Study finds vitamin D levels correlate with cat survival

Hospitalized cats with low vitamin D levels when admitted are more likely to die within 30 days than cats with higher vitamin D levels, according to research from the University of Edinburgh’s veterinary school. The authors reached their conclusions after testing blood from ill cats for a vitamin D metabolite. Commercial cat food typically contains adequate levels of vitamin D, the authors note, so owners should not give cats a vitamin D supplement, which could be harmful. However, veterinarians can use vitamin D levels to help determine prognosis, and more research may help determine whether ill cats would benefit from adding vitamin D to their treatment. (5/13)

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