Supplements and vitamins are becoming more popular among dogs and cats. Never give your cat any supplements they find at the pharmacy. It is very important to find something specially formulated for your cat’s health. Otherwise, it could be potentially harmful. Even supplements prescribed for dogs can pose a risk to your cat.
Commercial cat food approved by the American Feed Control Association (AAFCO) contains the necessary nutrients and vitamins that cats need to grow. However, if your cat manages health issues, they can benefit from an additional supplement boost. Those with cats eating raw or homemade meals should consult with their vet to discuss whether supplements are needed to complete their nutrition.
What are cat supplements?
Supplements are often recommended for veterinarian cats to support mobility issues as well as digestive and joint health, immune support, and skin health. The National Animal Supplement Council (NASC), a nonprofit, was created to regulate animal dietary supplements and ensure the safety of pet supplements.
The NASC Quality Program provides strict guidelines by regulating manufacturing standards for raw materials and dietary supplements. As a result, products approved by the organization will have NASC quality seals. Look for this sticker when choosing a vitamin or supplement for your cat.
Why do vets recommend cat supplements?
If your cat is prone to or is developing medical problems, your veterinarian may chat with you about adding supplements to support their health. It is usually okay to give your cat supplements without medical concerns, but always consult with your veterinarian first to decide which supplements are best.
How Supplements Work for Cats
Even after you choose a supplement for your cat, always check with your vet to make sure it’s safe and appropriate.
Common types of cat supplements
Multivitamins for cats
Common ingredients in cat multivitamins include:
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- Taurine: Promoting amino acids Heart health
- Vitamin B: Helps the body produce red blood cells and helps in the health of the digestive and nervous system
- Prebiotics and Probiotics: Made up of healthy bacteria used to improve the gastrointestinal system
- Electrolytes: It helps regulate nerve and muscle function and maintain proper hydration in your cat
- Omega-3 fatty acids: help skin, kidney diseases and joint diseases, improving heart and brain function
- Iron: Essential for the development of red blood cells. Without proper iron levels in the body, cats can develop anemia.
Cat joint supplements
Cooperative supplements are used to maintain joint health, reduce pain and inflammation, and repair cartilage. They can be used in preventive care and as part of a treatment plan for arthritis, autoimmune diseases, and other chronic diseases that affect the joints of cats.
General ingredients
- Glucosamine: It protects, provides support and acts as a component to repair damaged chondrocytes
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Chondroitin: Protects chondrocytes and helps repair damaged chondrocytes
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MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane): Source of sulfur with all-natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties
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Green mussels: Provides pain relief and prevents chemicals in the body that cause inflammation
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Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Found in certain fish oils that provide anti-inflammatory properties
Skin and coat supplements for cats
- Omega-3 fatty acids Alpha-linoleic acid (ALA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)/ALA are found in certain fish oils, such as salmon oil.
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Omega-6 fatty acids It helps maintain skin cells healthy, like linoleic acid and arachidonic acid
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fatty acid It’s moderately good, but shouldn’t be overused as it is high in calories and can cause significant stomach upset if administered frequently
Cat stress and anxiety supplements
Cat supplements are becoming more and more popular. Common ingredients are:
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L-tryptophan: Amino acids that help produce mood-regulating serotonin can help improve sleep and reduce cortisol (stress hormone).
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Alpha Casozepin: Supplements derived from milk protein help cats relax and reduce stress
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Synthetic pheromones: Can be used as an AS Diffuserspray, or collar. They signal the cats to let them know that they are safe. a Recent research These pheromones have shown to be useful in stress, particularly in the associated veterinary office visits.
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Vitamin b: It plays many beneficial roles within the body, and helps improve brain function and mood, especially
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Gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA): Neurotransmitters in the brain help to create calming effects
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Herbal supplements: It is used to provide a calm mind. These herbs are derived from plants and are used in supplements formulated for modern medicine and cats
Cat immune support supplements
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L-lysine: Amino acid supplements that are useful for clinical signs from feline herpesvirus infection.
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Antioxidants: Include vitamin E, vitamin C, selenium and glutathione peroxidase. Antioxidants protect the body from damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are by-products produced when the body produces energy from the food it consumes.
Digestive supplements for cats
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Probiotics It is usually a living microorganism from bacteria and yeast, which helps to recover and improve the digestive system. Probiotics help reduce gas from the unhealthy gastrointestinal tract and bloating, chronic diarrhea, chronic vomiting, inability to maintain weight, and restore intestinal health.
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Hair Ball Control Supplement (gel format) Provides lubrication to help with excessive hair passing through the gastrointestinal tract. Some hair remedies also contain herbs that help support healthy gastrointestinal tract.
Senior supplements for cats
Senior supplements and multivitamins are intended to help reduce the health effects of cats’ natural aging processes.
These supplements often include ingredients such as glucosamine for joint support, antioxidants that help improve memory and cognitive function, omega-3 fatty acids that help with arthritis and brain health, and probiotics for digestive support.
Consult your veterinarian about supplements
It is always best to discuss with your vet what supplements and vitamins you want to give to your cat. Your vet can find supplements that suit your cat’s health needs and can provide extensive information and education about supplements.
Featured Images: istock.com/ilia kalinkin
