Negative Effects of Low Magnesium on Cats
Many people assume that if they simply feed their felines a commercially available cat food, their pet will receive all of the nutrients it needs to live a long and healthy life. However, some cat foods do not contain the recommended levels of certain minerals, such as magnesium. In addition, elevated levels of calcium and phosphorus in the feline body may inhibit magnesium absorption, leading to a deficiency of this essential mineral. A magnesium deficiency can result in many serious conditions in cats.
Bone Problems
Magnesium deficiency in cats is rare, according to Doctors Foster Smith, a pet supply and education website. However, this type of deficiency is often responsible for bone problems in cats, because magnesium plays an important role in proper bone development, according to the site. In fact, about 60 percent of magnesium resides in the bones of the feline body. Low magnesium in cats may lead to bone deformity, and in kittens may result in insufficient and improper bone growth.
Tremors
Approximately one-third of the magnesium in a cat's body resides in the muscles. For this reason, cats experiencing a magnesium deficiency may experience tremors because of muscle weakness according to an article that appeared on the website of Feline Future, a vendor of upscale cat food.
Irritability
Cats that have low levels of magnesium in their bodies may seem depressed or easily irritable, according to the Feline Future article. This may because with a low magnesium level often experience gastrointestinal upset, noted the article.
Heart Problems
Among the most serious effects of low magnesium levels in cats is an irregular heart rhythm, according to Doctors Foster Smith. The heart is perhaps one of the most important muscles in the body, and it too needs a proper level of magnesium to operate correctly. In severe cases, magnesium problems can even lead to death because of cardiovascular distress.
Decreased Absorbtion
Magnesium in cats facilitates the absorption of certain vitamins and minerals into the body, according to Doctors Foster Smith. It also plays a role in helping many enzymes work properly, and it's used in the production of certain proteins. For this reason, cats with a low magnesium level in their bodies may not get the nutrients their bodies need, even if they are consuming the appropriate nutrient levels in their foods. This may over time result in undernourishment.
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