My friend Adrienne said if vitamin B12 was a person, she thinks I might marry it. Maybe she’s right. I’m a big fan. Oh, I like lots of the vitamins, don’t get me wrong… love me some vitamin D for example, but you can overdose vitamin D, so you need to exercise some caution, and some feel supplementation of vitamin D can cause problems if you suffer from a autoimmune disease. As far as I know, while B12 is the only B-vitamin that seems to be stored by the body (in the liver), there are no known risks of overdose.
Where does vitamin B12 come from? It’s found in meat and dairy products. Vegans should consider vitamin B12 supplementation. Of course, my interest is in cats and if they’re fed properly (recognizing they are true carnivores) they should be getting vitamin B12 in their diet, but most commercial foods and homemade recipes supplement all the B-vitamins, just in case. The B-vitamins are water-soluble and, as I noted, generally not stored by the body, so there’s no known risk of overdose.
What can cause deficiency of Vitamin B12 in cats? Anything that causes excessive drinking and/or urination (diabetes, hyperthyroidism, kidney disease, etc.) can deplete B12 and the other B vitamins as they are “washed out” of the body. Giving sub-q fluids could deplete vitamin B. Chronic diarrhea can also deplete B12 as most B-12 is lost in fecal matter. Cats with an inflamed gastro-intestinal tract (such as cats with IBD) may not absorb B12 properly as it’s absorbed in the intestines. Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause anemia, neuropathy, other neurological issues, etc.
Vitamin B12 is also known as cobalamin. There are various forms of cobalamin, including methylcobalamin, cyanocobalamin, adnosylcobalamin and hydroxocobalamin. Oral and injectable supplements most frequently use cyanocobalamin. A portion of cyanocobalamin would be broken down by the body into methylcobalamin, a coenzyme form of B12. The methyl- form most directly affects the central nervous system. Since cyano- and methyl- forms are the forms most readily available for use in supplementation, I’ll focus on those two.
I noted the possible causes for vitamin B12 deficiency. You can generally *assume* deficiency if one of those conditions exists (which is what I do, since there’s no risk of overdose), or there are a few strong indicators of a deficiency:
- neuropathy – most commonly seen in poorly-regulated diabetic cats, the cat will generally be down on its hocks, that is, rather than being up on their paws or “toes”, they’ll be flat on their legs up to the joint similar to our knee or elbow. I have a video of a diabetic foster cat that came to me with neuropathy.
- GI function tests – blood test can now test for cobalamin and folate (vitamin B9). This test is most often done when cats display gastro-intestinal symptoms, such as vomiting or diarrhea.
- anemia – a blood test may show decreased hematocrit (HCT) or packed cell volume (PCV) results
How to supplement B12, in my opinion, on WHY you are supplementing. For the vast majority of cases, I feel oral supplementation is the route to take. In fact, since there’s really little-to-no reason to think they are deficient in B12 but not deficient in other B vitamins – I prefer to supplement with oral B-complex. If you’re making your own cat food, you can follow the recipes at catinfo.org, catnutrition.org, or blakkatz.com. If not, I’d follow the directions on a vitamin for cats, or use a B-25 product designed for humans (or half of a B-50 product, or one-quarter of a B-100 product). My favorite brands (since I’ve found people often want specific recommendations) are:
- Life Extension Cat Mix (a nice multi-vitamin with taurine and digestive enzymes as well as methylcobalamin)
- Jarrow Formula’s B-Right (a B-complex product containing methylcoblamin, and it’s lower in odor which is nice if mixing in food – each capsule is about a B-25 strength
- Now Food’s B-50 capsules or powder (the powder being nice for making food, rather than opening capsules)
- Source Natural’s or Jarrow Formula’s methylcobalamin (if you do choose to supplement only B12)
Having said that, pretty much any product is fine! Many diabetic caregivers recommend Xobaline. The sublingual vitamin B12 products like Xobaline and Source Naturals and Jarrow do contain a little sugar and flavorings as they’re intended for humans to dissolve under the tongue. Obviously that is not happening with a cat. I haven’t had any issues with the small amounts of sugar in these products, but if they concern you, I’d recommend one of the other products noted above.
I noted that oral B-complex was appropriate for the vast majority of cases. When is it not? Two cases, in my opinion – when you’re giving sub-q fluids and when there’s a case of IBD. There’s no reason you can’t give B-complex orally when giving sub-q fluids, but since we’re already giving the fluids I simply think it’s much easier to inject B-complex into the bag of fluids (Lactated Ringers or whatever is appropriate). Personally, I inject 2.5 cc’s of injectable B-complex (based on the strength of my vial) into a 1000 mL bag of fluids. I can get a very large vial of B-complex from my veterinarian for around $20.
More information at Feline Outreach
As for IBD, if vitamin B12 is not being absorbed correctly by the intestines, supplementing orally is going to be a struggle. Therefore, the easiest option in my opinion is cyanocobalamin injections. Texas A&M has a protocol specifically for IBD patients. Injectable cyanocobalamin is available by prescription in the U.S.
More information at Feline Outreach
You might have noticed I did not include diabetic neuropathy among my reasons I would choose to supplement in a route other than oral B-complex. I personally feel oral B-complex is fine for these cases. Many caregivers feel supplementing diabetic cats with methylcobalamin (rather than B-complex or cyanocobalamin) is the most effective route to alleviating neuropathy. (See Jasper’s page and Mr. Kitts’ Injectable Methylcobalamin Info.) Personally, I feel the KEY to alleviating neuropathy is first and foremost to get the cat’s blood sugar levels regulated. I prefer tight regulation, keeping the blood glucose as close as possible to normal. I also supplement with either B-complex and/or methylcobalamin. You can get methylcobalamin in injectable form, but it’s less readily available.
