Vitamin E Deficiency in Cats
Vitamin E is an essential vitamin for cats, which means it must be part of their diet in order for your cat to maintain optimal health. Because Vitamin E is an antioxidant, it plays an important role in protecting cells from oxidative damage. Oxidative stress can harm cell membranes, cardiovascular health, the immune system, vision, neurological function and fertility. Signs that your cat is deficient in Vitamin E include muscle weakness including heart dysfunction and liver hepatitis. Severe cases lead to a condition called brown bowel syndrome where the large intestine hemorrhages.
The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) recommends that adult cat food provide 30 IU of Vitamin E per kilogram of food. Vitamin E is produced by plants so the most common sources of Vitamin E are vegetable oils and seed oils, but it can also be found in liver and animal fat. Providing your cat with a healthy multi-vitamin is a great way to ensure that your cat is receiving all of the vitamins they need in appropriately balanced levels.
Studies
Vitamin E and selenium responsive myocardial degeneration in dogs.
