Here is a list of minerals essential for your cat (both macro and micro). These minerals help ensure good health.
Major (macro) minerals
Calcium and Phosphorus
Discussed together as they are so closely related to each other, both nutritionally and metabolically.
Necessary in a specific ratio for teeth and bone formation, storage and transfer of energy, and nerve and muscle function
Imbalance: An imbalance in the calcium and phosphorus ratio will cause skeletal problems
Sources: Green leafy vegetables, sardines, salmon, nuts for calcium. Fish, muscle and organ meat, beans, poultry for phosphorus
Potassium
Involved in muscle function, fluid and ionic balance
Deficiency: Anorexia, lethargy, hypokalemia
Excess: Hyperkalemia
Sources: Meats, poultry, fish, whole grains
Sodium and Chlorine
Discussed together as they are known to be a common pair named Sodium Chloride. They maintain the balance of fluids found inside and outside cells
Deficiency: Extremely rare
Excess: Very rare, but very serious if this does occur. Seizures, blindness, dehydration, and usually leads to death within 24 hours
Sources: Known as salt
Magnesium
Interacts with calcium to provide proper muscle and nerve function. Aids in body’s use of potassium and sodium
Deficiency: Muscle weakness and sometimes convulsions
Excess: Lower urinary tract blockages
Sources: Whole grains, green leafy vegetables, meat, beans
Trace (micro) minerals
Iron
Essential component of enzymes involved in cellular respiration
Deficiency: Anemia
Excess: Lethargy, vomiting, bloody diarrhea
Sources: Beef, liver, beans
Copper
Vital in production of melanin. Linked to iron metabolism
Deficiency: Impaired bone growth and anemia, even if iron intake is normal
Excess: Lethargy, vomiting, jaundice
Sources: Whole wheat, beef liver, nuts, shellfish, seeds
Zinc
Involved in skin and coat health, enzyme function, and protein digestion
Deficiency: Poor growth, reproductive failure, skin lesions
Excess: Vomiting, lack of appetite, abdominal pain, diarrhea
Sources:Lamb, pork, liver, eggs, bean
Manganese
Necessary for collagen formation and carbohydrate metabolism
Deficiency: Rare. Seen mostly in newborn and young kittens. Poor growth, skeletal abnormalities, and reproductive failure
Excess: Excess amounts have not been proven to be toxic
Sources: Whole grains, nuts, eggs, green leafy vegetables
Iodine
Component of thyroid hormones, which regulate metabolic rate
Deficiency: Hypothyroidism
Excess: Hyperthyroidism
Sources: Seaweed, saltwater fish, sea salt
Selenium
Works with vitamin E and is a cell membrane antioxidant
Deficiency: Very, very rare in cats. If it were to occur, muscle weakness would be present
Excess: Anemia, hair loss
Sources: Eggs, organ meat