For neuropathy in diabetic cats, caregivers have traditionally given 3 to 5 mg (3,000 to 5,000 mcg) daily orally. However, that’s most likely because those are the most commonly sized oral tablets NOT because the cat needs that much.
… and now, for some quotes and links!
Effectiveness of vitamin B12 on diabetic neuropathy: systematic review of clinical controlled trials.
Three studies involved the use of vitamin B complex (including B12) as the active drug, and four used methylcobalamin.
Both the vitamin B12 combination and pure methylcobalamin had beneficial effects on somatic symptoms, such as pain and paresthesia.
With both the vitamin B12 combination and pure methylcobalamin, symptomatic relief was greater than changes in electrophysiological results.
Absorption of vitamin B12 is a complex process, subject to problems at several points.
B12 from animal food enters the stomach as part of animal proteins and must first be liberated by pepsin and hydrochloric acid. Free B12 then attaches to R-protein, which is released from the salivary cells and parietal cells (the same cells that release hydrochloric acid). To be absorbed efficiently, B12 must attach to a protein called intrinsic factor (IF) which is also secreted in the stomach. This cannot happen until the R-protein complexes are broken down by pancreatic enzymes in the small intestine. B12 then binds with the intrinsic factor and proceeds through the gut to the lower portion of the small intestine, where the intrinsic factor-B12 complex attaches to cell receptors, a process that involves calcium.
Thus, deficiencies in pepsin, hydrochloric acid, R-protein, pancreatic enzymes, intrinsic factor, calcium and cell receptors can all lead to B12 deficiency through blocked absorption.
Once in the bloodstream, transport proteins bind to B12 and deliver it to the cells. Within the cells, enzymes liberate B12 from the protein complex and convert it to its two coenzyme forms, methylcobalamin and adenosylcobalamin. Deficiency in the required enzymes can block this conversion.
Because the absorption process is so complicated, and therefore subject to various blocks, many people–particularly the elderly–may develop deficiencies even though they are taking in plentiful B12 in their food. Fortunately, the body absorbs about 1-5 percent of free B12 by a process of passive diffusion. Thus supplementation with large doses of crystalline B12 or with foods extremely rich in B12 can successfully treat deficiencies caused by compromised protein digestion or lack of R-protein, intrinsic factor or pancreatic enzymes. Supplementation with the coenzyme forms methylcobalamin and adenosylcobalamin (the forms found in the cells) can overcome B12 deficiency in the cells caused by lack of, or malfunction of, conversion enzymes.
Source: Vitamin B12: Vital Nutrient for Good Health
More information:
Cobalamin – Diagnostic use and therapeutic considerations
Cyanocobalamin – AllExperts.com
Information on Vitamin B12 – Diet-and-Health.net
Cyanocobalamin – ChemicalLand21.com
B12 and IBD (constipation, diarrhea, vomiting, etc.) – FelineDiabetes.com
B12 blood test results and methycobalamin – FelineDiabetes.com
To read more of my posts on feline nutrition and health, click on the “feline nutrition and health” category on the home page.
Life of the Lintee Bean 
We have a 17 year old cat, Baby Black. She has been diabetic for years. Last checkup we told the vet she slept like 27hrs a day. The vet said that was normal for older diabetic cats.
She did get her insulin raised that day. The excessive sleeping continued.
I decided why not give her some methyl B12 tabs. After a 5000mcg tab every other day for 1 week she woke up.
This has been going on for 6 months.
Around Christmas we forgot to give her her B12 and she went back to sleeping 27hrs a day.
Her coat also got nicer.
She is a much happier cat now, she is in my lap every day now.
We asked the vet what happened and she said the B12 had nothing to do with the diabetes but something was happening “at the cellular level”.
Was it some kind of neuropathy?
Hi Jim,
Low B12 levels can result in low energy levels. In my experience, any diabetic that is not well-regulated will urinate more than normal, thus losing precious water-soluble vitamins.
Please visit the Feline Outreach page on diabetes:
http://www.felineoutreach.org/EducationDetail.asp?cat=Diabetes
If you have not done so already, I’d encourage you to read some of my posts on feline diabetes. I’ve worked with nine diabetic cats, my own and fosters.
https://meowmeowmom.wordpress.com/tag/diabetes/
Best of luck,
Lynette
I used the liquid form of the B vitamins, heavy on the B6 for my kidney stone dog and heavy on the B12 Methyl for my kidney failure cats (SubQ with Ringer’s every night).
For the dog and her kidney/bladder stones, the B6 prevents the calcium from binding with the oxalate. For the cats with diabetes and/or kidney disease (and IV use) the B12 knocked out completely the neurological issues. My friend also used heavy doses of B12 on her cat who could NOT walk at all and miracle of miracles, the cat was back to walking normally after several weeks of heavy B12. I think that’s proof enough, don’t you?
How much B12 (Methyl?) were you dosing on the diabetic/CRF cat? I have one too whcih I am trying to figure out how much to sode him with. Right now the vet says 500mcg 1x per week, but I think more.
[…] Be True to B12 […]
Hi Lynette, my kitty recently has been diagnosed with elevated B12 and LOW folate which was associated with an absorption problem. He also has had chronic GI symptoms (vomiting/diarrhea/constipation) most of his life. I am wondering if you have heard of having high blood B12 levels with these symptoms, and if it is still a good idea to supplement with B12? Someone told me that Methylcobalamin might be better absorbed with his condition. Does that sound right to you?
Thanks so much!!
Hi Valerie,
I would be supplementing folate (folic acid) orally, if you are not already. I’ve never heard of a case where b12 (cobalamine) levels were elevated. I can see no benefit to supplementing B12 if levels are already high. I would also ensure your kitty is on a grain-free wet diet only – no dry food. I would feed only rabbit and/or poultry (no beef, fish, lamb, etc) – as close to a natural diet as possible.
