We all want our cats to live long and healthy lives. Although most cat food brands have the essential vitamins and minerals a cat needs, some cats need more. Whether your cat has an illness or deficiency, you might want to supplement their diet. Remember to always consult your veterinarian before choosing cat vitamins for your feline friend.
Why Cats Need Vitamins
Some cats require supplements due to illnesses or deficiencies. You should never decide yourself that your cat needs a supplement. Always take your cat to the vet first, there may be an underlying condition that is causing your cat to have issues. Some cats have health issues that causes them to improperly digest and process vitamins and minerals in their food.
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What Are the Important Vitamins and Minerals Your Cat Needs?
Taurine
Taurine is a good amino acid for herbivore cats or cats that eat homemade food. It helps with your cat’s breaking down of fats.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is usually recommended for unhealthy felines. Because cats are very prone to urinary tract infections, it helps make their urine more acidic to prevent future UTIs.
Fish Oil
Fish oil can give cats with dull fur or dry skin a nice shine. Before giving your cat fish oil for a dull coat, check with your vet because there can be a more serious issue causing the dullness. Fish oil also helps joints and claw health. It can also help some cats with allergies and gastrointestinal issues.
Vitamin B12
B12 can assist your cat’s bone marrow to produce more red blood cells. Vitamin B12 is a great supplement for anemic cats.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a fat soluble supplement that is good for cats with steatitis. Usually cats suffer from this condition if their diet mainly consists of fish.
Cat Fiber
Cat fiber is a great choice for cats that have a hard time making bowel movements or have frequent diarrhea. It can also be used when a cat is on a diet; it makes a cat feel full faster while giving them less calories. It can manage obesity in your cat and help them with their bowel movements.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D helps to form bones and control muscles and nerves by regulating phosphorus and calcium levels. Kittens need more than an adult cat.
Iron
Iron is essential for your cat to maintain healthy blood. There can be other illnesses that can cause an iron deficiency. Make sure you have a vet run tests before administering iron to your cat.
Lysine
Lysine is for cats with feline herpes. No worries, it is nothing like our form of herpes. It is not a sexually transmitted disease; it’s actually an upper respitory infection. Feline herpes is very contagious, if you have multiple cats, you should give them all Lysine even if only one cat has it. Lysine can also prevent getting feline herpes.
Potassium
Although there is typically enough potassium in many cat foods, some cats need the extra amount. Cats that suffer from kidney disease, chronic vomiting and other illnesses may need potassium supplements. It helps with the proper function or nerves, joints and enzymes.
Joint Supplements
Joint supplements help with the pain of inflammation. They can also help reduce inflammation. Typically given to older cats or cats that suffer from arthritis. There has been no evidence of negative effects like other NSAIDs.
Best Cat Vitamins I Recommend:
Wild Omega Fish Oil
This product is made from wild caught fish. It is a non GMO fish oil and deodorized to remove the smell of fish. It also helps with Vitamin E deficiencies.
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Pros:
- Great taste with no fish smell
- Supports heart, joints, skin and coat
- Tested by a third non biased party
- Lifetime 100% money back guarantee
Cons:
- Usually takes between four and twelve weeks to show results
- Drops can be more difficult to give
- Only a four month shelf life
Nutramax
These capsules are made to maintain optimal joint function in cats. It is one of the top vet recommended brands. Based on US vet studies, it is shown to be safe and effective. Nutramax supports bladder health and cartilage production.
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Pros:
- Affordable price
- One of the top brands recommended by veterinarians
- Flavors of chicken and tuna
- You can sprinkle it onto the food
Cons:
- Some cats don’t benefit as much as others
- Cats might not like the flavor
Five Paws Glucosamine
This supplement can be used for a cat of any size or age. It is recommended to use with younger cats to prevent joint issues later on. Five Paws is a gluten free high quality multivitamin. You can use it as a treat that also gives health benefits.
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Pros:
- Gluten free
- Good for all ages and sizes
- Low dosage
- Two year expiration date from the time it is manufactured
Cons:
- Less results with some pets that have more severe conditions
- Some cats don’t like the taste
Liqui-Tinic Flavored Vitamin and Iron Supplement
This supplement can be used for cats as well as a number of other species. It contains vitamins, iron, B complex, and amino acids.
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Pros:
- Affordable price
- High quality ingredients
- Numerous nutritional supplements included
Cons:
- Result time varies by each animal
- Harder to administer drops
- Smell isn’t pleasant
Thunderpaws Omega 3, 6, and 9
This product is made in the United States and follows all of the guidelines under the FDA and NASC. It has a high concentration of high quality ingredients. It maintains and improves your cat’s fur and skin. It also contains vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, B12 and E, as well as zinc.
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Pros:
- Can be given as a treat
- Easy to crush or cut in half
- Affordable price
- Contains other vitamins as well
Cons:
- There is a slight stench to it
- Some pets will refuse due to the taste
Wholistic Pet Organics
This is a complete supplement that contains vitamins, digestive microflora, minerals, antioxidants, enzymes and fatty acids. Made from all natural ingredients and made in the United States. Supports your pet’s health to live a long life.
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Pros:
- Complete supplement, meaning you only need this one product
- Made from high quality organic ingredients
- Affordable price
Cons:
- It is a powder
- Contains an artificial sweetener that is derived from onions and garlic
Pet Naturals
Pet Naturals contains multiple vitamins, taurine, digestive enzymes, antioxidants and omegas three and six. The taurine is for the heart, eye, brain and reproductive health. This supplement can be used everyday. There is a low dosage and recommended for sick pets or pets that have just had an operation.
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Pros:
- Low dosage
- Chicken and liver flavor
- Multiple benefits
- You can use everyday
Cons:
- Only one flavor
- There is not a lot in each package