Supplements for Cats

Do check with your vet before giving your cat any cat supplements. Some people feel that a well fed, healthy cat does not need any supplements at all while others think that supplements help to prevent disease and maintain cat health. There are several varieties of supplements freely available these days and it is essential to buy the right ones if you do decide to give your cat these. A good supplement will contain all the proper nutrients and vitamins for your cat. A supplement should contain:

• Mistletoe - A herb that is beneficial for circulatory and respiratory problems
• Echinacea - Helps to keep blood pressure stable and also strengthen the immune system
• Astralagus - An ancient herb that has been known to increase the lifespan as well as combat cancer.

The different types of supplements are ones that have essential fatty acids such as Omega 3 and Omega 6, ones with general vitamins and minerals or ones with probiotics. Taking supplements which have the above will make your cat stronger and healthier. High quality supplements can provide the nutrition that ordinary cat food cannot. Herbal supplements promote a sense of well being and health in the same way as they do for human beings. The vitamins in supplements act as immunity boosters and help protect the cat from different illnesses. Supplements can also help in washing away toxins and chemicals from your cat’s body. Cats that are recovering from an illness or eating a poor diet will need dietary supplements. A good supplement should be made from high protein foods such as pork, fish or chicken. Supplements can also be given to correct deficiencies. Pregnant and breastfeeding cats could be given nutritional supplements.

Unsafe supplements include ones with garlic, onion, calcium, Vitamin D and Vitamin C.
Do remember that giving too many supplements can be harmful for your cat. Do not combine different kinds of supplements.

Fiber supplements are recommended if your cat suffers from constipation. Fiber supplements include rice bran, wheat bran, canned pumpkin and Psyllium (Metamucil). Mix either of these supplements with the canned food and feed it to your cat. Check with your vet regarding the proportion to be added and the amount to be given daily. Fiber supplements are also easily available in pet stores. Cats can also develop joint problems or arthritis. Glucosamine and Chondroitin are two cat joint supplements generally used to treat the problems. Glucosamine comes in either liquid or capsule form and is freely available too.