Osteopenia or osteoporosis may develop in cats, just as it can in people and other animals. The National Research Council mentions the following three factors that can cause problems with bone mass and thus lead to osteopenia or osteoporosis: chronic underfeeding, vitamin A excess, and calcium deficiency. The good news is that osteopenia and osteoporosis can be prevented by feeding your cat a healthy diet. If your cat already has one of these conditions, consult your veterinarian.
-
Chronic Underfeeding
-
According to the National Research Council, chronically underfed kittens' growth can be stunted, while underfed adult cats can develop osteoporosis. Osteopenia may develop first since it considered a precursor to osteoporosis. Cats shouldn't feel bony when you touch them. The National Research Council defines the ideal weight for a cat as appearing well-proportioned, showing a moderate waistline behind the ribs, and having a thin covering of fat over the ribs and abdomen.
Vitamin A Excess
-
Excesses of some vitamins can cause problems just as deficiencies can. The recommended daily allowance of vitamin A for a 9-pound cat consuming 250 calories per day is 63 micrograms, according to the National Research Council. The NRC warns that excesses can lead to skeletal lesions in kittens and osteoporosis in adult cats; they further caution against feeding kittens and cats large amounts of liver, which is high in vitamin A.
Calcium Deficiency
-
As with humans, cats need calcium for strong bones and teeth, as well as vitamin D to help them absorb the calcium. The recommended daily allowance of calcium for a 9-pound adult cat consuming 250 calories per day is 0.18 grams per day, as reported by the National Research Council; the NRC warns that too little can lead to loss of bone mineral content, which causes the bones to be weaker. The recommended daily allowance of vitamin D is 0.4 micrograms per day for a 9-pound cat.
-