Essential Nutrients for Your Cat

Have you ever thought about whether or not your cat needs vitamins? Most healthy cats do not need vitamins, and giving them to your cat when not needed can lead to hypervitaminosis (poisoning due to excess vitamin intake), which is more common than vitamin deficiency. Therefore, if you are feeding your cat high quality food, it is unnecessary to give your cat a vitamin supplement unless a vitamin deficiency is diagnosed by your veterinarian. On occasion, your cat might need vitamins to treat an illness or a medical condition, or to improve his or her skin and coat health. Always discuss any concerns with your veterinarian to make sure your cat really needs a vitamin supplement.

If vitamins are necessary as a supplement to your cat's diet, the following are recommended:

Taurine
A complete multivitamin and mineral supplement, like 1-800-PetMeds Soft VitaChews for Cats, contains taurine, which promotes good eye and heart health in your cat. Cats will love these easy-to-give and easy-to-eat soft chews available in a delicious chicken liver flavor. Felovite II can also fulfill your cat's necessary taurine intake.

Digestive enzymes
Giving your cat a digestive enzyme such as NaturVet Digestive Enzymes Plus Probiotic can help boost your cat's immune system and normalize bowel movements. Another digestive aid, Fast Balance-G.I., works to restore a healthy digestive tract in your cat and helps stop vomiting and diarrhea.

Fatty acids
If your cat suffers from skin allergies or a dull coat, Omega 3 fatty acids can help. Fatty acids act as antioxidants that help protect cells from damage and promote healthy skin, joints, and organs. In addition, fatty acids help reduce your cat's shedding.

 

Never give your cat a multivitamin without consulting with your veterinarian first.