Cat Supplements That Aren’t Hard to Swallow
Not your mama’s multi.
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Let’s see, you pop biotin supplements to grow out your hair, chew collagen gummies to stave off wrinkles, and stir adaptogens into your coffee for mental clarity. Isn’t your cat entitled to whatever superfood du jour promises them eternal youth, too?
Before you slip a supplement into your cat’s kibble, confirm with your vet that your cat doesn’t have any health concerns to consider first or that there’s potential for a medication interaction. “Humans take vitamin supplements because most of us have terrible diets,” says Dr. Angela Rollins. “Even though it might be beneficial for us, most commercial cat foods are actually high-nutrient diets that don’t need extra vitamins or supplements. Calcium and phosphorous should also be in correct proportion to each other so giving your cat a vitamin supplement with extra phosphorous could throw that off balance. You may end up overdoing certain nutrients and introduce the potential for toxicity.”
That said, Rollins adds, “most pet vitamins tend not to be very potent because manufacturers know they are being given in addition to an already complete and balanced diet.” Supplements show the most promise (and proven results) when cats have health conditions or vitamin deficiencies — from omega-3 fatty acids’ heart-health benefits to antioxidants’ ability to fight chronic inflammation. You should still choose wisely: read labels to ensure quality and look for brands that ideally have clinical studies backing their products. Below, several cat vitamins and supplements for your consideration.
Btw, our editors (and their pets) picked out these products. They’re always in stock at the time we publish, but there’s a chance they’ll sell out. If you do buy through our links, we may earn a commission. (We’ve got a lot of toys to buy over here, you know?)
You won’t need to twist your cat’s arm to take an omega-3 (a.k.a. fish oil) supplement. Which is great because omegas are proven to help with myriad issues from joint stiffness to skin allergies to heart disease in pets and their people. Nordic Naturals is a tried-and-true brand.
$14 at Chewy
Good gut health is also essential to all of us. For cats, probiotic supplements containing Lactobacillus acidophilus can prevent or treat GI issues including diarrhea, gastroenteritis, and irritable bowel disease. Some brands like FortiFlora boast a “micro-encapsulation process” for maximum absorption.
$31 at Amazon
Sprinkling this seaweed powder on your cat’s food could help reduce the itchiness and swelling associated with skin allergies. The high fiber supplement, like this one from NaturVet Kelp Help, might also help improve digestive health.
$19 at Chewy
Low vitamin D levels have been linked to several diseases, including certain cancers, congestive heart failure, and acute pancreatitis. Unlike humans, cats don’t absorb vitamin D through their skin and depend on their diet (or supplements like this multivitamin chewable from Vetriscience) to provide adequate levels.
$7 at Chewy
Cats that are fed vegan diets or other non-commercial pet foods might be lacking in essential nutrients such as taurine, an amino acid found in animal-based proteins. A lickable, fish-flavored supplement like this gel by Tomlyn could help prevent deficiencies.
B12 is often prescribed for cats suffering from irritable bowel syndrome and pancreatitis as deficiencies in this essential vitamin have been linked to gastrointestinal disease. Rx Vitamins for Pets' liver-flavored liquid solution can easily be administered by dropper into your cat’s kibble.
$28 at Amazon
You’ve probably heard of the benefits of antioxidants in skincare (protection of free radicals and such). Antioxidant supplements — especially those containing vitamins C, E, and beta-carotene — can fight the chronic inflammation associated with allergic dermatitis and arthritis, and have also been proven to be beneficial for cats in renal failure. There are numerous individual antioxidant supplements but you’ll get more bang for your buck with a combo like Vetoquinol Select Antioxodant Tablets.
$13 at ChewyRelated articles
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Jodi Helmer
Jodi Helmer is a North Carolina-based freelance writer who shares her home with an embarrassing number of rescue dogs and relies on four feral cats to patrol the barn. When she isn’t refilling food and water dishes, Jodi writes about animals for Scientific American, Sierra, WebMD, AKC Family Dog, Living the Country Life, and Out Here.