It is easy for cats to develop a thiamine deficiency, a water-soluble vitamin, due to their need for three times as much of this nutrient as dogs, and if not caught quickly, it can be fatal. Canned cat food is especially at risk due to its processing methods and storage times, which can cause a drastic loss of thiamine, as well as diets that are unbalanced raw or homemade. Symptoms of a thiamine deficiency may not appear for weeks and include general gastrointestinal upset, dilated pupils, ventriflexion, loss of coordination, arching of the head, neck, and spine, a head tilt, falling, circling, stupor, abnormal gait, and seizures. To prevent a thiamine deficiency, it is best to look for human-grade, meat-based, fresher pet foods, or switch to making your pet’s meals at home, while limiting or eliminating raw fish from the diet. If feeding a canned diet, detoxification protocols and stainless steel, glass, or ceramic bowls are recommended.