See:
https://meowmeowmom.wordpress.com/2008/09/02/puke-and-poop/
and my other posts on IBD:
https://meowmeowmom.wordpress.com/tag/ibd/
Best of luck,
Lynette
Please have the B12 level check by a different lab ,labs are notorious for errors !!!
One of our cats recently started having trouble with his back legs and our vet said vitamin b12 deficiency could cause this… and vitamin b12 deficiency can be caused by feeding them too much kangaroo meat (we live in Australia). Has anyone heard of this before?
I have not heard of kangaroo meet causing B12 deficiency (and I have a friend in Australia that feeds a homemade raw diet, mostly kangaroo).
I would make sure you are feeding a complete raw diet. I do not recommend just feeding scraps of meat. Raw ground bone (or mineral supplementation) should be used. Cats need taurine supplementation (lost by grinding, feezing, etc), vitamin B-complex, etc. Follow a recipe such as catnutrition.org or catinfo.org
https://meowmeowmom.wordpress.com/2008/12/04/raw-done-right
Any underlying conditions causing excess drinking/urination? (kidney disease, diabetes, hyperthyroidism, etc)
Of course, it could not be deficiency at all (was he actually TESTED?) – could be arthritis.
Note: Raw FISH can cause a thiamine (another form of vitamin B, B9) deficiency.
Best of luck.
We have been supplementing our cat Whiskers for several weeks now with a weekly sub Q injection of B-12 per our vet’s recommendation (she has digestive tract problems). Two days after each injection(almost like clock work) she has a bout of projectile vomiting all over the house. Is this something anyone else has experienced?
Hi Jim,
This is not something I’ve experienced with the many cats with IBD I’ve worked with.
I would suggest you consider folate supplementation (orally) in addition to B12. I’d also consider you evaluate your cat’s diet. In my experience, diet is the single biggest key to eliminating gastro-intestinal issues. See my post for more details:
https://meowmeowmom.wordpress.com/2008/09/02/puke-and-poop/
I admire your article. It have precious piece of information . Thank you for posting.
Lynette,
I’m so glad I found your blog. You sound like me! I currently have 5 cats and I also volunteer as a foster for a local rescue group.
I’m very interested in cat nutrition and health because I have a diabetic cat and a cat with hyperthyroid disease who had a double-lobe thryoidectomy in addition to 3 other relatively young healthy cats. In July 2009 I lost a beloved 14 year old cat to cancer.
My cats eat a predominately moist food diet that I supplement with homemade fresh chicken.
Thank you so much for the information on methyl b12. I have a 19 year old diabetic cat (for over 7 years). He is pretty well regulated right now but I’ve noticed a funny walk and stumbling. He does not walk on his hocks (yet) thank goodness. So I’ve been doing research and now know to get him some methyl b12.
As someone who works for a rescue and has experienced a ringworm epidemic, I really commend you for adopting a ringworm kitty. We had an outbreak at our kennel and several cats/kittens and volunteers (including me) were affected. Luckily, none of my cats at home contracted it.
Thank you for your blog. I look forward to reading all of your posts.
Lydia
Thanks Lydia!
I’d definitely give B12 (or B-complex) a try for your kitty.
Also, I hope you’re home-testing his blood sugar levels. I feel that, as well as using the right insulin, are key to good regulation.
https://meowmeowmom.wordpress.com/2008/08/04/feline-diabetes-beliefs/
https://meowmeowmom.wordpress.com/2008/12/17/insulins-for-diabetic-cats/
Best of luck!
Lynette
Hi Lynette,
This article is amazing and very inspiring. thanks you so much for sharing your knowledge š
Here is a question for you, one of my cat, Pepito who is 4 years old and has leukemia, is now limping for more than a month. Signs of leukemia never showed up but he has always been of delicate health. Getting cold in winter and lately bad eye infections but nothing more.
For a month now, he started limping from his right back leg, he has been checked by the vet and the animal clinic here in Dublin Ireland who told me his femoral nerve must have suffered a trauma. They gave him back to me like that… With no solution or medication other than “if he gets worse, let us know”. I was shocked! Following the advice of a friend’s vet who’s cat suffered a similar issue, I gave him a Vit B complex and Prednisone treatment that lasted 15 days. I saw the difference directly, but I doubt the Prednisone did anything and it is also highly addictive. I believe the Vit B complex is what gave me back that jolly and playful cat back. He now runs after flies and runs around with his brother even if it is limping.
I read a lot about Vit B12 for cat who need a boost to their nervous system. I’m also inspired by Sharon’s mail here saying that a cat that couldn’t at all managed to walked back with heavy dosis of Vit B12. I bought today a drop version which says for 10 drops = 50 Ī¼g and I don’t know how much I should give him. The RDA for humans is 10 drops a day. Any advice?
Thanks a mil, Alicia
Hi Alicia,
Prednisone/prednisolone is a steroid that can reduce inflammation, and as you note, is addictive so the cat should be weaned off slowly to avoid withdrawal,.
Per Dr. Zoran’s “The carnivore connection to nutrition in cats” Appendix 3, and the Texas A&M protocol for treating cats with IBD, the recommended dose for vitamin B12 (cobalamin) in cats is 250 micrograms per week sub-q for 4 weeks, then 250 micrograms per month as needed. Per Dr. Zoran, the recommended dose of B-complex is 2 or 4 milliliters per liter of fluids, IV 0.5 milliliters per day or sub-q – especially important to sick or anorectic cats.
