Do cats need supplements?

We all love our cats and want them to live their happiest and healthiest lives for as long as possible. Whether they’re out prowling or snoozing on our beds, their care is our top priority. 

With health supplements for cats becoming an increasingly popular topic when it comes to animal care, should you be feeding them to your cat and why? 

And, if you should, how do you pick the right supplement for your cat?

Let’s take a look. 

The short answer is no. 

Cats have specific nutritional needs. If you are feeding your cat a complete cat food, then most likely they will be receiving all the nutrients they need already. If anything, giving your cat supplements when they don’t need it can result in them consuming too much of certain vitamins and minerals, something that can be detrimental to their health.

However, if you have an older cat, a cat with a health condition, or you feed your cat a homemade or raw diet, this is when supplements can be more useful. 

If you think your cat could benefit from using supplements, always start by consulting your vet. This means they can give their top tips on if they think supplements would help your pet, and recommend specific products for your cat’s needs. 

Here are some of the most common reasons why cats take supplements:

As your cat gets older, joint supplements can help your cat maintain their mobility and flexibility. They can also help support your pet with long term health conditions such as osteoarthritis. 

You want to look for supplements that contain ingredients like Green Lipped Mussel, Omega 3 Fatty Acids or Glucosamine, all known to help with comfort for pets with conditions like arthritis. 

Whether your cat is struggling with hairballs, has a sensitive stomach or bouts of diarrhoea, supplements can support your cat’s stomach to help keep them purring. 

There are plenty of different supplement options to help cats with digestive issues. Look out for products containing Vitamin B12, as this is a key ingredient in helping maintain good digestive health. 

Probiotics are also key. These help improve your cat’s gut biome, aka the balance of microorganisms that live in a cat’s digestive system. By improving your cat’s gut biome, your furry friend can better absorb the nutrients they need. Probiotics will also soothe your cat’s gut lining. 

We know our cats love to look their best. However, for some cats, health conditions can leave them with a poor coat and sensitive skin.  

Look out for products containing Omega 3 (natural anti-inflammatory properties) and Omega 6 fatty acids. These will help maintain good skin cell health. Biotin and Vitamins A and E are also known to support skin and coat health. 

When it comes to adding fatty acids to your cat’s diet, always talk to your vet about the correct dosage for your animal. This is because these acids can cause weight gain or a stomach upset if given in too high a quantity. 

Just like us, some cats struggle with stress and anxiety more than others. This is particularly the case when there are changes to their day-to-day lives, such as going to the vets or a cattery while you’re on holiday. 

There are many different types of ingredients in calming products, from more herbal offerings to ones containing ingredients like Alpha-casozepine (Hydrolysed milk protein) and L-tryptophan, which have been found to have calming and relaxing properties and improve mood respectively.

When choosing a calming product, always consider if you need a short or long term solution. Also think about how to give the supplement to your cat. While there are many calming products that are consumed, products like spray diffusers can be equally effective. Your vet is always on hand to help you find the best solution for your cat. 

For cats with urinary health conditions, you want to be finding supplements to support a healthy bladder lining. 

Ingredients to look out for include N-acetyl D-glucosamine and hyaluronic acid. These help preserve the protective lining of the bladder.

Pet supplements have been made specifically with animals in mind. While it may be tempting to use the same Omega 3 supplements for yourself and your cat to try and save money, please don’t do this. 

While some supplements can be used for cats and dogs, others are cat or dog specific, so always check the label. 

Sadly, there is not much regulation around pet supplements in the UK. This means that supplements you buy can be made with no scientific basis or have had nasties added in that may even be detrimental to your cat.

To ensure the best quality and most effective supplements are given to your cat, seek supplements from either your vet or via our website. 

We know how fussy cats can be with their food! 

To combat this, there are a variety of different ways to give your cat supplements. 

• Capsules: These can be given to your cat whole or opened and the contents sprinkled over your cat’s food. These come in tasty flavours like chicken to make them more palatable to your cat’s tastes.
• Powders: Powders can be directly added on top of your cat’s usual food.
• Pastes: These are given via syringe straight into your pet’s mouth.
• Liquids: Liquid supplements in the form of droplets can be put straight into your cat’s food. 
• Chews: Chewable tablets are designed to be palatable and taken just like a treat. 

Often, there are multiple products available offering the same benefits in different formats. This means you can experiment and find the product that your cat is most comfortable with.

If you choose to give your cat a supplement, make sure you give it to them as often as recommended to keep the effects going within their body. 

Some supplements also need to be given for a while before taking effect, so stick with it and don’t expect results after just one dose!

If your cat has a long-term health condition, or are enjoying their golden years, supplements are a great way to keep your cat purring away. 

Always talk to your vet about the best options for your cat.