[Written by a Veterinarian] Do Cats Need Supplements? Cases Where They Are Recommended and Precautions

"Should I give my cat supplements for their health?"—Pet owners with a high level of health consciousness for their cats may often find themselves wondering this.

However, there are times when cat supplements are necessary and times when they are not. In this article, a veterinarian will kindly explain the role of supplements, when they should be given, and the precautions to take.

Are supplements necessary for cats? Basic principles

They are generally unnecessary for cats eating a nutritionally complete diet

Supplements, also known as dietary supplements, are products intended to promote a healthier life through ingredients like vitamins and minerals. Cats that consume enough nutritionally complete food get the necessary nutrients from their diet, so supplements are generally not necessary.

Nutritional balance can be sufficiently covered by food

Cat food is categorized into "nutritionally complete food," "therapeutic diets," and "treats." Nutritionally complete food is balanced so that a cat can live a healthy life consuming only that food and water. Therapeutic diets are prescribed by veterinarians when a cat is ill. Treats include snacks and toppings. In other words, a nutritionally complete diet provides all the necessary nutrients.

They may be effective as a supplement depending on specific symptoms or age

Beyond replenishing missing nutrients, some supplements offer various other benefits. For instance, while probiotics for gut health are not needed in daily life, they can be effective for symptoms like loose stools. Also, as cats age, joint and kidney issues become more common, and there are supplements available to help alleviate those symptoms.

Cases where supplements are necessary for cats

Support for joints, kidneys, and immunity due to aging

Some supplements can help with joints, kidneys, and immune activation. As cats get older, various health issues appear. It is no exaggeration to say that arthritis and kidney disease are inevitable in old age. Furthermore, since immunity also declines, it can lead to the development of cancer. Because they can be effective for such age-related problems, they are sometimes used as an adjunct to treatment.

Purpose of improving physical condition for hairballs, skin issues, constipation, etc.

Probiotics or dietary fiber may be needed to improve a cat's overall constitution. While gastrointestinal and skin problems are primarily treated with medication, improving the gut environment or skin barrier has been shown to reduce the likelihood of recurrence.

When nutritional intake is difficult due to loss of appetite or picky eating

Supplements are also useful for replenishing missing nutrients and minerals. If your cat is not eating a nutritionally complete diet due to loss of appetite or picky eating, supplements can help fill the gap. However, self-diagnosing which nutrients are missing can sometimes be counterproductive. Always consult a veterinarian.

Precautions when giving supplements to cats

Do not give human supplements

Human supplements are made to be metabolized and broken down by humans, and the dosages are formulated for adults. Therefore, they can cause toxicity in cats, whose metabolic pathways are different. Always give your cat supplements specifically made for animals or cats.

Be careful of overlapping ingredients

The ingredients in supplements may overlap with those in your cat's food. Depending on the ingredient, an overdose can cause toxicity. For example, with vitamins, fat-soluble vitamins like D and A are known to cause toxicity in cats if consumed in excess. Furthermore, if you are using multiple supplements, you might accidentally reach an excessive level without realizing it. Always check to see if the ingredients overlap. It is important to follow the dosage, as more is not always better.

It is important to consult a veterinarian before giving supplements

When using supplements as an adjunct to disease treatment or for purposes like anti-aging, certain ingredients may hinder treatment or interfere with the absorption of medications. Be sure to consult a veterinarian before giving them. Alternatively, use supplements that have been suggested by your veterinarian.

Popular supplement ingredients for cats and their effects

Probiotics (improving gut environment and immune support)

Probiotics are supplements that are gaining attention for gut health. They are known to improve the intestinal environment and promote immune activation. In addition to settling the stomach, they can improve physical condition and show promise for skin issues by activating the immune system.

Glucosamine/Chondroitin (joint care)

Cats develop arthritis as they age. Some cats begin suffering from joint pain as early as one year old. Taking glucosamine or chondroitin, which are building blocks of joints, is thought to help reinforce them.

These products may also contain ingredients like proteoglycans or green-lipped mussel, which have anti-inflammatory effects on joints. Taking them together may help reduce pain.

Omega-3 fatty acids (coat luster and skin care)

Omega-3 fatty acids such as DHA and EPA are supplements expected to be effective for skin troubles. They are considered to have anti-inflammatory effects and are used for skin issues. Beyond the skin, they may help reduce inflammation in joints and are also used to help prevent cognitive decline. In the case of cats, they are sometimes used to slow the progression of chronic kidney disease.

While the details of toxicity are not fully clear, there have been reports of bleeding and arrhythmia.

Taurine (heart and vision support)

Taurine is an essential amino acid for cats; it cannot be produced in their bodies and must be obtained through their diet. It is necessary for heart and vision health, and a deficiency can lead to dilated cardiomyopathy or vision loss. Current cat food contains sufficient levels of taurine, so there is usually no problem without using supplements. However, if your cat is on a homemade diet or is a picky eater, they may become deficient, in which case supplements are necessary.

Summary | Give supplements correctly to "cats who need them"

Supplements are merely dietary health products intended to replenish missing nutrients or help your cat lead a better life. If your cat is healthy and eating enough cat food, there is no need to force them upon your pet.

If you have health concerns or if your cat is currently being treated for a disease and you would like to try supplements, please first consult your veterinarian to choose the appropriate one.