D that will be absorbed in the intestines.

Blood tests are necessary to evaluate calcium, phosphorus and kidney function. When there is a small amount of vitamin D absorption, cats are usually discharged the same day. In cases of high levels, the cat may need to be monitored. Intravenous or additional medications may be used to prevent vitamin D absorption. Steroids, anti-nausea medications, and antacids are used to balance calcium and phosphorus levels.