Malnourished cats (cats with rickets) are common when they are young or growing. The most common cause is lack of phosphorus, Vitamin D, or calcium in the diet, or due to insufficient sun exposure. To understand more about the malnourished cat, please read the article below with us!
The cause of cat malnutrition
You will notice that your cat has swollen limbs. Do not want to dance, eat poorly. Poor bowel movement and possible limb paralysis. Low calcium levels can also lead to vomiting, diarrhea, muscle tremors, and dilated pupils. These symptoms will also occur in malnourished dogs.
The main cause of malnutrition in cats is the lack of phosphorus in the diet. Phosphorus is an important mineral. Is a major component of bones along with calcium. Due to lack of vitamin D in the diet. Vitamin D is required for the normal absorption of minerals from the gut and for the release of minerals from the bones.
Due to insufficient sunlight. Many animals are able to synthesize vitamin D. With exposure to sunlight. In rare cases, cats with congenital diseases such as biliary stenosis or inherited rickets also interfere with vitamin D production.
Therefore, malnourished cats are mainly caused by phosphorus and calcium deficiencies. Or the inability to absorb nutrients from the gut due to insufficient vitamin D.
Factors causing malnutrition and weight loss in the kitten
Malnourished kittens eat less due to stress
Newly adopted cats, strangers, strangers, or threatened by other pets: dogs, ferocious cats … There are cats that only know one owner, resolutely refusing to eat for up to a week when away from their owner. Not eating makes the kitten malnourished, which is difficult to overcome due to psychological factors.
Due to dehydration, electrolyte disturbances
Due to infectious diseases caused by viruses: Coronavirus, Panleukopenia, FIV cause immunodeficiency syndrome such as HIV / AIDS in humans. Cats suffer from prolonged diarrhea due to digestive disorders, overeating high-protein foods, fatty fats, and live fecal dystrophy in young cats. Food allergy is also the cause of weight loss, making the kitten malnourished and lacking in nutrients.
Kittens are malnourished due to parasitic diseases
Hookworms and other nematodes in young cats. Long-lasting tapeworm disease. Toxoplasma blood sugar parasite.
Due to liver and kidney failure
Kittens lose weight due to infectious diseases, liver fluke, poisoning from the environment. Chronic urinary inflammation. Diabetes mellitus, Anemia anemia. Skipping meals increases the chances of the kitten becoming malnourished.
Cats lose weight due to illness
Diseased cats lead to physical weakness, sluggishness, heart failure, and respiratory failure. Tumor diseases, cancer … Malnourished and frail kittens need to be examined by veterinary medicine and taken care of as indicated.
Complications when cats are malnourished
Studies have shown that, in addition to nutrition, rickets is inherited. In rare cases, kittens become malnourished even when properly fed and trained. These situations can be so severe that the little cat cannot stand on its front legs. There is currently no cure.
If the disease is found and treated before the bone develops. Before the age of 6 months in cats, a deformed bone can develop normally during the rest of its growth. However, if the bone has stopped growing after 9 months of age, the deformed bone will need surgery to correct the deformity.
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Diagnose a kitten with malnutrition
- Diagnosis is based on symptoms: the cat is malnourished and is less active. Reduces bone growth. Deformed limbs.
- Blood test: Regularly displays a decrease in calcium and phosphorus in the blood. The vitamin D concentration of the malnourished cob cat was very low.
- X-rays: often aids in diagnosis. Through X-ray, we can see defects of long bones. Namely as the arm bones, pillars, and ribs with the expansion of the Costochondral burn.
Medicines and ways to cure malnourished cats
Dietary modification is the main treatment for malnourished kittens. The disease will go away quickly in the absence of a broken bone due to disease. Or irreversible damage to the vertebrae. If your cat is kept indoors, be sure to expose them to sunlight. To make vitamin D.
Recent research by veterinarians shows that many diets made by home owners lack minerals. This changed the ratio of phosphorus: calcium needed. Therefore, choose High quality Cat Food. Or just follow a home diet designed by your veterinarian.
Most of the time cats with rickets respond well to their diet. Supplemented for three months with proper nutrition. Adequate calcium supplement for cats, Phosphorus and Cholecalciferol. But hungry for severe bone defects. The disease usually lasts into adulthood.
How to prevent rickets in cats
In natural and wild environments, cats can absorb vitamin D from prey fats, liver, and blood. Pets today are often kept indoors so you can rely on your cat’s diet from food and sunlight to absorb vitamin D.
Owners can supplement vitamin D for cats through natural nutrients. From foods like cold water fish: mackerel, salmon, herring, egg yolks, liver, oats, sweet potatoes. Dairy products. Dark green leafy vegetables also contain vitamin D.
In addition, pets can also make vitamin D from sunlight. Let malnourished cats go into the sun regularly and in moderation. Good light for pets to sun exposure is early sunlight. Note to avoid sun exposure when the sunlight is harsh like 12 noon.