Key Points
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Your cat may need a fiber supplement to improve its consistency if it has loose stools.
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Fiber from pumpkin or cat grass may reduce hairballs in your cat.
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Treats with glucosamine and chondroitin support bone and joint health in aging cats with arthritis.
Do you see ongoing behavioral or health issues with your cat? Supplementing your cat's diet may be in order. This article shows you when and how to add nutritional supplements to your cat's regular meals.
You always want what's best for your feline friend. You provide a cozy home, lots of love, and, of course, the right diet. Cats sometimes need that extra nutritional boost to maintain their health.
However, never give supplements to your cat without first checking with your vet. Supplements aren't always the answer. Be aware of some common health issues in cats and determine if a supplement may work.
Age-Related Needs
Senior cats go through changes and issues that younger cats don't. Sometimes, your elderly cat needs a little support as they age. As your cat ages, their nutritional requirements change. Senior cats often have changes in metabolism and health concerns they didn't have in their younger days.
Their food may not be as palatable, causing them to eat less and lose weight. They may develop a disease like diabetes and gain weight. Either way, they may need a supplement to get them back in balance.
Essential Supplements for Senior Cats
Commonly recommended supplements for senior cats include antioxidants, probiotics, L-carnitine, and vitamins E & C. These boost immunity, improve digestion, support healthy weight, and slow cognitive decline. Certain nutrients like Omega-3 fatty acids help brain health in aging cats. They may not groom as well as they once did if they have joint issues.
Fish oil supplements with Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids also improve the health of their skin and coat. Introduce these supplements when your cat starts showing signs of aging –- usually around seven years old. It's always best to consult a vet before beginning any new dietary supplement because they consider the cat's health status and needs.
Digestive Support
It's not uncommon for cats to vomit occasionally due to hairballs. If your cat throws up frequently, they may have a sensitive stomach or food allergies and require some digestive support.
Some cats may have loose stools and need a fiber supplement. Aussie vet Dr. Lisa Chimes discussed this topic in a TikTok video on June 1, 2023. Not to belabor the point, but be sure to talk to your pet's vet before giving these or any other supplements to your cat.
Key Roles of Digestive Supplements
Healthy digestion is vital for your cat's overall health. Digestive supplements are good for cats with upset stomachs, irregular bowel movements, or food intolerance. These digestive issues may prevent them from absorbing the nutrients they need. Key players for cat digestion include probiotics and enzymes, which assist in breaking down food and maintaining gut health.
If your feline displays signs of a sensitive stomach, such as regular vomiting or diarrhea, they might benefit from a digestive-support supplement. Ask your vet to rule out any underlying health problems that could be the cause.
Typically, you give digestive supplements along with the cat's regular meals –- either mixed with their food or as a separate treat, typically once daily. The exact dosage and frequency depend on the supplement's brand and your vet's recommendation.
Hairball Prevention
Hairballs are annoying and sometimes dangerous. If your cat has coarse or long hair, they may produce frequent hairballs and need help eliminating them. Fetch by WebMD writer Hilary Parker advises on what to do about hairballs: "[a]dding some extra fiber to your cat's diet can help to lower the risk of hairballs by helping to move things through their digestive system better."
Parker notes that pumpkins, apples, carrots, and cat grass are common fiber sources. Be careful not to add too much fiber. This may cause an upset stomach and prevent absorption of nutrients.
Understanding Hairball Formation in Cats
Cats groom themselves with their tongues, often leading to the ingestion of hair. This often results in the formation of hairballs that may not pass through the digestive tract, causing discomfort or a potential health risk. Hairball prevention supplements provide much-needed relief by reducing hairball formation.
Supplements for preventing hairballs usually include high-fiber ingredients to increase hydration and lubrication within the digestive tract that aid in passing hairballs. Several over-the-counter products are available to address this condition. Ingredients to consider include natural fibers, omega fatty acids, and moisture-rich formulas.
Immune System Support
Young kittens and senior cats are most vulnerable to sickness and disease. Giving them supplements fights off illness and boosts their immune health. Immune system supplements contain powerful antioxidants, essential fatty acids, trace minerals, and other vital nutrients to keep your cat's immunity strong.
If your cat has seasonal allergies, a boost in their immune system may give them what they need to power through the season. Excessive sneezing, persistent diarrhea, weight loss, lethargy, and recurring infections are potential signs of a weakened immune system in your cat. If you see changes in behavior or physical condition, take them to the vet for an examination.
Vitamin C, E, selenium, zinc, and Omega-3 are some of the top immune-boosting supplements for cats. Administer only with a vet's recommendation to avoid harmful doses.
Joint Health
Like an aging cat owner, a senior cat may experience bone and joint pain. The pain limits their mobility and makes life uncomfortable. Signs of joint issues include reduced activity, difficulty jumping or traversing stairs, and a noticeable change in how they walk or move. If you notice any of these, your cat may benefit from joint supplements.
Joint health supplements often contain glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM. These compounds reduce inflammation, enhance flexibility, and regenerate damaged cartilage to improve your cat's mobility and quality of life.
Foods specifically for senior cats may include some of these ingredients. Ask your vet if they recommend a particular senior cat food instead of supplements. These supplements typically come in chewable tablet or liquid form that you add to your cat's food. Always follow your vet's directions regarding dosage because over-supplementation may cause adverse effects.
Skin and Coat Health
Cats do a pretty good job of maintaining a clean coat, but sometimes, they may lack vitamins or nutrients, resulting in dandruff or other skin issues. Your cat's skin and coat health reflects their overall health. Essential fatty acids, such as Omega-3 and Omega-6, vitamins A, E, and biotin, play a role in maintaining a beautiful, shiny coat and healthy skin.
If you notice dandruff, excessive shedding, dull coat, or irritated skin, your cat may need nutritional support for skin and coat health. If you see them scratching more frequently, your first thought might be fleas. It could be dry skin. A fish oil supplement might work well.
Administer these supplements daily unless otherwise recommended by your vet. They typically come in oils or capsules you add to your cat's diet. If your cat has dry or flaky skin due to allergies or fleas, a supplement doesn't cure the underlying cause. Treat the problem first and then add supplements if needed.
Add Supplements To Add Better Health
Cat food labeled "complete" provides all the nutrients a cat needs. However, some cats need a little extra assistance to bring everything in balance. If your cat shows signs that their health is lacking in some way, a nutritional supplement may make up for what they lack.
While supplements hugely benefit your cat's health, they cannot replace a balanced diet or regular vet care in safeguarding your feline's health. When discussing the possible use of supplements with your vet, ask them if a change in diet might be more appropriate.
Knowing the symptoms, the possible causes of those symptoms, and the actions you need to take to address those symptoms put you in an excellent position to find the perfect supplements to meet your cat's needs.
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