Did you know that your favorite furbaby is doing more than keeping herself clean as she licks her fur?

Have you noticed that she loves to groom herself while laying in a sunny spot?

Cats (and all furry animals) do not absorb Vitamin D3 in the same way that humans do. The chemicals in the oil naturally found on our skin are broken down by the ultraviolet radiation of the sun. This forms a completely different molecule that we know as Vitamin D3. Because the skin is a highly absorbent organ, we absorb the Vitamin D3 into our bodies without even trying to. Our cats aren’t as lucky.

In recent years, we have learned how important Vitamin D3 is for our bodies. Functioning as a hormone and less like a typical vitamin, it boosts the immune system, fights viruses, aids in chronic conditions, and uplifts moods. It was also learned that most humans are seriously lacking enough of the vitamin, so supplements were recommended.

A cats fur is so thick that it prevents the skin from absorbing Vitamin D3 from the sun. So how does your pet obtain this needed vitamin?

The Real Reason Cats Lick Their Fur

While cat food does contain small amounts of Vitamin D3, it is not your furbaby’s main source of it. Along with other furry animals, cats obtain most of this vitamin by licking their fur. As your cat sunbathes in the windowsill or from a ray of sun beaming in to the house, their little bodies are creating, but not absorbing Vitamin D3. The ‘wool fat’ and skin oils are rich in provitamin which is broken down to create Vitamin D3 under ultraviolet radiation, just as on human skin. This is where the similarities end, though. It takes licking the fur for your pet to get access to the vitamin.

While humans are averaging levels far below normal, cats typically keep healthy levels on the vitamin due to their constant grooming habits. You do not want to supplement your pet unless a veterinarian recommends it. Cats easily can suffer from Vitamin D poisoning, leaving them with any of the following:

• Vomiting
• Weakness
• Depression
• Lack of appetite
• Increased thirst (polydipsia)
• Increased urination (polyuria)
• Dark tarry feces containing blood
• Blood in vomit
• Loss of weight
• Constipation
• Seizures
• Muscle tremors
• Abdominal pain
• Excessive drooling

Stick with letting your cat do her thing as long as she is healthy and happy!