The Effects of Melamine on Cats

Melamine is an industrial chemical that has mildly toxic effects in cats when used alone, and is fatal in combination with other, related chemicals in the same family, especially cyanuric acid. During the widespread pet food recall that took place on March 15, 2007, this chemical and its related compounds were found as contaminants in more than 150 brands of canned cat and dog food, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

  1. Identification

    • Industrial manufacturers use melamine to produce plastics, adhesives, cooking utensils, plates and countertops. Other uses include that of a flame retardant and a binding agent in industrial compounds. Countries outside of the United States use melamine as a fertilizer due to its high nitrogen content. Melamine has no approved use in pet food or human food, according to the FDA. Related compounds include cyanuric acid, ammeline and ammelide, also industrial chemicals not approved for use in food. Melamine usually comes in a white, crystal powder form. Pet food manufacturers do not use melamine in any part of the food making process.

    Effects of Melamine and Related Compounds

    • A November 2007 study published in the "Journal of Veterinary Diagnostic Investigation" showed that cats that are fed a diet of melamine alone produced no significant short-term health effects, but that the combination of melamine with cyanuric acid resulted in fatal renal failure. The FDA found both of these chemicals in tainted pet foods during the 2007 recall. The ingestion of these chemicals by a cat results in the formation of spherical, insoluble crystals in its kidneys, which block the small tubes that transport urine within each kidney. Due to this blockage, pressure within the kidney grows and blood flow to each kidney compresses, leading to the cells within the kidney dying and the organ's failure.

    Melamine in Cat Food

    • Though not approved for use in animal food by the FDA, two manufacturers in China added melamine to both wheat gluten and rice protein concentrate, both imported into the U.S. to make pet foods in 2007, prior to the recall. Manufacturers test the nitrogen content of these ingredients to determine the protein content, which the nitrogen-rich melamine and cyanuric acid enhanced. Due to reports of the death of 13 cats, attributed to kidney failure, after eating contaminated foods, the FDA issued the recall in March of 2007. Melamine was found in the urine of the affected cats. While the combination of melamine and cyanuric acid causes fatal crystals in the kidneys, melamine alone can also cause cancer in certain animals, according to the World Health Organization.

    Renal Failure in Cats

    • If you suspect your cat has ingested melamine or any of its related compounds, look for signs of acute renal failure. Symptoms include increased thirst, lethargy, vomiting, dehydration, excessive urination, loss of appetite and an ammonia smell to the cat's breath, according to the Feline CRF Information Center. Cats who exhibit these symptoms need immediate veterinary care to restore proper kidney function and prevent further damage. A veterinarian will determine if your cat suffers from ARF by performing blood tests to determine the levels of creatinine and blood urea nitrogen. Though the prognosis for this condition is poor, treatment with subcutaneous fluids, drug therapy or surgery can sometimes help to restore normal kidney function.