Dietary Supplements for Cats
There is some controversy surrounding the need for cats to take supplemental vitamins. While studies show that as many as a third of pet owners administer vitamins to their cats and dogs, most veterinarians seem to believe that when pets are fed a balanced diet of nutritional pet food, vitamin supplementation is unnecessary. In fact, many vets and the FDA advise that giving healthy animals supplements they do not require may be harmful. In particular cases, however, veterinarians prescribe supplements for pets at certain life stages or with particular underlying conditions or illnesses.
Supplements are normally only prescribed for cats with dietary deficiencies. Vitamins may be recommended if the cat is sick, has a weakened immune system, or has a medical problem that makes the absorption of a particular nutrient impossible. Disease of the small intestine, for example, may keep the cat from absorbing B vitamins and cobalamine, in which case the animal would need to receive injections of these supplements since oral supplements would also fail to be absorbed.
Vitamins may also be prescribed for cats who develop nutritional deficits when they are pregnant or nursing, especially for young cats who become pregnant before they reach the age of a year. Pet owners should be careful to follow their veterinarians directives about which supplements to give their cats since there are a great many on the market that are less efficient and may even be harmful.
Types of Dietary Supplements for Cats
Although cats fed veterinarian recommended cat food usually receive a plentiful sufficiency of necessary vitamins and minerals, some vets may recommend supplementation in specific circumstances. Such supplements may include:
- B vitamins and cobalamine for absorption problems
- Essential Omega fatty acids for skin and coat health
- Probiotics for digestive health
Most veterinarians agree that such supplementation is helpful in treating deficiencies or specific problems, such as excessive shedding or digestive disturbances.
Risks of Dietary Supplements for Cats
Cats can develop vitamin D toxicity. Although this is most often caused by ingestion of rodent-killing toxins, it can also result from excessive administration of vitamin supplements. Symptoms of vitamin D poisoning may include: bloody vomiting, increased thirst and urination, excessive drooling and seizures.