As a pet parent, being concerned with your cat’s health is pretty normal. And thinking of supplementing the Methylcobalamin for the cat would be one of your available options. That makes you imagine that if it is safe to administer Methylcobalamin for cats? Well, Methylcobalamin is a ‘Methyl Vitamin B-12’ that could be useful in many ways for a cat’s well-being including diabetic neuropathy. But only and only if recommended by your veterinarian.
Let us commence with this article to further look into the matter of Methylcobalamin for cats.
However, one should be well aware of Methylcobalamin in general.
What is Methylcobalamin?
It is also called methyl B-12 or Mecobalamin.
- As mentioned above, Methylcobalamin is one of the Vitamin B-12 types which holds great importance in the brain and nerve-related health.
It plays a major role in stable neurological functioning.
- Another characteristic of Methylcobalamin that makes it worth is that it does not need to be broken down by the body for usage.
It is a preferred form that is used by the body as it is.
- It is a good option for therapeutic application.
Is it normal to give your cat Methylcobalamin?
Worried about if it is ok to supplement your cat with Methylcobalamin?
Major Functions of Methylcobalamin for cats:
Following are some good functions of Methylcobalamin that would help your cat to have good health:
1. Development of red blood cells and nerve cells:
It is an essential micronutrient that is responsible for the maintenance and development of nerve cells, red blood cells, and their coverings.
Therefore, plays a vital role in the cells forming and maintenance of a healthy nervous system in cats.
2. Supports the Adrenal Functions:
Methylcobalamin is involved in supporting the normal functioning of the adrenal system in your feline.
3. Other Metabolic processes:
Just like humans, cats need Methylcobalamin, a type of vitamin B12, for the stable metabolic processes which include the Digestive system too.
When Methylcobalamin is recommended for cats?
In the case that your beloved pet is recommended Methylcobalamin, it would be obviously due to some genuine reason.
Methylcobalamin deficiency in your cat might be due to:
1. Cat’s body is not able to absorb sufficient Methylcobalamin:
Your cat would be diagnosed with some particular medical condition that its body is not able to absorb Methylcobalamin from a normal diet.
Alas, your feline is suffering from Methylcobalamin deficiency.
Therefore, Methylcobalamin is prescribed as a supplement to your cat.
2. Aging:
In addition, as our cat ages, just as it is with humans, Vitamin B12 deficiencies are not abnormal.
Caution:
Do not give anything as medical or supplements by yourself.
Take some advice from your vet regarding when you notice any irregular symptoms that your cat displays.
Since there is no orderly research related to the use of Methylcobalamin when talking about cats.
Thus, all the evidence to treat particular medical conditions in cats is dependent on studies done on other creatures or is considered just as anecdotal.
So, be very careful when the health of your beloved pet is concerned.
Prescription of Methylcobalamin for cats
There are certain medical conditions involved when Methylcobalamin deficiency is in question.
Thus, Methylcobalamin is recommended for the following problems that might arise due to its deficiency:
1. Irritable Bowel Disease:
Methylcobalamin is prescribed if your cat is suffering from irritable bowel discomfort in some cases.
There is no doubt that your feline’s body is facing this condition due to the insufficiency of Methylcobalamin.
Therefore, Methylcobalamin is recommended to exit the irritable bowel conditions in felines. But discuss it with your vet sometimes they may recommend Metamucil for IBD.
2. Methylcobalamin for Pancreatitis and Hyperthyroidism:
In some rare conditions, if your cat is suffering from Pancreatitis and Hyperthyroidism, the same Methylcobalamin is recommended.
It has been proven effective in some cases, thus, could be an option.
3. Methylcobalamin for Gastrointestinal Disease:
Some research hypothesized that Methylcobalamin deficiency would contribute to manifestations and clinical symptoms of gastrointestinal diseases in some cats.
It was discovered by using the radioactively labeled compound of Methylcobalamin. The experiment demonstrated that the half-life of this compound was found to be reduced in cats with GIT diseases.
4. Methylcobalamin for Diabetic Neuropathy:
A kind of Vitamin B-12, Methylcobalamin is supplemented to deal with the symptom relief of Diabetic Neuropathy in the cats.
What is Diabetic Neurotherapy in Cats?
