Quiz for Your Kitty

Methionine

 A vital amino acid that cats bodies cannot make themselves, methionine acts as a subtle urinary acidifier, which helps in the prevention of struvite bladder stones. Not only that, regular methionine helps control ammonia content in urine - thus controlling the odor.

Methionine Study

Shows supplementing methionine into diet helps achieve a urinary pH that inhibits bladder stone formation

Stones in cats and dogs: What can be learnt from them? Harriet M. Syme https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4442921/

Study showing how a diet lacking in methionine can lead to weight loss in cats

Journal of Animal Science, Volume 46, Issue 5, May 1978, Pages 1287–1292, https://academic.oup.com/jas/article-abstract/46/5/1287/4700790

Phosphorus

Good to maintain growth and structure of the skeletal system. It’s a mineral that is necessary in the regulation of many critical processes in the body. The majority of the phosphorus in a cat's body is bonded with calcium to form calcium phosphate, which is utilized in the creation and maintenance of healthy bones and teeth

Phosphorus study

Deficiency in phosphorus for a short period of time (2 weeks) can lead to issues such as hemolytic anemia, abnormal mobility of the tarsal joint, permanent flexion of the hind legs, apathy and metabolic acidosis

Investigations on Phosphorus Requirements of Adult Cats, Ellen Kienzle Claudia Thielen Claudia Pessinger, The Journal of Nutrition, Volume 128, Issue 12, December 1998, Pages 2598S–2600S, https://doi.org/10.1093/jn/128.12.2598S

Potassium

Potassium is a necessary electrolyte found in the blood that is required for the normal function of enzymes, muscles and nerves. It is also necessary to maintain a proper fluid balance throughout the body

Potassium Study

Study shows a lack of potassium in cats body can lead to lethargy and muscle weakness

Fluid, Electrolyte, and Acid-Base Disorders in Small Animal Practice (Fourth Edition) 2012, Pages 92-119, Stephen P.DiBartolaHelioAutran De Morais

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9781437706543000123

Magnesium

A vital nutrient  that is key for the absorption of such things as sodium, calcium, potassium and vitamins C and E in your kittys body. When magnesium is scarce in the body none of these other vitamins and minerals are absorbed properly

Magnesium Study

Study showing magnesium deficiency can lead to muscular weakness, hyperirritability, convulsions and reduced feed intake in cats

Experimentally-induced magnesium deficiency in growing kittens M.S.Daniel G.ChausowPh.D.Richard M.ForbesPh.D.Gail L.CzarneckiPh.D.James E.Corbin

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0271531786801889

Iron

Cats need a constant supply of iron to help their body produce red blood cells and heamoglobin (the molecule in red blood cells that helps carry oxygen). Deficiency in iron leads to anaemia in cats.

Iron Study

Study shows that deficiency in iron leads to anaemia 

Iron homeostasis and disorders in dogs and cats: a review. Jennifer L McCown, Andrew SpechtPublished in Journal of the American Animal Hospital… 2011

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21498596

Copper

This dietary metal is vital for a host of processes in your kitties body. Such as the formation of collage, bone and connective tissue, iron absorption and the development of red blood cells. Not only that, copper functions as an antioxidant and helps develop the pigment in your kitties hair.

Copper study

A diet lacking in copper can potentially lead to issues with connective tissues in cats

J Nutr. 1983 Oct;113(10):1963-71. Selected features of copper metabolism in the cat. Doong G, Keen CL, Rogers Q, Morris J, Rucker RB.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/6619976

Manganese

This joint supporting mineral is vital in the formation of healthy bone and cartilage (perfect for all kitties, as joint problems strike at any age!) Also, it is super important for the actions of the enzymes in your kitties body, particularly those that help with energy & fatty acid production

Manganese Study

Study showing that manganese deficiency can lead to issues such as lameness and enlarged joints 

 Hurley, L, Keen, C (1987). “Manganese” in Trace Elements in Human and Animal Nutrition, 5th edn., Vol. 1. ed. by W. Mertz, Academic Press, San Diego, California, USA: p 185-223.

Zinc

Many cats are deficient in zinc! And aside from  bolstering your kitties immune health. Zinc also benefits your kitties skin and coat. Help her fur stay silky smooth and ever so soft

Zinc study

Study shows deficiency in zinc can lead to skin lesions, poor growth rates and live problems

Kane, E, Morris, J, Rogers, Q, Ihrke, P Cupps, P (1981). “Zinc deficiency in the cat”. J. Nutr. 111:488-495.

Iodine

We've added this into our daily multi health bites because Iodine is super important for the proper functioning of the thyroid gland. With decificienyleading to hyperthyroidism (poor growth, hair loss, weight gain and weakness)

Iodine Study

Studies show that iodine deficiency can lead to swelling of feline thyroid gland

Scott, P, Greaves, J, Scott, M (1961). “Nutrition of the cat. 4. Calcium and iodine deficiency on a meat diet”. Br. J. Nutr. 15:35-51.

Vitamin A 

Vitamin A is essential for a cat's night vision as well as for a healthy skin. It also supports your cat's immune system and contains important antioxidant properties, which help to protect the body against pollution, cancer formation, and other diseases.

Vitamin A Study

Study shows that deficiency in Vitamin A can lead to blindness and weight loss in cats

National Research Council (NRC). Vitamins. In Nutrient Requirements for Dogs and Cats. 2006 Washington, DC: National Academies Press p.194-200.

