Lora Lee Does your cat need supplements? If you would have asked me that 3 years ago, my answer probably would have been why would they need supplements. I was under the naive assumption that my cats were getting the supplements that they needed through their food. This couldn’t be farther from the truth, especially since, at that time, my cats were eating a mostly dry food diet, which offers absolutely no nutritional value for your cat. You can read about why you should feed your cat a raw diet here.
However, even if you are feeding your cat a species appropriate raw diet, they would benefit from some supplements added to their diet. As humans, even if we are eating healthy, we still take vitamins and supplements to help stay healthy. The same concept applies to your cat. Providing your cat with supplements can help them maintain optimal health, especially our senior cats.
So, how do you know what supplements your cat may need. That really depends on your individual cat’s needs. Are they a senior kitty who may be showing signs of arthritis? Do you have a cat who has a sensitive stomach? Or are you just wanting to be proactive and help your cat to stay healthy longer? Supplements can be given for overall health or specifically for a certain ailment. I have added 5 supplements to my cat’s diet that have helped eliminate certain issues as well as improve overall health in a noticeable way.
Ion Gut Support
This supplement helps increase your cat’s gut health and microbiome which improves their immune system defend against environmental allergens. It is good for kidney support, digestion, vitality and overall immune health. Exactly what your cat needs to reach optimal health. Ion Gut Support is a liquid that can be added to your cat’s food.
Omega 3 – Fatty Acids
Omega 3 – Fatty Acids is an anti-inflammatory supplement used for skin and joints. It also helps support the function of multiple organs. The best way to give your cat this amazing supplement is through fish oil or krill oil. Fish oil is generally made from anchovies or sardines. Krill oil is made from very minute shrimp called krill. Krill oil may be your option if your cat has a sensitivity to fish. This is the one supplement that I have not started giving my cats. It is on my list to add next. I have been adding supplements in stages as to not overwhelm my cats or myself.
B12
Vitamin B12 is crucial to the health of your cat’s immune system, nervous system and digestive tract. It is essential to healthy cognitive function. B12 is usually given in an injection from your vet. You can also find synthetic B12 in drop or chewable form. Jackson Galaxy, along with Jae and Adrienne from The-Two-Crazy-Cat-Ladies and Feline Essentials, created the 1st ever, non-synthetic liquid B12 for cats. And, boy, has this been a game changer for cat parents. I started giving my cats this B12 almost a year ago and have noticed a huge change in my cats, especially my 2 seniors cats. They are both running around like kittens again. It has been so good for my soul to see them full of energy and vitality. This is a MUST HAVE supplement for your cats. The benefits of daily B12 are tremendous.
Oxy-Cat & Catalyst
Oxy-Cat and Catalyst are 2 supplements from The-Two-Crazy-Cat-Ladies’ supplement product line, Feline Essentials. These 2 products are beyond amazing. Emmet started taking Catalyst in August of 2019, when he was diagnosed with FIP. All of the cats have been on daily dosages of Oxy-Cat and Catalyst for over a year now. I make sure to always have extra of these two supplements on hand.
Oxy-Cat
Oxy-Cat is a liquid supplement containing anti-viral and anti-fungal properties which can be used internally or topically or in a vaporizer. It is good for digestive health and respiratory support. Can be used to treat ear mites and ringworm. Helps heal rashes, cuts and abrasions. And so much more. I love the versatility of this supplement. I add the recommended dosage to their food and know that I am providing my babies with an extra umph to keep them healthy.
Catalyst
Catalyst is an antioxidant enzyme formula that is an all-in-one supplement for your cat. Basically, it is AMAZING! It provides my cats with whole health support, from joint support and arthritis to digestive support to skin & coat and shedding and hairballs, plus so much more. This supplement is my go-to for my cats. The improvements in my cats since they started taking this daily were very noticeable. The first thing that I noticed was a change in their fur. It became softer and shinier. Petting my cats is now like petting velvet. So very soft.
My answer to the original question is now emphatically YES! I have seen the major improvements in my cats just by adding daily supplements to their diet. And while these results may not be the same for everyone, some of the major changes that I have noticed with my cats are enough to convince me that these supplements are working.
I have seen Emmet’s immune system strengthen enough for him to be able to fight off the symptoms of FIP without having to take the FIP treatment. Bodie, although being a Maine Coon mix, was starting to put on extra weight which was increasing his lethargy. Since adding supplements, he is more active and energetic and has lost weight in a healthy manner. Franklin has always dealt with sensitive stomach and Upper Respiratory Infections (URI). These supplements have improved his gut health and helped stave off the symptoms of seasonal allergies that can turn into an URI.
I would highly recommend adding supplements to your cat’s diet. It can be overwhelming, and I would suggest adding them gradually and not all at once. Decide which supplement would be of greater benefit to your cat at this time and start with that one. Once you and your cat are ready, you can add another supplement. Making sure your cat is benefitting from the supplements that you are giving them is key. Once you find the right balance, your cat will thank you by living a longer and healthier life.
“The cat does not offer services. The cat offers itself. Of course he wants care and shelter. You don’t buy love for nothing.”
― William S. Burroughs, The Cat Inside
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