Diabetic Neuropathy is the damage of nerves caused due to poor control of diabetes.
Most severe cases might lead to other neurological issues like seizures in cats.
Methylcobalamin for cats against Diabetic Neuropathy:
- Methylcobalamin is a compound that works specifically in the nervous system, mainly repairing the damaged nerves and nerve cells.
- Methylcobalamin is also said to be effective against the weak hind leg symptom of Diabetic Neuropathic cats.
- Methylcobalamin is said to be also useful with other therapies when treating Diabetic Neurotherapy.
5. Miscellaneous Issues due to Methylcobalamin Deficiency in cats:
The Methylcobalamin deficiency might make your cat:
- Lower energy levels
- Loss of appetite
- Reduced weight
- Weak condition of coats
Hence, Methylcobalamin supplements could be helpful to treat mentioned above conditions.
Ways of Administration of Methylcobalamin for cats
There could be several ways that one could consider administering Methylcobalamin for cats. The two highlighted are:
- Injection
- Oral
1. Methylcobalamin via Injection:
When dealing with injection, a cat should be administered subcutaneously 250 micrograms once a week for 6 months.
It should be given over 1-2 months.
2. Methylcobalamin via Oral Route:
Methylcobalamin could be dosed at 50-100 mcg per kg per day.
Caution for Oral Administration:
The oral administration would not benefit much in the malabsorption condition undergoing in your cats like Pancreatic Malfunctioning.
Injection vs Oral Route:
If you have no issue regarding time and money, you could take your pet to the vet for the injection of Methylcobalamin every week.
All kinds of Methylcobalamin works that way too.
But when you have limited resources and your pet is not liking being needled every time, then it is better to go for Oral tablets.
High oral doses of Methylcobalamin work as effectively as the injections. So, you do not need to worry about it.
Easy Administration of Methylcobalamin Tablet to your cat:
Cats exhibit a complex attitude towards the medication. But they could be given without them even knowing.
1. The small size of the tablet:
Methylcobalamin supplements are of really small size, thus, can not be noticed at once.
No matter how high the dose is, it is still a few milligrams.
2. Tasteless and no Aroma:
The tablets are said to be tasteless and without any particular smell that could be a problem for the cat.
Therefore, when you add the tablet to the food, they might not be able to know about it.
And can easily take it up.
3. Crushed form:
If you are still worried about it, put the crushed form of Methylcobalamin in your cat’s food.
Though it is unappetizing, seeing it present in meat and taken up by your cat, there should not be a problem.
Or after discussing it with the vet pill pockets can be used.
Every cat likes meat, right?
How Methylcobalamin oral form is the best for cats?
When comparing other kinds of Vitamin B-12 with Methylcobalamin, it is a better option due to:
- Cyano and hydroxo forms of cobalamine are more targeted to be destructed by stomach acid than methyl form.
- Methylcobalamin is believed to have more reliable and good absorption from the digestive tract to the bloodstream.
- Other cobalamines might be taken up quickly by kidneys and hence excreted out of the cat’s body.
Whereas Methylcobalmine remains longer in the bloodstream to be working for your feline.
The most preferred form of Methylcobalamin to be administered to cats is Zobaline Methylcobalamin.
Zobaline Methylcobalamin B-12:
For Diabetic cats, there is another supplement of Methylcobalamin that is particularly formulated to treat this condition.
It is known as ‘Zobalin Methycobalamine B-12’.
Zobaline, as the study shows, is the type that works more effectively and maintains the wellness of your cat.
The felines as well as humans with diabetes are said to responding it well.
Dosage of Methylcobalamin for cats
Not only Methylcobalamin but everything also that is given to the cats is counted as a sensitive matter.
Hence, whatever you are planning to give your feline, must be in specific dosages or the one prescribed by your vet.
1. General dosage w.r.t weight of the cat:
Dosage recommended for the cats is according to its weight.
According to the study, a diabetic cat should be given 3 to 5 milligrams of Methylcobalamin per day.
2. Dosage for cat with Neuropathy:
When supplementing cat with Methylcobalamin to deal with neuropathy condition, the dosage given could be between 3 to 6 milligrams per day.
