What Vitamins Are Good For Cats?
Vitamin deficiencies are quite common for humans, causing a lot of us to make a habit of taking vitamin supplements every day. But vitamins for cats are not something we often talk about. Cats are naturally carnivorous creatures that require a high animal-protein-based diet for their growth and development. As a result, they simply cannot survive on a plant-based diet since their bodies are not built to process other types of protein.
Since their cells don’t produce nutrients like vitamins and proteins, a well-balanced, protein-rich diet is essential for your cat. The absence of sufficient nourishment results in vitamin deficiencies and other health issues for your favourite feline.
This blog will discuss what vitamins are good for cats and when cat owners should buy cat supplements for their pets.
When to use cat supplements
Before we delve deeper into what vitamins are good for cats, we should first understand when vitamins for cats are required. If you’re feeding your feline a well-balanced diet, they’re more likely to receive all the necessary nutrients. As such, you should not give your pet supplements without consulting your vet first. That way, you can ensure you’re not feeding your pet too high a dosage of vitamins.
There are special conditions when pet supplements are beneficial for cats. For instance, if your cat is not eating well, your vet may recommend a calorie supplement rich in vitamins to offer them nutritional support.
A reputable vitamin for cats will have completed quality checks and commissioned clinical studies to back their product. If your cat is limping, appears to have a leg injury, swollen cat paws, arthritis or joint pain, or other areas of concern, consult your veterinarian for a cat joint supplement to help prevent pain and build healthy, soft tissues or repair cartilage.
Whether your cat needs a joint or a nutritional supplement, it’s best to consult first with your veterinarian.
The best vitamins for a cat’s immune system
If you’re unsure what vitamins are good for cats, we’ve done the hard work for you! Here is a list of the essential vitamins for cats:
- Multivitamins — Multivitamins for cats are jam-packed with goodness to give them the nutritional boost they need and improve any deficiencies.
- Vitamin A — The benefit of vitamin A for cats, known as retinol, is that it helps them maintain healthy eyesight. Since they’re nocturnal animals, a sufficient supply of vitamin A for cats is essential to boost their night vision. Since cats don’t naturally produce retinol, animal sources like cat milk and liver in your cat’s diet are sure to help.
- Vitamin B12 — If you’re wondering, “what does vitamin B12 do for cats?” Vitamin B12 for cats, or cobalamin, is vital for their nervous and digestive systems. It prevents lethargy and provides bone and nervous system support for your pet’s needs. Cats can’t synthesise cobalamin, so feeding your cat meat, fish or eggs will give them a daily dose of vitamin B12. Be mindful that if your cat is vomiting or has a loss of appetite, there might be a vitamin B12 deficiency issue to consult your veterinarian about.
- Vitamin B1 — Vitamin B1, or thiamine, is a must-have to give your cat the support they need to digest carbohydrates and for nerve transmission. Natural sources of thiamine include egg yolk, turkey meat, chicken, duck and liver. Cats require limited carbs to survive, usually contained in small portions of rice or wheat in cat food.
- Vitamin B2 — Vitamin B2, riboflavin, helps break down fats and promotes oxygen supply and absorption. This naturally occurs in muscle, liver, eggs, pork and cat milk. If you notice signs that your cat is suffering from alopecia or weight loss, it may be a sign of vitamin B2 deficiency, and you should consult your vet.
- Vitamin B3 — Vitamin B3, or niacin, metabolises glucose, proteins and fatty acids, treats skin inflammation and chronic kidney disease and drives your cat’s energy supply. If your cat is suffering from weight loss, black tongue, increased body temperature or foul-smelling drool, it’s a sign they’re likely experiencing vitamin B3 deficiency. Vitamin B3 is present in beans, poultry, fish and meat.
- Vitamin B6 — Vitamin B6, also known as pyridoxine, is found in protein-rich foods like kidney, tuna and poultry. It drives the production of your cat’s red blood cells. A tell-tale sign of vitamin B6 deficiency is anaemia, stunted growth, seizures and renal failure.
- Vitamin C — Is vitamin C good for cats? Most certainly, but in the proper moderation. Vitamin C for cats helps promote strong bones and joints and a strengthened immune system. It can help relieve allergy symptoms, boost their immunity and maintain a lustrous fur coat. Consult your vet to know how much vitamin C your pet needs.
- Vitamin D — If you’re wondering, “is vitamin D good for cats?” the answer is yes. Vitamin D for cats is essential for bone health and maintaining calcium levels, particularly since they can’t synthesise vitamin D adequately. Insufficient vitamin D for cats can lead to congestive heart failure, heart disease or bone disorders. Common food sources of vitamin D are liver, fish, egg yolk, and beef.
- Vitamin E — Your cat requires vitamin E to protect them from heart failure, sterility and eye damage. Vitamin E deficiency can cause liver failure and intestinal bleeding. Ensure your cat has their recommended daily 30 IU vitamin E intake from supplements or food containing liver and animal fat.
Get cat supplements from MfM today
Now that you recognise the best vitamins for a cat’s immune system and overall health and well-being, MfM is here to help with your pet supplement essentials that help improve your cat’s intestinal health, gut microbiome and promote the health of joints, skin and coat. We advise you to check in with your vet for further advice before purchasing pet supplements.
While you’re at it, you can’t miss our range of cat food in a range of delicious flavours your cat is sure to love. Not to mention, these protein-rich foods contain natural sources of vitamins to support your cat’s health. With over 40 years of scientific research and refinement, MfM’s cat food is perfectly balanced with all the essential nutrients your pet needs to live to the fullest. If you have any questions, reach out to our team, who are happy to help!
