{"id":4811,"date":"2024-03-06T14:30:56","date_gmt":"2024-03-06T14:30:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vitaanimalhealth.com\/?p=4811"},"modified":"2024-04-15T13:23:29","modified_gmt":"2024-04-15T12:23:29","slug":"supplements-for-cats","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vitaanimalhealth.com\/supplements-for-cats\/","title":{"rendered":"Supplements for Cats"},"content":{"rendered":"

Supplements for cats<\/h1>\nDo cats need supplements? And if so, which supplements are beneficial to cats? These are commonly asked questions from concerned cat owners, who want to make sure they are giving their cat everything he or she needs for a long, healthy life.\n

What are supplements for cats? <\/strong><\/h4>\nSupplements are products which are given in addition to a cat\u2019s normal diet. Both vets and members of the Pet Food Institute say if your cat is generally healthy, a good quality balanced cat food should contain all your cat needs to lead a full, healthy life. Giving your cat more vitamins or minerals could cause more harm than good, and it\u2019s important to follow veterinary advice.\n

When should I give my cat a supplement? <\/strong><\/h4>\nA healthy cat eating a balanced, complete cat food should not require additional supplements. Supplements may be recommended if your cat is sick. They can be used to support health if your cat is suffering from conditions such as joint pain, skin disease, gut problems and liver disease. Some supplements may also be recommended to calm your cat during periods of stress. It’s important to remember that you can harm your cat by giving her too many supplements. Before buying a supplement, ask your vet which kind is best suited for your cat\u2019s life stage and medical condition.\n

How to choose a supplement for your cat <\/strong><\/h4>\nCats of different ages and lifestyles have very different needs. It is important to choose supplements recommended by vets, as many are untested and unproven. Your vet will recommend a product with reliable quality and which follows the guidelines set out by the Veterinary Medicines Directorate. Do not use different supplements together, as they may contain the same or similar ingredients, which may result in toxicity. Alternatively, they may contain ingredients which are not compatible with each other.\n

Types of Cat Supplements <\/strong><\/h4>\nVitamins and minerals:<\/u> There are many single or multivitamin products available for cats. However, most cat foods contain all the necessary vitamins and minerals that a cat needs so these supplements are not generally recommended.\n\nEssential fatty acids:<\/strong> Omega-3 fatty acids are usually recommended to help maintain skin and coat health. They also support a cat\u2019s immune system, liver, eyes, brain and joints. An additional benefit of Omega-3s may be in boosting heart health and fighting high cholesterol.\n\nProbiotics:<\/strong> Probiotics are supplements of \u201cgood\u201d bacteria that help improve digestive health. They contain microorganisms such as Lactobacillus, which help to control the overgrowth of “bad” bacteria in the large intestine.\n\nLiver supplements: <\/strong>These may be recommended to support liver health, as liver disease is not uncommon in cats. They usually contain a combination of anti-oxidants (such as silymarin from milk thistle) and vitamins, which can be depleted in liver disease.\n\nCalming supplements: <\/strong>These often contain a combination of amino acids which support the production of serotonin, which has a calming effect. These are often in combination with vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids to help support brain health.\n

What are nutraceuticals for cats?<\/strong><\/h4>\nNutraceuticals comprise of foods, or extracts from foods, that confer medicinal benefits. Some of the most common include:\n