Please also visit my other posts, including six reasons not to feed dry food. š
Best of luck,
Lynette
Vitamin B12 Supplement in the form of Methylcobalamin is an Alternative Treatment for Peripheral Neuropathy – Agent Orange – Autism and MS patients. I use Methyl B-12 Methylcobalamin Jarrow Formulas, Inc.
Natural Supplements
My cat suddenly became totally lame in her back legs. At the vet, she was diagnosed with kidney disease – nearly at the renal failure stage.
Based on the recommendations here, I am giving my cat injectable B-12 Methylcobalamin in her daily sub-q fluids.
(My vet never heard of Methylcobalamin, but said okay. ) The results were amazing. After 2 days, she started walking. After 10 days, she was climbing stairs. Her follow-up blood work showed greatly improved numbers. The vet was extremely surprized. The cat still shows kidney disease, but not nearly as serious.
However, I really don’t know the proper dosage. The dogaes mentioned in this blog vary by a factor of a thousand. Maybe I have been overdosing.
The injectable Methylcobalamin that I have is 1000 MCG per ml. (or 1mg per ml). How much should I inject with the daily IV of 250 ml fluid???
Also, when I eventually go to an oral dose, how much (in mg) should I use?
Hi Doug,
There are no known risks with overdosing any of the B vitamins, as they are water soluble. Thus, the widely varying doses you see mentioned. For oral use, most just use the smallest oral tablet they can find for human use.
As I note in my post, I actually recommend supplementation of ALL the B vitamins (B-complex) for cats on sub-q fluids. So, when you go to an oral dose, I’d give a B-25 if you can find it (or half a B-50).
For injectable use… B-complex can sting. B-12 generally does not. If given in sub-q fluids, the sting is minimal, so I use B-complex. As I note in my post, “Personally, I inject 2.5 cc’s of injectable B-complex (based on the strength of my vial) into a 1000 mL bag of fluids.”
I’ve only used injectable cobalamin for cases of IBD when I’m giving *without* fluids, in which case I follow the Texas A&M protocol for IBD (copied below)… 0.25 cc per week for six weeks, then every other week, then monthly….
If you’re going to use the injectable cobalamin you have… I’d aim for 0.25 ml per week… or about 0.05 per day.
Hope this helps.
Lynette
My cat health that I know of is fine. But I want to avoid any health problems.
I feed my cat a drop of Technical Weight Control can food with some water which I add in a VET multivitamin, a fish oil gel daily and she loves the Core Wellness dry food that comes down a food dispenser in the evening.
Don’t know if this is a good routine?
Also, I am wondering:
Is it safe to also add daily or maybe just three times a week a B12 veg. capsule in her wet food?
Your response is much appreciated…
Sue,
The best thing you can do is ELIMINATE ALL DRY FOOD! Get rid of ALL of it! Feed wet food only.
See my post “six reasons not to feed dry cat food” for more information.
https://meowmeowmom.wordpress.com/2008/01/11/six-reasons-not-to-feed-dry-cat-food/
Lynette
My cat Oze has had diabetes since October last year. After several ups & downs he is now regulated with twice daily dose of 1 unit of lantus glargine insulin. After a bout of infection which left him weak and lack of appetite the vet suggested to supplement him with B12 (tablet form) to be given twice daily – 1 tablet each time together with nephtone (capsule form) also twice daily 1 capsule each time. It has made a lot of difference, he’s more active during the day, his appetite has returned, his coat is soft and shiny. Some nights it’s even hard to coax him to come inside as his still alert and he demands to be let out as early as 5:00 am. I’m not sure if it’s because for the past 8 years of his 11 years we’ve been living in apartments so he hasn’t been out and now we are living in our own house with a back garden he prefers to spray (the hedge mostly) than squat in the litter box to pee. So, now only our other cat Buffy is using the litter box. Or is it because of his diabetes its more convenient for him to relieve himself this way?
Anyway, my question is since he was diagnosed we haven’t been going away for no more than two days, unfortunately we’ll have to go back to Europe for a two weeks visit to hubby’s family soon. My Mom will be looking after the cats while we are away, also to give Oze his twice daily insulin jabs. But she doesn’t think she can manage with giving him the supplements. Even my hubby doesn’t dare, he is a big cat, and he growls when he’s not happy (taking pills is one of them) but he doesn’t actually bite or retaliate. I just pop the pills inside his mouth before he can react. Do you think two weeks is a long time without his supplements? I’m already worried that he’ll be back to his weaker self without them.
Hi Hana,
They could try crushing the supplements and putting in food.
I hope you will read some of my other posts on diabetes, including feline diabetes beliefs.
https://meowmeowmom.wordpress.com/2008/08/04/feline-diabetes-beliefs/
Lynette
[…] Be True to B12 August 2008 23 comments 4 […]
Where can I purchase B12 oral or I.M. My 11 year cat has epi and I am trying to treat her. Thanks.
Oral B12 can be purchased over-the-counter at any drugstore or nutritional supplement store.
Injectable B12 is purchased through a veterinarian or pharmacy, with a prescription.
My cat is a diabetic for 9 years now and is almost 18 years old. He has CRF and neuropathy. I started him recently on Cyano B12 a week ago in his fluids but am going to switch and try the Methyl B12. My vet says to give 500mcg 1x per week but I have talked with lots of people who give double that on a daily basis. Would there be any downfall to doing 500mcg every other day as I know whatever it not used is peed out and that you can’t actually overdose on it??
What is the suggestions from people who have the same issues I have and who use Methyl B12 with regards to their dosing??
Any good brands, I saw the links above and i also have a few of my own which I wasn’t sure if one is better than the other. Natural Factors sold at GNC or NSI sold at Vitacost.com. One is a chewable tablet, the other is a sprinkle capsule. Any thoughts??
Hi Noel,
I have a lot of info on dose in my post above, and there’s more in the links in my post.
