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Growing kittens require less dietary calcium than current allowances.

J G Morris1, K E Earle

  • 1Department of Molecular Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA.

The Journal of Nutrition
|August 25, 1999
PubMed
Summary

The calcium requirement for growing kittens is no more than 6.0 g/kg of diet. Kittens tolerate inverse calcium-to-phosphorus (Ca:P) ratios up to 1:1.55 without adverse effects on growth or health.

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Area of Science:

  • Nutritional biochemistry
  • Veterinary nutrition
  • Animal science

Background:

  • Previous research established adequate cholecalciferol levels for growing kittens.
  • Understanding calcium requirements is crucial for feline health and development.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the calcium requirement in growing kittens fed purified diets.
  • To assess the impact of varying calcium levels and Ca:P ratios on kitten health and bone metabolism.

Main Methods:

  • Seven groups of seven weaned kittens (9-18 weeks) were fed purified diets with varying calcium concentrations (3.8-8.1 g/kg) and Ca:P ratios (1:1.25 to 1:2.61).
  • Measurements included growth rate, energy intake, plasma total and ionized calcium, plasma phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase, and bone mineral content (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry).

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Main Results:

  • Dietary calcium levels up to 8.1 g/kg did not affect growth, energy intake, or plasma total calcium.
  • Ionized calcium was significantly lower in kittens fed the highest Ca:P ratio (1:2.61).
  • Bone mineral content was lower in kittens fed the lowest calcium diet (3.8 g/kg) compared to those fed higher levels (up to 7.2 g/kg).
  • Alkaline phosphatase was elevated in kittens fed the highest Ca:P ratio.

Conclusions:

  • The calcium requirement for growing kittens is not greater than 6.0 g/kg of diet.
  • Kittens exhibit tolerance to inverse Ca:P ratios up to 1:1.55 without significant negative health impacts.