2026-05-13
Nutrition, living environment, and daily exposure to various factors may influence the mineral composition of a cat’s body.
One of the laboratory methods used to assess element levels is cat hair analysis (HTMA – Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis). The test involves analyzing a hair sample for selected minerals and potentially toxic elements.
What exactly is this test, and what kind of information can it provide?
Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA) is a laboratory method used to determine the levels of selected elements in a cat’s hair sample.
The test allows for the assessment of:
✓ macro- and microelement levels
✓ relationships between elements
✓ the presence of selected heavy metals
The analysis is performed using the ICP-OES method (Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry), commonly used for elemental analysis of biological materials.
Hair analysis is one of the methods used to assess the elemental composition of biological material.
A cat’s hair may reflect long-term exposure to selected elements, which is why HTMA is sometimes used in the context of:
✓ nutritional monitoring
✓ observing environmental influences
✓ changes related to diet and supplementation
In cats, factors associated with the home environment may also be considered, including exposure to dust, litter boxes, drinking water, or urban surroundings.
The results are informational in nature and should be interpreted with consideration of the cat’s diet and living conditions.
Cats have specific nutritional requirements that may vary depending on:
✓ age
✓ activity level
✓ lifestyle and living environment
The type of diet may also play an important role, including wet food, dry food, BARF diets, or the use of dietary supplements.
Adequate intake of minerals and proper elemental balance are important aspects of daily nutrition.
Hair analysis may support a more informed approach to a cat’s diet and supplementation.
The cat hair analysis report includes:
✓ levels of selected mineral elements
✓ relationships between minerals
✓ information regarding the presence of heavy metals
✓ interpretation of the results in the context of the cat’s nutrition
Hair analysis and blood tests provide different types of information.
✓ hair may reflect longer-term exposure to elements
✓ blood tests show current values at the time of sampling
These methods are not directly comparable and serve different informational purposes.
In practice, hair analysis may complement observations related to a cat’s nutrition and living environment.
HTMA analysis may be considered, among others:
✓ when changing the feeding approach
✓ for monitoring diet and supplementation
✓ in the context of the cat’s living environment
✓ as part of regular observation of the animal
✓ for both indoor and outdoor cats
✓ when using homemade or BARF diets
✓ in cases of increased environmental exposure in the home or the cat’s surroundings
✓ for breeding and show cats
The hair sample should be collected according to the instructions included in the kit.
1. The hair should be cut close to the skin
2. The sample should be collected from several areas
3. The material should be clean and dry
Elemental hair analysis (HTMA) is intended for informational and educational purposes.
It is not a veterinary diagnostic test and is not used to diagnose diseases or make medical decisions. If you have concerns about your animal’s condition, consultation with a veterinarian is recommended.
Cat hair analysis (HTMA) is a laboratory method used to assess the elemental composition of a hair sample.
It may provide information about mineral levels, relationships between elements, and environmental exposure, supporting a more informed approach to nutrition, supplementation, and cat care.
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