Cat supplement buying guide

Even cats and dogs need a little pick-me-up from time to time, whether you're looking to deal with a particular health issue or just improve their quality of life on a daily basis. Supplements can be used to keep your cat in top shape or to support senior cats deal with any little age-related issues or conditions. Different products have different purposes, from digestive aids to those designed to improve coat health or kidney function.

Each supplement is designed to provide a specific targeted action to cat health. You don't necessarily need a prescription to start your cat on multivitamin, plant or amino acid-based products. However, it is always best to consult your vet before starting a supplement to prevent any unwanted side effects.

Cat supplements tend to contain a wide range of ingredients just like those designed for human consumption!

Usually they will contain things like:

• lactic acid bacteria;

• trace elements; 

• vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin B1 and vitamin B6;

• plant extracts;

• amino acids.

Supplements are generally given as a daily dose for at least a month. However, your vet might encourage you to make the supplement a more long-term thing depending on your cat's health or time of life.

Digestive aids

A probiotic supplement can help your cat to recover more quickly from issues like worms, giardiasis or a bad case of diarrhoea.

These supplements use good bacteria to rebalance your cat's digestive system and help it to perform its protective role properly while encouraging normal bowel movements.

Don't know what to do with a young cat suffering from diarrhoea? Once you've consulted a veterinary specialist for advice, a Fortiflora probiotic supplement can be sprinkled on your kitten's food to help to rebalance their gut flora.

Supplements for homemade food

Some cats will categorically refuse to eat commercial foods – even from premium ranges! For this reason, some owners prefer to make their own natural cat food. If you do decide to embark on making your own cat food, it is essential to combine their food intake with a supplement to cover all their nutritional needs in their diet. For this, you'll have to consult a professional pet dietician for advice.

V Complete is a popular supplement to homemade food that contains all the vitamins, minerals and taurine required by cats.

Cat supplements for kidney support

With age, kidney function can change in cats. Products like artichoke solutions and Java tea (orthosiphon) can be a real help to cats suffering from kidney issues such as renal disease or kidney stones. These products are designed to help kidneys filter out waste products.

Any products containing antioxidants will also be helpful!

A helping hand for coat health

Supplements can also be used to boost fur health for a shinier coat.

These products encourage new growth and are usually made up of vitamins and brewer's yeast.

Immune-boosting cat supplements

An elderly cat will almost always benefit from a little helping hand to help their immune system fight off bacteria.

An immune-boosting supplement is usually given at the start of winter to help protect your pet over the cold months.

Some nutritional supplements can be given to younger cats to help them recover from operations or illnesses faster.

So there you have it: now you have everything you need to know to give your kitty a boost and keep them healthy!