There’s a good chance that you or someone you know takes a daily supplement or multivitamin. But what about our cats? If we’re already feeding them a ‘balanced and complete’ diet, are supplements a necessary addition?

In short, they can be! If your cat has a health condition that your vet believes may benefit from additional support in the form of a supplement, then it is certainly something to consider.

Healthy, happy animals fed a premium complete food don’t usually need anything more nutritionally, so general supplementation typically isn’t necessary. Giving too much of a particular vitamin can also be dangerous, so always check with your vet before going down that route.

Common supplements:

  • Probiotics – beneficial to cats that may struggle with their digestive health, probiotics contain live microorganisms that re-balance the gut, replacing ‘bad’ bacteria with ‘good’. If your cat has a runny tummy, probiotics are often recommended to help settle the problem.
  • Joint supplements – ingredients like Chondroitin and Glucosamine are routinely given to help manage the effects of arthritis and other joint issues in cats. Ageing cats are typically the ones most affected, but if you’re worried about your cat’s joints at any time, starting them on a supplement early can help prevent problems later on.
  • Potassium – cats with Chronic Kidney Disease or otherwise low blood potassium levels (as diagnosed by a vet) may benefit from a support supplement containing potassium, B-vitamins and essential amino acids.
  • Urinary support - many cats suffer with recurrent stress-induced cystitis, so a supplement formulated to support urinary health can help reduce incidences.
  • Essential fatty acids – great for a number of reasons, essential fatty acids like Omega 3 and 6 are often recommended to help support heart health, arthritis, kidney disease and allergies. Fish oil supplements are typically the supplement of choice for conditions affecting the skin and coat, such as dermatitis and scurfy coat.
  • Calmers - can be given as and when needed or long-term, calming supplements are often recommended for cats struggling with stress, including Firework fear.

If you think your cat could be benefited by a supplement such as these listed, speak to your vet about their suitability and the different options available. Depending on your cat’s age and state of health, they will be able to recommend supplements and even specialist commercial foods to support the health of your cat both on their own and alongside medication.

Written by: Hannah