Consider reading my other posts on diabetes. Better regulation may benefit your cat.
Lynette
My 14 year old cat has been diagnosed with a Grade 3/4 heart murmur, and IBD. His blood test results showed low B12, and high folate. Blood tests ruled out diabetes, thyroid, kidney, liver disease. Vet has started injectable B12 shots today, which vet said will assist in raising B12 levels and help IBD. However, for the past 5 months, my cat has shown weakness in his rear legs and doctor says it may be neurologic in nature (ataxia). Xrays were taken today to rule out arthritis, spine fracture, etc. Vet read xrays which he said lungs look clear, spine shows no fractures, legs and hips appear OK, arthritis not evident – films being sent to radiologist for final report. From reading your blog, some people say B12 shot helped with weak rear leg problems in their cats. Is there a connection? Can you help.
Definitely the B12 may help with your cat’s leg weakness.
I hope you’ll also take the time to read some of my blog posts on IBD.
https://meowmeowmom.wordpress.com/about-feline-health-and-nutrition/
Lynette
Thanks, Lynette, for your super quick reply. I’ll check out your IBD blog. I appreciate your help. Seeing Danny’s rear legs deteriorate has been difficult for me to bear. Hopefully, his B12 regimen will help. Do you think he should be given a supplement, e.g. with food, etc., as well?
Eileen,
In all likelihood, the IBD is causing anemia and other nutritional deficiencies. Then, the anemia can cause a heart murmur (several of the cats I adopted with IBD had heart murmurs that went away once the IBD was treated). The vitamin b deficiency can cause leg weakness (neuropathy).
Treat the IBD – and the BEST (in fact only effective) way I’ve found to treat it is DIET. All wet food, little to no grains.
Check out the other blog posts, in particular:
https://meowmeowmom.wordpress.com/2008/01/11/six-reasons-not-to-feed-dry-cat-food/
https://meowmeowmom.wordpress.com/2008/09/02/puke-and-poop/
https://meowmeowmom.wordpress.com/2008/08/25/a-cure-for-what-ails-your-cat/
https://meowmeowmom.wordpress.com/2007/12/18/its-a-miracle-not/
also the links I provide – e.g., catnutrition.org, catinfo.org
Best of luck,
Lynette
Lynette,
Thanks again for your wonderful info. I did happen to read some of your blogs and they’re very insightful – especially re no dry food. All my cats eat wet food in the morning and evening and I sometimes give them a very SMALL scoop of dry food mixed in with the wet. Based on your experience, I’ll quit doing that. Danny is more himself today; he had his first B12 shot yesterday. He’s sitting next to me on the couch, which he hasn’t done in a long time. He spent most of the past week sleeping and was really pooped. He even gave me a love bit on my hand when I petted him. His legs are still wobbly, but that will take time to resolve with the shots. I don’t think I’m imagining him getting better, but I think he’s making some small progress.
Re his murmur, do you think I should hold off doing the echocardiogram (very expensive – about $400) until he is stabilized with his B12 regimen? Any advice re this would really help. Thanks – you’ve given me a lot of great info. I’m glad we found each other!!!!
Eileen
Hi Lynette,
We found an abandoned cat, took him to the vet, and found out he has chronic diarrhea. There’s no vomiting involved, no dehydration and he’s very active but he goes diarrhea every day. Could this be a B12 deficiency? We tried treating with cortisone shots (which I am against) and special food but nothing seems to be working. Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks, Tess
Hi Tess,
See my posts on IBD – particularly Puke and Poop
Best of luck,
Lynette
Hi Lynette,
I have been reading your blog and think that you could give me some good advice. We have a 6 month old kitten who was honestly the craziest kitty I have ever seen up until a month ago. She was wild, would play constantly, and snuggled with us all of the time.
About a month ago we noticed that she was sleeping way more than usual. We didn’t think much of it because we have a 2-year-old kitty who went through a similar stage at that age. Her behavior also changed drastically to where she hardly played at all. Around this time, she started licking the bottom of our fireplace. I would spray her to stop, but she always got in there and would just lick the bottom. Then about three weeks ago she started refusing her dry food out of nowhere. She was always a great eater, but would only eat her wet food. Again, that was fine and we did not think much of it. Then about two weeks ago we noticed that her back legs were becoming wobbly and she was walking funny. We kept our eyes on her, and this past weekend it suddenly became unbearable. It is like she has no feeling in her back legs at all. They wobble all over and splay out. She only takes a few steps before sitting back down. She also seems very lethargic spaced out, but she will look me in the eyes and meow. She still is snuggling, but she can hardly jump up on anything. and We took her to the emergency care and she had a fever so they gave her fluids and recommended blood work. We got the blood work done Monday, and I am heading back to the vet tonight to get the results.
The vet seems to think it is a congenital disease, virus, or infection. He put her on antibiotics but I did not see an improvement.
My heart is breaking because I want her to get better. We did some research last night and found some people with similar issues. Some of them found drastic improvement when they changed diet and added vitamins. I went out today and got all new wet food, kitten milk, Vitamin E, Potassium, and Iron. I bought these three because of what I had found online.
Does any of this sound like something you have heard before? I tried to be super specific so that anything could clue you in to what is going on. I am praying that her test results come back ok, and it is something that I can treat at home.
Would you suggest that I reccomend anything to the vet? Should I get additional vitamins? What is the best wet kitten food that I can buy to get what she needs? She is drinking the milk, but she does not seem to like any of the wet food. It is all pate, none of it is seafood, and I bought a few different brands.