Vitamin D3

Vitamin D is vital in regulating the calcium and phosphorous balance in your cat's body. It also promotes the retention of calcium, thus aiding bone formation and nerve and muscle control

Vitamin D3 Study

A lack of vitamin D3 in a cats diet can lead to issues such as weight loss, reduced food intake and potentially paralysis

Gershoff SN, et al. The effect of vitamin D-deficient diets containing various Ca:P ratios on cats. J Nutr 1957;63:79-93

Vitamin E

Vitamin E plays an essential role in  protecting your kitties cells from oxidative stress. It is an essential vitamin, meaning your kitty must have it in her diet - as it promotes optimal health!

Vitamin E study

Vitamin E deficiency in cats and kittens can lead to anorexia, depression, myopathy, and pansteatitis (i.e. painful nodular inflammation of adipose tissue)

Gershoff SN and Norkin SA. Vitamin E deficiency in cats. J Nutr 1962;77:303-308.

Thiamine (Vitamin B1)

An essential nutrient in the liver, heart and kidneys, vitamin B1 or thiamine, assists in the process of metabolizing energy, throughout your cat’s body. Vitamin B1 does this by interacting with other B vitamins to help break down and convert the food your cat eats into usable energy. Without proper levels of vitamin B1, your cat can quickly become lethargic and develop a range of alarming and dangerous symptoms.  Inadequate vitamin B1, or thiamine deficiency, in cats is associated with vascular and neurological damage and can be a potentially life-threatening condition.   

Thiamine Study

Lack of thiamine over a period of time can lead to vomiting & lethargy, leading to organ damage if not attended to

The Role of Thiamine and Effects of Deficiency in Dogs and Cats, Georgia Kritikos, Jacqueline M. Parr, and Adronie Verbrugghe* Wendy Y. Brown, Academic Editor

Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)

Riboflavin is a coenzyme, and has a role in many biochemical reactions, including the production of energy from fat, the catabolism of amino acids and the functioning of the cell’s energy plants.

Riboflavin Study

Lack of riboflavin in carts diet can be fatal. Not only that, it can lead to weight loss, anorexia, hair loss and blindness.

Gershoff SN, et al. The effect of the carbohydrate and fat content of the diet upon the riboflavin requirement of the cat. J Nutr 1959;68:75-88.Gershoff SN, et al. The effect of the carbohydrate and fat content of the diet upon the riboflavin requirement of the cat. J Nutr 1959;68:75-88.

Niacin

Our kitties bodies cannot product enough niacin themselves, so its important they get this supplemented in their diet.  Niacin is essential for a healthy nervous system and skin.  It helps with the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins and fats. Niacin also supports a healthy gastrointestinal system.

Niacin Study

Niacin deficiency can cause cats to experience weight loss, anorexia and in some cases can be fatal

Da Silva AC, et al. (1952) The domestic cat as laboratory animal for experimental nutrition studies. II Niacin requirement and tryptophan metabolism. J Nutr 1952;1:26-32.

Folic Acid

Folic acid provides a variety of benefits to cats, including elevation of blood oxygen levels, production of oxygen, synthesis of DNA, assistance in the metabolism of fat, and promotion of proper growth and development. When a cat doesn't consume enough folic acid in her diet, nutritional deficiency will be unavoidable, and ultimately a breakdown will begin. The body processes will begin to run less smoothly, in no specific pattern. Signs may or may not take a long time to appear.

Folic Acid study

Kittens fed folic acid deficient diets experience decreased growth rate and megablastic anaemia

 National Research Council (NRC) (2006) Vitamins. In Nutrient Requirements for Dogs and Cats. 2006 Washington, DC: National Academies Press p.227-230.

Vitamin B12

B12 plays an important role in intestinal health, as well as brain function.

Vitamin B12 Study

Studies show Kittens weaned onto a b12 deficient diet will initially grow normally, then will cease growing and begin lose weight after 3-4 weeks. Adult cats with chronic intestinal disease can develop B12 deficiency resulting in worsening vomiting, diarrhoea, and weight loss

Vaden SL, et al. Cobalamin deficiency associated with methymalonic aciduria in a cat. JAVMA 1992;200:1101-1103.

Simpson KW, et al. Subnormal concentrations of serum cobalamin (vitamin B12) in cats with gastrointestinal disease. JVIM 2001;15:26-32.

Taurine

This vital amino acid is critical for normal vision, normal digestion, normal heart muscle function, to maintain normal pregnancy and fetal development, and to maintain a healthy immune system. Taurine is an essential amino acid for cats.

Taurine Study

Taurine plays a vital role in cats eyesight, heart function and immune system response. Deficiency in this vital amino acid can lead to issues such as poor immune function, heart problems and vision problems

Anderson PA, et al. Biochemical lesions associated with taurine deficiency in the cat. J Anim Sci 1979;49:1227-1234.

Schuller-Levis G, et al. Immunologic consequences of taurine deficiency in cats. J Leukoc Biol 1990;47:321-331.

Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)

Encourages the production and maintenance of collagen, the connective tissue that helps your pets make up cartilage which is so important to joint health . Vitamin C also plays a pivotal role in maintaining youthful collagen

Pantothenic acid (B5) & Pyridoxine (Vitamin B6)

Plays an important part in your kitties body. It plays an important role in the synthesis of haemoglobin, ketone bodies, fatty acids, cholesterol, acetylcholine, and vitamin D. Not only that, it plays an important part inmost of the metabolic reactions in your pets body