3. Dosage for older cats:
If you are supplementing your cat which is older with Methylcobalamin, it should be 1000 mcg per day.
It is thought to be a safer one.
4. Dosage for cats with other Health Issues:
There could be a condition that your cat is facing other health issues in addition to the Methylcobalamin deficiency struggles.
In such a case, you might give higher doses of Methylcobalamin to your cat but only after consultation with your veterinarian.
Overdosage of Methylcobalamin:
Methylcobalamin is one of the water-soluble vitamins.
Thus, the overdose or extra amount of Methylcobalamin in your cat’s body would be excreted in form of urine from their system.
Caution:
The only case when you must be worried is if your cat is facing chronic renal failure.
Small doses of Methylcobalamin are prescribed in that situation due to a poor excretory system.
Some common Methylcobalamin Vitamin B-12
Following are some of the Methylcobalamin options that could be used for the cats:
Sr. # | PRODUCT NAME | ESTIMATED PRICE | DAILY FEEDING | MAJOR INGREDIENTS |
1. | Rx Vitamins Rx B12 Liquid Digestive Supplement for Cats & Dogs | $28.00 | 1 ml per day | • Vitamin B-12 • Vegetable • Glycerin • Water • Fructose • Natural Flavorings • Potassium Sorbate |
2. | Nutramax Cobalequin Chicken Flavored Chewable Tablets Supplement for Cats & Dogs | $19.99 | 1 chewable tablet per day | • Cobalamin 250 mcg • Hydrolyzed Chicken Flavor • Microcrystalline Cellulose • Silicon Dioxide |
3. | Vitamin B12 (Generic) Injectable Solution | $5.49 | 0.25 to 0.5 mL | • Vitamin B-12 • Sodium chloride • Ammonium sulfate • Citric acid • Sodium citrate • Benzyl alcohol (preservative) |
4. | LifeLink’s Zobaline for Felines 3mg x 60 Tablets | As per sale price | 1 tablet daily | • Methylcobalamin • Folic Acid • Microcrystalline cellulose • Stearic Acid • Calcium Silicate |
Choosing a Methylcobalamin Vitamin for your cat
Following are some major points that would be helpful for you to choose a supplement for your cat:
1. Consult your vet primarily:
Get a proper recommendation from your vet when trying anything on your cat. There is a life at stake! Do not experiment on your own.
2. Check the Brand validity:
Go for the brands only that have done clinical studies regarding the product to be sold.
The brand must be of proven expertise.
3. Ensure the standard and safety of the product:
Look for the labels on the product and read them carefully to ensure safety and quality and prevent any harm.
Keep an eye on the signs that would explain the company’s control check of quality. It is often presented by a lot number.
4. Do not get tempted by Claims:
Vitamin Supplements are just supplements. They are not proper curing medications. Beware of the claims that sound very exceptional.
5. Avoid medicating your cat with Human Supplements:
Any kind of human supplement even Methylcobalamin is not always a good option for your cat. Be careful about it. Better to consult your vet.
6. Check the Ingredients of Supplement:
• The Allergens:
It is better to check the ingredients of the supplements beforehand. Maybe it has something that your cat is Allergan to would end up as a risk factor.
• Xylitol:
Other than allergens, there might be some ingredients that are not good for cats like Xylitol.
Xylitol is said to be sugar alcohol and is toxic for cats and dogs.
Therefore, you need to ensure the product from all aspects and also make your vet know about it.
7. Condition of your cat:
Methylcobalamin is non-toxic but make sure that your cat does not show a reaction to it.
It should not be administered to the animals that exhibit hypersensitivity to it or any other cobalt-related products.
8. Drug to Drug Interaction:
There might be several drugs that would affect the absorption of vitamin 12-Methylcobalamin.
They include neomycin, colchicine, potassium chloride, and salicylic-related products.
Everything must be handled with care and proper investigation!
Conclusion
Methylcobalamin is usually recommended for cats suffering from vitamin B-12 deficiency.
It is a good option to deal with diabetic neuropathy along with many other related diseases in cats.
But the health of your cat holds utmost priority.
Do not experiment with different internet-related research and products on your own.
Put the vet in the chain too. He knows your cat’s health condition the best.
Take a recommendation from the vet and then supplement your cat.