Thank you so much for your help,
Stephanie
Hi Stephanie,
I’m sorry your kitten is ill. The symptoms remind me of Cerebellar Hypoplasia, but kittens are born with this, they don’t develop it after time. I would exercise caution with the vitamins and minerals (vitamin E, potassium, iron, etc) – these CAN be overdosed and could cause other issues. It cannot hurt to supplement the B-vitamins, on the other hand, because they are water soluble and there are no known side effects from overdose.
Here are some of my blog posts I recommend reading:
https://meowmeowmom.wordpress.com/2010/08/26/baby-food/
https://meowmeowmom.wordpress.com/2008/12/10/canned-cat-food-which-one/
https://meowmeowmom.wordpress.com/2008/01/11/six-reasons-not-to-feed-dry-cat-food/
Best of luck,
Lynette
Hi Lynette, I have taken my almost 2 year old cat, Kali to 2 vets and had her examined by one of the top neurologists in Canada. She remains undiagnosed. She gets tremors in her back legs, walks plantegrated on her hocks and all four legs have been deemed abnormal. Her neurologist is at a loss but we have tried predisone at varying doses. However in the meantime I did my own research and found how b12 helps with many muscular issues, as it does not appear neurological. So I have been giving her 1000mcg of oral methyl b12 each day and it seems to be helpful. However the vet is concerned about an overdose. I was wondering your thoughts, though I know it is water soluble. She has asked me to half the dose. Really I think it might be he b12 helping her and not the predisone. So the next few weeks we have decided to lower her dose of predisone even further, to see the affects. Your thoughts? Thanks. She is my little medical mystery, and I’m thinking it is congenital.
I should also mention she has a very strict wet food diet, due to having small amount of blood in her feces sometimes. She has been checked out and nothing but a sensitive GI track it seems.
Hi Paz,
There are no known side effects of vitamin B (including B12) overdose. I would supplement with a B-complex (multi-B vitamin) and if it helps, continue doing so.
Best of luck!
Lynette
Thanks L!
Hi there! Hope u can help me w my hyperthyroid cat. He was 14 yo n was diagnosed w this diease 2 wks ago. After 3-4 days carbimazole (two 5mg tabs per day) his diarrhea has since stopped n he’s eating alright till yesterday. Have tried many brands of dry n wet food on him but he rejected all since yesterday. So when I tried boiled chicken thighs he started eating today. But I don’t think it’s enough nutrients on him so may I know what I should supplements his meals? Or this bland food us temporary only? He’ll start his wellness can again? With your recommendation, I shall cut him off all his dry. Thanks for this info.
Btw, I’ve given my cat vitamin B12 for two weeks (one jab per wk) but why his appetite is
still no gd? What should I do? Give more supplements?
Singapore & Malaysia cats have the lowest hyperthyroid rate so I’m not able to get hills prescription y/d nor find any radioactive cure. He’s a cat I got from Australia n bring back to Singapore. He’s e first patient w this diease this yr in e vet. Last yr e vet only received 2 hyperthyroid cats. I hope to learn more about it n please advise. By the way, he vomitted this early morning. He’s still normal, chasing after birds n playing string with me. His face is still alert. He still meow for food but he only wants bland food & not any can food. Rather stress with what I should feed him especially I want him to eat nutrienally.
Thanks & hope to hear from you very soon.
Hi there!
I have several posts on nutrition – if you click on the “about feline nutrition” tab on the right it has them categorized to find more easily. You may be particularly interested in “Raw Done Right” which discusses preparing your own cat food. I also have a post on hyperthyroidism.
Best of luck!
Lynette
Hello
You mention Jarrow Formulaās B-Right but it only has 100 mcg of Methyl B12
Wouldnt I have to give it a lot of this to get up to 3000 mcg daily or is 100 mcg acceptable.
Im not sure how much methyl B is required for a10 pound cat
Thanks
100mcg is plenty. B12 tablets (alone, not in B-complex) are generally not available in any size smaller than 3000 mcg.
Hello
Would you know of a supplier that sells injectable methylcobalamine. .methyl B12 for a cat with IBD who has rear hind leg weakness but not diabetic
Presently I am using methyl B12 pills but cats with IBD have absorbtion problems so I thought I would use the injection method
Ive google searched everywhere on the Internet but I can’t find it
Thanks
Jim
Injectable B12 requires a prescription. (Injectable B-complex does not, but stings so I don’t advise it unless added to sub-q fluids.)
Injectable cyanocobalamin (more common than methyl-form) available at universal drugstore with prescription:
http://www.universaldrugstore.com/medications/Cyanocobalamin/1000mcg%2fml
I have ordered from universal drugstore and can recommend them.
I did a search for “injectable methylcobalmin” and found it here – I have NOT used this supplier:
http://www.millnut.com/Methylcobalamin-B12-shots-available-at-Hopewell-Pharmacy_p_82.html
for GI issues, they generally recommend cyanocobalamin injections to bypass the GI system. I’ve used cyanocobalamin for both GI issues and neuropathy. Personally I’ve not noticed a big difference between using cyano- form or methyl-form, though supposedly methyl form is more easily absorbed.
Lynette
Hello Lynette
I purchased the Vitamin B12 injection since I live in Canada I didn’t need a prescription.It is manufactured by Sandoz , a Canadian pharmecutical company. I noticed on the bottle that it contains benzyl alcohol 1.5 % in addition to the B12.I presume the benzyl alcohol is a preservative in the solvent which contains the B12.
I thought possibly cats cannot take “benzyl alcohol” so I have not used it yet till I get more info.Has any of your injectable B12 contained “benzyl alcohol”
Jim
Hi Jim,
I don’t think that would be a problem, but you could check with your vet.
Lynette
What about injection site tumours? A vet recommended B12 shots for my FIV+ cat but I am worried about increasing his cancer risk with weekly or monthly injections. Should I supplement orally instead, despite the poor absorbtion, of is it worth running the injection-site sarcome risk? He has no symptoms other than leukopenia but she thought B12 might help keep him healthy.
