Just like humans, your cat may need an additional nutritional boost at different times in their life. A nutritious diet is the basis of their healthy life, but – just like the vitamins that we take – some conditions benefit from additional supplements they don't get from their cat food.
American Feed Control officials check that commercially available cat foods meet certain standards, but sometimes your cat's nutritional needs require a boost for optimal health.
Just be sure to pick the right ones, don’t overdo it, and ensure that your veterinarian is on board.
Introduction
Whether your young cat is having some issues with their skin or coat, or your senior cat seems stiffer than usual, supplements can help them be their best. There are proven supplements designed to support feline health at every stage of life.
Love, Nala is passionate about providing cats with the best quality air-dried and wet cat food. We go beyond the nutrition in most commercially available cat foods. We want them to have exactly what they need, and that includes supplements. However, it’s important to talk to your veterinarian about it first to ensure you’re giving them the right ones.
We’ve created this handy guide to help pet parents navigate the most common ones and what they’re used for.
What Are Cat Supplements?
Cat supplements are built around certain vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that support specific health conditions. They’re given in addition to a healthy diet and provide a specific nutritional boost. Some issues may need a little more of a boost than what your cat can get from the healthiest food.
Supplements can be given as a liquid or a powder sprinkled over their canned food. There are tasty chews and treats, too. Whichever you choose, consistency is key to seeing results.
How Supplements Work for Cats
Humans take extra Vitamin C to ward off colds, extra calcium for weak bones, or a probiotic for better digestion. Those are the same reasons to give your cat a supplement if they need extra help with certain health issues.
There are effective supplements to help with their immunity, digestion, or to soothe stiff joints. You can improve their coat health or skin. Even if you just want to ensure their overall wellness, you can find something to keep Kitty at his best.
As we’ve mentioned, check with your veterinarian first, follow dosage guidelines, and pay attention to any potential adverse reactions.
What Vitamins and Mineral Supplements Do Cats Need?
A healthy diet should provide many of the essentials that your cat needs. Vitamins A, B-complex, D, E, and K are baseline nutrients. Calcium, zinc, phosphorus, and zinc are key minerals every cat needs. Taurine is another one for eye health and heart health; it must be in their diet because, as obligate carnivores, a cat's body doesn’t naturally produce it.
Signs of nutritional deficiencies in a cat may include the following:
- Digestive problems, like vomiting or diarrhea
- More frequent illnesses or infections
- A coat that’s dull or unkempt, or more frequent scratching
- Muscle weakness
- Stiff joints
- Weight loss, lethargy
- Increased anxiety or nervousness
With the guidance of your veterinarian, there are helpful supplements that can support and improve these conditions.
Types of Supplements for Cats
You’ll find a variety of cat food supplements to support specific conditions or overall health. There may be times when they play a temporary role, such as something to ease anxiety during changes in the home. As they age, a supplement will maintain joint health and keep them comfortable.
A picky eater may need something to “fill in” the nutritional blanks. A senior cat will need more support for vision, kidneys, or digestion. And, just like their humans, almost every cat can benefit from a daily multivitamin.
Here are the most common dietary supplements to discuss with your vet.
Cat Calming Supplements
Cats are sensitive creatures, especially to changes in routine, like a house move or the addition of a new family member. Certain events – like fireworks or home renovations – can make them nervous. Cat calming supplements, with natural ingredients like Valerian and L-theanine, help them relax.
Cat Digestive Supplements
A cat suffering from diarrhea or weight loss can benefit from digestive enzymes and probiotics. The beneficial bacteria will settle their digestive system. It also helps them better absorb the nutrients from their pet food and establish better gut health.
Hydration Supplements for Cats
Water is essential, but some cats simply don’t drink enough of it. This can lead to dehydration, lethargy, and kidney disease. Electrolyte powders or gels added to their food help replace some of that missing hydration.
Immune Support for Cats
A healthy immune system is critical to warding off illness and infection. A supplement with antioxidants and vitamins C and E gives their immune system what it needs.
Cat Dental Supplements
You’re never gonna get your kitty to floss. At best, your cat will have terrible breath. At worst, he’ll need an expensive dental procedure down the road. Dental chews and powders help remove the tartar and plaque build-up that can create problems. There are even things you can add to their water.
Multivitamins for Cats
Some cats are picky eaters. Cat vitamins fill in the nutrition gaps to make their diet more nutritionally complete. It also supports their overall health.
Joint Supplements for Cats
Senior cats or larger breeds may have mobility issues. With their anti-inflammatory properties, supplements with glucosamine, chondroitin, and healthy Omega-3 fatty acids will reduce inflammation, improve joint health, and help them get around more comfortably.
Skin and Coat Supplements for Cats
Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids are great for keeping your cat's skin healthy and shining up a cat’s coat.
Stress and Anxiety Supplements for Cats
Besides the occasional calming supplement, there are certain herbs and adaptogens that can be added to the daily diet to keep their brain health and nervous system steady.
Senior Supplements for Cats
Senior cats need extra care for their kidney health, aging joints, brain function, and overall immune function.
How to Choose the Right Supplement for Your Cat's Needs
When you’re choosing a supplement for your cat, start with their age, lifestyle, and the quality of their diet. Also, what are the certain health conditions you want to address?
Your veterinarian plays a crucial role in this decision-making process. They’ll let you know what to expect and how to work it into an overall treatment plan. It’s also essential to stick to the recommended dosage; “more” is not better, and may be counterproductive.
Cat’s Stages of Life and Different Supplements
Cats at a different life stage require different supplements to stay healthy or address specific health issues. Fortunately, there are specific supplements to keep your cat at its best throughout its life.
Supplements for Kittens (0-12 months)
Kittens are fluff balls of energy! The right supplements will support their healthy growth and development into the adult stage.
Supplements for Adult Cats (1-7 years)
Keep your adult cat at his best, with great energy levels, healthy joints, healthy skin, and a coat that’s soft and shiny. Digestive enzymes ensure they're getting the most from their balanced diet.
Senior Cats (7+ Years)
Older cats are stiffer in their joints. Their eyes and brain may not work as well. Their urinary tract health needs support. They may be more susceptible to illness, so supporting their immune system is mission-critical.
Safety Considerations When Giving Supplements to Cats
If you add supplements to your cat’s diet, it’s important to work with your vet. They’ll ensure that you’re giving them the right ones and in the right dosage.
Watch your cat for any allergic reactions. Signs can include vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, or seizures. The symptoms can show up anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours. If they do, contact your vet immediately.
Final Vet-Approved Recommendations
Among the many supplements for cats, the ones that are most commonly used are for digestion, joint health, or skin and coat. As we’ve stressed, check with your veterinarian first. This will ensure that you’re giving them the right thing.
Once you add nutritional supplements to Kitty’s balanced diet, keep an eye on any potential reactions.
The right supplements offer a variety of health benefits to support cat health and their individual nutritional needs.
