Whether your cat is an affectionate feline or a kitty that prefers its alone time, one thing’s for certain: they’re part of our family and want their health to be the best it can be. Along with a healthy everyday diet and regular veterinary check-ups, there are other ways we can help promote their well-being. Enter the world of cat supplements!
But what are they? What do they do? In this guide, we’ll dive into the world of cat supplements, exploring their benefits, types, the assortment that Bold by Nature offers, and considerations, empowering you to make informed decisions about incorporating supplements into your cat’s routine.
What are cat supplements?
Just like the ones humans take, cat supplements are additional nutritional products designed to complement their diet and support their overall health. Since cats usually have pickier palettes, some supplements can be harder to give than others. We recommend giving supplements with a fine grind and high palatability rating, as taste and texture are important to cats.
Determining if your cat needs them can sometimes be tough. According to Vet Med TAMU, cats will often tend to hide their symptoms due to survival instinct, so it can be hard to know when your cat might need a little extra boost in their day-to-day diet. Once you know what they need, it’ll be smooth sailing toward better health!
Benefits of cat supplements
Supplements can offer several benefits for cats, including:
Filling nutritional gaps
Supplements can provide essential nutrients that may be lacking in your cat’s diet, especially if they aren’t eating enough. This is helpful when looking for cat supplements for weight gain.
Promoting joint health
Certain ingredients, such as glucosamine and chondroitin, can support joint function and mobility in older cats or those with arthritis.
Enhancing skin and coat health
Many cats develop dry skin and coat, due to the low humidity found indoors, especially in the winter. Omega-3 fatty acids, biotin, and other supplements can improve the condition of your cat’s skin and coat, reducing dryness, itchiness, and excessive shedding. These work great as cat dandruff supplements.
Supporting immune function
Cat supplements containing antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals can strengthen the immune system, helping to fight off infections and diseases. These are excellent cat vitamin supplements.
Aiding digestive health
Probiotic supplements can promote a healthy gut microbiome and alleviate digestive issues like diarrhea. They work great as cat constipation supplements and are awesome cat fiber supplements.
What are the most popular cat supplements?
There are several different types of cat supplements, but the most popular are:
Omega-3 fatty acids
Omega-3 fatty acids, commonly found in fish oil supplements, are beneficial for cats’ skin, coat, and joint health. They have anti-inflammatory properties and can help reduce allergies, dry skin, and joint inflammation. These are excellent cat arthritis supplements.
Probiotics
Cats can also experience digestive upset, especially if they have eaten anything unusual or when trying new foods. To help with that or cat constipation symptoms, you can give probiotic supplements that contain beneficial bacteria to support a healthy digestive system. They can help maintain a balanced gut flora, improve nutrient absorption, and alleviate gastrointestinal issues.
Taurine
Cats have a unique and high requirement for taurine, an amino acid found in animal-based proteins. VCA says that since cats are unable to synthesize taurine on their own, they must get it through their diet and supplements. Taurine is critical to heart, vision and digestive health, so having a little extra taurine added to your cat’s daily intake is always beneficial.
Cat joint supplements
Just like dogs and humans, cats can develop joint conditions and often go out of their way to mask symptoms. Ingredients like glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) are commonly used in cat joint supplements and cat arthritis supplements to support joint health. They can reduce inflammation, improve joint mobility, and alleviate pain associated with arthritis or aging. These are great senior cat supplements as they often suffer from joint problems.
What supplements does Bold by Nature offer?
At Bold By Nature, we offer Bold Nature+, a line of supplements that are beneficial to many different aspects of your pet’s life. Explore them all below:
Green Lipped Mussel supplement
Green Lipped Mussel powder is a good source of naturally occurring glucosamine, chondroitin, Omega 3 and beneficial minerals to help support your cat’s joint health, mobility and function. Your pet will love the naturally fishy taste of this cat arthritis supplement! If you’re looking for senior cat supplements, give these a go!
Salmon & Wild Ocean Fish supplement
This supplement is a terrific source of Omega 3 essential fatty acids (EPA and DHA) which improves your cat’s skin health and coat, helps promote their heart health, and helps support cognitive function. These Omega 3 fatty acids also help to reduce overall body inflammation, reducing conditions like arthritis and allergies. This is a popular supplement, as cats have a hard time resisting the fishy taste!
Pumpkin with Inulin Prebiotic supplement
Pumpkin powder and inulin are used to support digestive health and are also an added source of fibre. Inulin is a prebiotic fibre that aids in healthy intestinal bacterial which promotes favourable gut flora in your cat.
If your cat is experiencing litter box trouble or turning into a hairball machine, the increased fibre can help keep them feeling their best. Additionally, most cats find pumpkin a tasty treat that can easily be mixed with their daily food. Pumpkin is also high in vitamin A, which is key to excellent eye health!
Slippery Elm with Prebiotics supplement
This supplement is effective and great for your cat’s digestion! Slippery elm promotes and supports a healthy digestive system while the additional psyllium aids in healthy intestinal bacteria promoting favourable gut flora.
Taurine with Diatomaceous Earth supplement
Consider these all-in-one cat vitamin supplements! Taurine supports the function of your cat’s cardiovascular, nervous, and musculoskeletal systems. Diatomaceous earth contains beneficial trace minerals and helps promote good digestion and overall good health and vitality. This supplement is a fine powder that readily mixes with food, making it easier to add to your cat’s daily regime!
Bone, Joint, & Immune Health supplement
Your all-in-one bone, joint & immune health supplement. This cat joint supplement contains glucosamine which helps to repair joint cartilage and chondroitin which helps to prevent cartilage from breaking down while the activated turmeric and MSM helps control inflammation. Green Lipped Mussels help promote joint flexibility.
Considerations and Safety
Consult your veterinarian
If your cat throws up after eating or has any other health concerns, please consult your veterinarian prior to supplement use. They can assess your cat’s specific needs, recommend appropriate supplements, and provide guidance on dosage and administration. They may even consider a change in their food, like a cat raw diet.
Quality and ingredients
Look for products, like Bold by Nature+, with clearly labelled ingredients and avoid those with artificial additives, fillers, or unnecessary additives.
Dosage and administration
Follow the recommended dosage instructions provided by the manufacturer or as advised by your veterinarian. Some supplements may require a gradual introduction or need to be administered with food to enhance absorption.
Monitoring and adjustments
Regularly monitor your pet’s response to cat supplements. Dosages may need adjustment based on your cat’s age, weight, health condition, or other medications they may be taking.