Vaccine-associated sarcomas are believed to be due to an additive in some vaccines – this shouldn’t be a concern with B12 injections.
Lynette
I wish that were true, but as far as I know it isn’t. Thee tumors are merely generally referred to as vaccine tumors (since vaccines are what cats get most often injected with) but can occur at any injection site since they grow from connective tissue cells that get displaced by the insertion of the syringe, not from any additive in vaccines.
Luce,
With any treatment, you have to weigh risks vs benefits. In the years I’ve been active on forums for caregivers of cats with diabetes (receiving insulin injections) or cats with IBD (receiving B12 injections), I’ve never seen an injection-site sarcoma develop in any of them. As far as I know, these sarcomas are most prevalent at vaccine injection sites – and while for some time the thought was that they were caused by an aluminum additive – some now feel it’s caused by simple inflammation. It’s been seen in rare cases at the site of microchip injection.
http://www.cliniciansbrief.com/column/taxonomy/term/22599/feline-injection-site-sarcoma?ZpsZShRUtE
Best of luck,
Lynette
Hi, just have a quick question. I have a very sick cat that has been passing blood rectally. Took her to the vet had x-rays and blood work, nothing definitive except the fact of anemia due to blood loss. I have been giving her fluids, pain medication, prednisone daily, I have IV B12 but the vet only wants me to give it to her 2x a week. She does much better on the days I have been giving her the B12. I called the vet to ask about giving it to her more frequently and was told that for intestinal issues it is usually only once a week, while I understand this I am trying to save this cat. I have other cats she is the only one sick. The bleeding had decreased tremendously and while I understand this is not necessarily good news as it could still be going on internally she has passed only minimal blood since Monday. She had stopped eating and drinking, she is still not drinking on her own so I am giving her SQ fluids daily (150mL) and sometimes she will eat on her own very small amounts otherwise I am syringe feeding her and trying to increase the amount she is intaking. Sorry to ramble but trying to give you background information. My basic question is there any reason I can not give her the Vit B12 daily in her fluids (0.5mL)? I know there is still a good possibility that she may have to be euthanized but I am trying to do everything in my power to give her a fighting chance. (Vet recommended taking her to the local university for an ultrasound but I don’t have the at least $500 for that not counting the exam fee) Any advice you have would be greatly appreciated. Not that it matters but all my cats are strictly indoors and it is possible she has a linear obstruction but we don’t know for sure what the problem is.
Thanks for your help
Hi Tina,
I see no harm of giving B12 daily (there are no known risks of overdose – it’s a water-soluble vitamin). I agree with your vet, typical dosing is once weekly – so more often may not help, but there’s little risk to trying.
I have some other GI suggestions in my post “Puke and Poop”: https://meowmeowmom.wordpress.com/2008/09/02/puke-and-poop/
Best of luck,
Lynette
Thanks Lynette,
I agree with the typical dosing. It may never get to that and she just seems to do better the days I give it to her. Sadly she may still have to be put to sleep but the fact she has lasted out the week is a plus. She also seems to be more willing to eat on her own when she gets the B12 so there is no harm in trying. I will follow up on the link and really glad I found your blog. It is super informative and will continue to check it out for my other babies (there are 5 more). Thanks again for the information I appreciate it much.
Hello, thanks for a very interesting blog. A week ago my cat’s back legs just went lame. He’s coming up for 16 but up till now has been as healthy as a flea! Thinking about it though, I’ve always thought he walked a bit like John Wayne on his back legs but it never seemed to bother him. Also recently I did notice that when he was sitting on the window sill he didn’t sit down on his bottom. Then last Friday his back legs were just gone. I took him to the vet on the Saturday and he had an antibiotic and a shot of metacam . His spirits picked up and he’s now eating well , drinking fine and using the litter tray. But his legs are still terrible. I took him back to the vet on Tuesday and had some blood tests done, the vet says they all came out clear, no renal failure, no diabetes, pretty good for his age. He is now on a course of steroids for two weeks. He’s only had three tablets but no change as yet. His legs just go from under him, however he can still scratch his ears with his back legs.
As you can’t overdose on B12 I’m thinking it couldn’t harm to supplement. Any ideas would be appreciated.
B12 can’t hurt.
Given suddenness of onset, I would suspect a stroke/blood clot.
Keep in mind if on a dry food diet, steroids put him at risk of diabetes(read my post 6 reasons not to feed dry food)
Best of luck,
Lynette
Thanks Lynette. I do feed them dried stuff but I am going to try to wean them off it now. The vet didn’t mention anything about blood clots so I am off to Mr Google. I am not sure the vet has even considered this, it wasn’t mentioned to me at all.
I’ve seen cats lose leg function for several reasons, blood clots, neuropathy (vitamin B deficiency secondary to diabetes or other conditions), injury, cancer (in the spine). Hope all goes well for you!
Lynette
Thank you. Bob is still pretty bright but seems annoyed that his legs don’t work. I got some Jarrow B12 and I’ve just got the first dose down him disguised in tuna…..
Consider supplementing with B-complex if doing it orally. If he’s deficient in B12, he’s likely deficient in all B vitamins. In my opinion, the only advantage to B12 is that if it is given as an INJECTION, B12 does not sting whereas B-complex does sting.
Lynette
I got the Jarrow B right which is complex? Thank goodness for Amazon.
Oh yes, Jarrow B-right is a B-complex. (It said B12 above, which is why I was confused.)
