We have already looked at vitamin B12 functions and symptoms of deficiency as well as its use in cats with IBD, diabetes, especially diabetes neuropathy as well as something on B12 shots for cats.
Does it boost appetite?
Our best answer is yes. It does help in improving it. According to the Texas A&M Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, it “may also have a pharmacologic effect as an appetite stimulant. Anorectic feline patients with cobalamin deficiency often start to eat again once they are being supplemented and appetite wanes once again when cobalamin is no longer administered weekly.”
This has been noted even if the serum cobalamin seems to be normal and the supplementation is paused or stopped.
Additionally, Vetinfo notes that “vitamin B12 can also stimulate appetite while also promoting liver health.” This further supports our answer.
Therefore, it is normal for this vitamin supplementation to be recommended in anorexic pets to get them eating again.
Finally, borrowing from the fact that this vitamin boost immunity, it means it will be helpful in case this pet is unwell.
When to supplement?
Before your vet recommends supplementation of cobalamin, your cat’s serum cobalamin level will be tested first. It is possible that the loss of appetite may be due to another health problem.
Supplementation can be done orally if your feline friend has no gastrointestinal problems.
However, in case of conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, pancreatitis, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, intestinal lymphoma, and so on, a shot or B12 injection will be recommended as these conditions will disrupt its absorption.
Your vet will guide you on the right dosages. Additionally, the underlying causes of anorexia must also be addressed since this vitamin may not treat them.