Cat Hypervitaminosis A from Raw Liver Feeding

Hypervitaminosis A is a serious and preventable nutritional disease in cats caused by excessive liver feeding, leading to painful bone changes that severely impair mobility.

Key Facts

Vitamin A toxicity in cats causes abnormal bone growth affecting the cervical spine
The condition develops gradually with excessive liver feeding over months to years
Affected cats develop painful vertebral fusions that prevent them from grooming their heads
Liver fed more than once weekly can cause toxicity in some cats over time
The condition is irreversible once significant bone changes have occurred
Raw food diets based heavily on liver are a common cause in modern cats

Welfare Considerations

Cats with hypervitaminosis A develop progressively painful bone changes that restrict neck movement, making grooming, eating, and normal movement increasingly difficult. The condition often develops insidiously with vague signs of reduced activity and apparent stiffness before the cause is recognized. Once significant vertebral fusion occurs, the damage cannot be reversed. The condition is entirely preventable through balanced feeding, making owner education about proper liver feeding frequency a key welfare intervention.

What You Can Do

Limit liver in cat diets to no more than 5% of the total diet or once weekly as a treat
If feeding a raw diet, ensure it is formulated by a veterinary nutritionist to prevent deficiencies and toxicities
Consult your vet before making major changes to your cat's diet
Have your cat assessed by a veterinarian if you notice stiffness or reduced grooming
Choose commercial complete diets that meet AAFCO nutritional standards to avoid nutritional imbalances