Calcium and phosphorus are necessary for the development of bones and teeth. An inadequate supply of either mineral in the diet limits the nutritive value of both. This supply must be in the proper ratio of about 1.0 to 2.0 parts calcium to 1.0 part phosphorus. When phosphorus levels greatly exceed calcium levels, bone abnormalities may result. The presence of vitamin D is also required to help regulate the absorption of calcium and phosphorus to ensure that the two minerals are deposited in the bones and teeth.
A deficiency of these minerals in a cat’s diet can result in bone weakness and skeletal deformities. Excessive supplementation also adversely affects bone growth and development..
Iron is required for the formation of hemoglobin which is necessary for carrying oxygen to all parts of the body. Too much iron in a cat’s diet can interfere with phosphorus absorption.
Copper is needed for the proper utilization of iron. Excess copper can significantly depress iron absorption.
If either copper or iron is lacking in a cat’s diet, anemia may result. Bone abnormalities may also occur with copper deficiency.
Because kittens may be anemic at birth, an adequate iron supply is essential in their diets. Products such as Purina Kitten Chow brand kitten food are formulated to provide higher levels of iron, calcium and other nutrients kittens need during their period of rapid growth and development.
Magnesium is closely associated with calcium and phosphorus, both in its distribution and its metabolism. A deficiency in magnesium can lead to potassium loss and muscle weakness.
At one time, researchers believed that the too much magnesium in the diet increased the chance of struvite crystals formation and the risk of lower urinary tract disease. In truth, research has shown that the levels of magnesium found in commercial cat foods do not contribute significantly to struvite formation. What is important is the acidity of urine in a cat. Acidity interferes with the formation of struvite crystals. Certain commercial cat foods are specifically formulated to help produce an acidic urine in adult cats.
Potassium is required for body fluid, nerve transmission and certain metabolic processes. High levels of potassium can be toxic, affecting the heart and liver. In cats, potassium deficiency can cause loss of appetite, retarded growth, emaciation, lethargy, uncoordination and poor haircoat.
Sodium and chloride control the passage of nutrients into the cells and water metabolism.
Signs of sodium and chloride deficiency include fatigue, decreased water intake, retarded growth, dry skin and hair loss.
If a cat develops certain heart or kidney problems, a diet with a lower sodium and/or chloride might be prescribed by a veterinarian.
High quality, nutritionally complete and balanced cat foods supply adequate sodium chloride and potassium so deficiencies of these nutrients are seldom seen in healthy cats.
Zinc is necessary for normal bone, muscle and hair growth. Signs of zinc deficiency include emaciation, general debilitation and retarded growth.
Too much zinc in the diet nay cause a copper deficiency, which, in turn, can cause an iron deficiency and anemia.
Trace minerals refer to a number of minerals required by some animal species in extremely low levels. The exact requirements for many of these have yet to be established.
Cobalt, an integral part of vitamin B-12, provides for more efficient hemoglobin production; Iodine, in small amounts, is required to support thyroid function. Manganese is necessary for proper bone formation, growth and reproduction. It is also associated with vitamin K and the blood-clotting process. Excess calcium and phosphorus may interfere with the absorption of manganese.
Other trace materials include selenium, nickel, sulfur, molybdenum, aluminum, silicon, chromium and fluorine. The exact minimum requirements for many of these are not known. High quality, nutritionally complete and balanced cat foods using a variety of quality ingredients provide these trace minerals in adequate amounts as demonstrated through long-term feeding studies.