Vitamins for Feline:
Vitamins are necessary for cats to maintain a strong immune system, to make sure their weight is at an optimum level, for a sleek non-greasy coat, strong teeth and clear eyes.
Although you may be feeding your pet with pet food containing the necessary vitamins in it, they can sometimes get lost when it gets processed, apart from the fact that some pet foods do not contain them at all.
Vitamins are of two kinds, fat soluble and water soluble. The fat soluble vitamins are Vitamin A, E, D and K. If given in excess, these vitamins can increase the toxic levels of the body as the cat cannot get rid of them through its urine.
Hence, it is essential to consult a veterinarian before supplementing the diet with these vitamins. On the other hand, water soluble vitamins like B Vitamins, niacin, biotin, folic acid and pantothenic acid and Vitamin C can be eliminated via urine and do not pose a threat to the animal’s health. It is also important to remember that oil based hair ball remedies may not be suitable as they are known to interfere with vitamin absorption.
Vitamin C for cats is extremely important because it aids in the synthesis of collagen, which is in fact the most widely distributed tissue in the cat’s body. Collagen is the connective tissue which helps in holding the body together. As opposed to popular belief, cats cannot synthesize Vitamin C in the liver from glucose and have to be given supplements. Vitamin C functions as a detoxifier and is a natural pain reliever. Recent research suggests that Vitamin C not only improves their health, but also helps them withstand the harmful effects of pollution and helps them battle stress related disorders. This vitamin is also known to help with problems such as viral illnesses, disc disorders and even hip dysplasia, although the latter is a condition more evident in dogs. Protein is a necessary element in a cat’s diet and their protein high diet should include amino acids like taurine and of course fat. A protein rich diet is known to increase energy levels, promote weight loss, improve the quality of the coat, reduce chances of arthritis and constipation, prevent diabetes as well as other cat health issues. Protein should ideally comprise about 30 percent or more of the cat’s food and this can be given in the form of fish and meat. While these ingredients are available in most premium quality cat food, you can also serve home cooked meals that are rich in protein. However, it is always advisable to consult your veterinarian to ascertain the cat nutritional requirements before supplementing its diet.
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