As people need additional nutrients to our regular diet for better overall health, so do our pets. As much as we try to create a rich, balanced diet for our furry little friends, sometimes they need a little extra to get stronger and healthier. People often underestimate supplements, thinking it’s something only gym rats and bodybuilders use. Nothing could be further from the truth: this is only a way of making sure our body gets everything it needs, provided it’s all in good moderation.
In recent years, animal nutritionists have looked deeper into food supplements for cats and dogs, creating a comprehensive list of the most necessary additions to their diet. Since this article deals with felines, we’ll stick to the non-barking variety. Various supplements help improve organs, bones and joints, teeth, skin and coat, and even stress and anxiety.
Whether your cat needs improvement in any of these areas, it’s best to leave the vet to decide. Routine checkups will discover a fault if there is one, and it should never be ignored, no matter how trivial it seems.
Types of Supplements
There is no one set supplement that will cover all of your pet’s needs. Instead, they are specialized for different areas of the body. Let’s quickly run through the various types so you can get a general idea.Multivitamins
Perhaps the most important supplements of all are multivitamins. First of all, aside from protein, the basic diet for cats must have vitamins (and minerals) because cats don’t create their own. Without vitamins, they wouldn’t be able to metabolize food and use it as a source of energy, and they are essential for development and growth. Remember, unlike protein, which is a macronutrient, vitamins are micronutrients and should be taken in smaller doses.You might ask, which vitamins are vital for my feline? Here’s a short list: for skeletal and dental care, “sunshine” Vitamin D is a must. For healthy skin, coat, and eyesight, they need Vitamin A. With the help of B vitamins, animals get energy from food through chemical reactions, and they’re good for cell growth. Vitamin K, on the other hand, helps to regulate normal blood flow.
Now, it’s easy to administer more vitamins than necessary. If the regular diet has enough, there’s no real need for multivitamins, unless your furball is sick. In any case, consult with a vet before adding any extra nutrients to your pet to avoid trouble.
The easiest way to start is with chews or tablets, and the golden rule is to start small and slow. If you notice higher energy levels in your cat in a few weeks, “blame” the vitamins.
Skin and Coat Care
We already know that cats are self-cleaning experts, using their tongues to patiently polish their fur. If they weren’t, we’d be much busier keeping our furballs all nice and shiny. Even so, they need a little help from us, too. If you see that your cat’s coat looks shaggy or unhealthy in any way, maybe it’s time for some supplements.These contain Vitamins E and A, which protect and regenerate the skin. Next, we have the highly important fatty acids, Omega-3 and Omega-6. Besides anti-inflammatory effects, fatty acids serve to stabilize cell membranes and toughen up the skin. Also, they make the fur more brilliant and healthy-looking. Fish and flaxseed are the two main natural sources of these acids, but in their absence, supplements will do the job successfully.
How to know if your feline needs these supplements? If there’s more shedding than normal, it might be a cause for concern. Normally, cats molt twice a year, in spring and autumn. But if you notice abnormal hair loss, or if your furry friend is often biting or brushing areas of the body nervously, chances are there’s a skin condition and it’s time to visit the vet.
Dental Supplements
Unfortunately, our furballs don’t tell us their toothaches, so it’s necessary to provide dental care at all times. Over the age of three, many cats have oral problems that can be a result of tooth decay, gingivitis, tartar buildup, etc. For this reason, besides regular oral hygiene, supplements can help maintain a healthy mouth with no decaying teeth.For one, this type of supplement is rich in probiotics. The mouth is full of bacteria, and without probiotics, bad bacteria can lead to gum disease and halitosis. Next, enzymes stop tartar and plaque from building up, otherwise, you’d have to remove it regularly. Again we meet the powerful fatty acids, which prevent gum disease by reducing inflammation. Lastly, Vitamins E, C, and other antioxidants are also great for gum health and maintenance.
Reducing Stress
Separation anxiety, health issues, the presence of other pets, strangers – all these can cause significant stress and anxiety in your feline. It shows in their behavior: they’re less communicative, more aloof than usual, and they can even get aggressive and scratchy. Supplements can help a great deal here, but only if used with caution.
Probably the safest choice is the herbal kind. They bring calmness, better sleep, and overall improved mood in your pet. Modern medicine uses the healing properties of plants like valerian, catnip, lemon balm, turmeric, milk thistle, and others.
Just as people benefit from more serotonin, so do our pets. Herbal supplements have the amino acid L-tryptophan, responsible for serotonin production, resulting in quality sleep and tranquility. If your cat is moodier than usual, you might have found your solution.
Back to vitamins for a second; other than the benefits we already mentioned, B vitamins play a role in improving mood and decreasing stress. Also, they’re great for brain function, especially in kittens. The early period is when they develop their intelligence, and good nutrition plus supplements can do wonders for your feline.
Final Thoughts
There is a lot more to learn about supplements, but here we covered some basic areas. Feel free to read up more on this subject, but before taking action, the vet is your best friend. Expert advice is in your pet’s best interest, and cats are too delicate and precious to do them any wrong.