Lynette
Hello Lynette, just thought I’d give you an update on Bob, I’m giving him his Jarrow B intermittently now as the only way I can get him to eat it is in tuna. However, he’s learning to cope with his disability and has now started to kind of use his back legs a bit. He isn’t walking at full height on his back legs and has to stop quite a bit, but when he gets going he really moves! I put him in the garden the other day and turned my back and he disappeared – he’d gone under the fence and halfway up the side of the house and today I put him on the sofa and I turned round and he was eating from a bowl of food I’d put on the floor, I turned around again and he was back on the sofa – I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. He’s a determined little bugger!
Onwards and upwards I say!
Great news, Jill
Hi,
I am looking at giving my little Birman boy (Benji) a B12 injection, I have Hydroxo-B12 injection from the chemist, I am thinking of giving him .25ml (1/4) of the dose in the packet. Do you have any thoughts of recommendations, I am nervous, on the pack there are all kinds of disclaimers and potential side effects, I suppose they are covering themselves.
Is there any way I can do a small test to make sure he is going to be OK?
He has been diagnosed with FIP, but I am sure it could also be other things, he is aneamic, has lost a lot of weight and lick walls (plaster), I know he needs something, I am sure it is B12. I am supplementing him with some natural (water/iron), I also need to sort out his Calcium to make sure he does not have Hypercalcemia, there is too much calcium in his blood (bloodwork result) although he perhaps needs it elsewhere, any suggestions? Although the main thing I need assistance with PLEASE is B12 injection, he is a lovely little 3yr old boy and I want to do everything I can for him.. He still seems like he wants to fight and so I want to help hi (with your help), THANK YOU
chimbaroo at gmail dot com
Kind regards
Mark
Hi Mark,
There’s information on a B12 injection protocol in the post above. If you’ve any concerns, you should consult your veterinarian.
I have not used the hydroxo form of B12, I have only used methyl form orally or cyano form by injection. I don’t know of any reason the hydroxo form would be a problem, but I haven’t any experience with it.
Lynette
Hi Lynette,
I am wondering how much dosage should I give my healthy persian boy a Jarrow B-Right (B-25) vitamin. You mentioned that a capsule a day? Isn’t that a bit too much for a cat being taken orally? I have read a few websites that the recommended dosage is 1/10th of the normal human dosage.
Thank You.
Regards,
David
David,
As I stated, my holistic vet recommended a full B-25 and that seems acceptable to me as:
1) B-vitamins are water-soluble, there are no known risks to overdose
2) if neuropathy or other B-deficiency symptoms are evident, you would want to give MORE than the maintenance dose to make up the deficiency.
Of course, if you’d like to start with a lower dose, you can always try that and increase later if necessary.
Best of luck.
Lynette
Hi Lynette,
Please explain difference between Cynocoblamin and Methocoblamin. Have 2 10 lb cats and want to use B12 complex for flea treatments. Methycoblamin is apparently the vitamin of choice. I have read cynocoblamin may have an aluminum residual effect. Taken in oral dosages @ 2.0 mcg would this be too much? And holistically speaking would avoidance of Cynocoblamin be safer? At this time both cats appear healthy. Thanks.
Joanna
Joanna,
I feel cyanocobalamin is fine. In fact, if you look at the information above, it was cyanocobalamin used in the Texas A&M study on cats with GI issues. Personally, I generally use cyanocobalamin when administering by injection (as cyanocobalamin is more readily available in injectable form, whereas injectable methylcobalamin is more difficult to come by) and mythylcobalamin when administering in oral form (as methylcobalamin is widely available in oral form over-the-counter at low doses appropriate for use in felines.)
Source: http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/infocenter/vitamins/vitaminB12/
There is no “B12 complex”. There is “B complex” which is a combination of all the B vitamins, including B12 – and vitamin B12. Regardless, the above reply regarding vitamin B12 stands. If you are referring to a dose of 2.0 mcg of B12 (not B complex) I believe I state the dose above and note that standard dose of 3-5 mg (3,000 – 5,000 mcg) of B12 is standard. There are no known risks to overdose of the B vitamins as they are water soluble, so excess is eliminated through the urine.
Best of luck,
Lynette
Edited to add: The dose of 3-5 mg is generally more than is necessary, but it is the dosage most commonly available over-the-counter for human use – and again, since there are no known risks of overdose, that’s what most people have given their cats, in my experience.
Lynette,
Yes, my mistake. I was referring to Vitamin B-complex, with B12 @ 2.0 mcg. The cynocoblamine vs Methocoblamine issue came up because in March, after years of diabetes/hypertension control, we lost my Dad to Kidney Disease and late in his care, B12 tablets were prescribed for anemia. Due to constipation and a host of other metabolic problems we opted not to continue B12. Due to this, I was wary for the cats. If standard dose is 3-5mg (3,000-5,000 mcg), then I will confirm if 2.0 mcg is below this range. In an earlier post, it was mentioned B12 given daily should not hurt; although a vet suggested once per week. Although flea treatments says to give B-Complex with B12 @ 2.0mcg daily, I was thinking moderation ( 1-3x) per week. Thanks for your insight and prompt reply.
Regards,
Joanna
There are many reply references to cats with leg weakness. I would like to mention that in addition to low B12, a potassium deficiency will also result in rear leg weakness. Potassium deficiency is relatively common in elderly cats, particularly those with chronic kidney disease. They lose potassium and other electrolytes in their urine due to excessive urination, which frequently leads to low potassium.
If I had an older cat with rear leg weakness, I would ask the vet to draw blood for a full blood panel to determine if their blood serum potassium level is low. If so, it is easy to resolve with the addition of an appropriate form and amount of potassium to the cat’s diet. But be sure to work with your vet on this, as giving the wrong kind of potassium or too much can cause other serious health conditions!
My elderly, diabetic cat years ago got to where he could barely stand up he was so weak. Sure enough, his potassium tested very low. Within two days of supplementing, he was back running around the house!