Limited Knowledge On Thiamine’s Role In Feline Health Among Cat Owners In Ipoh, Malaysia

Feline health requires dietary thiamine for carbohydrate metabolism and neurological function, yet preventable deficiencies persist in veterinary practice. This cross-sectional study assessed thiamine nutritional literacy among cat owners in Ipoh, Malaysia. Data were gathered from September 6–29, 2024, using a questionnaire distributed via 17 veterinary clinics and digital platforms like WhatsApp and Facebook. Screening questions restricted participation to current Ipoh residents, requiring parental consent for minors. Statistical analyses on the final convenience sample (N = 52) were executed in SPSS Version 27, using Chi-Square tests for categorical variables and Mann–Whitney U tests for non-normal Likert-scale data. The findings revealed a notable knowledge deficit whereby most respondents lacked basic awareness of thiamine's function (n = 31) or its deficiency signs (n = 35). A significant misconception was also identified, as 65.4% (n = 34) mistakenly viewed raw fish as a beneficial thiamine source, unaware of destructive thiaminase enzymes. Interestingly, the questionnaire itself served as a brief learning experience, as 76.9% of the respondents noted that their awareness of thiamine increased just by completing the survey. These outcomes highlight an urgent need for veterinarian-led initiatives to correct feeding myths and protect domestic cats from nutritional disorders.