Written By: Dr. Rucker, Veterinary Advisor for Zesty Paws
When it comes to cats, most people think they’re low maintenance but that couldn't be further from the truth. Cats need TLC, too!
Just like any other pet, supplements can make a huge difference for our feline friends. However, knowing what to watch out for can pose quite a challenge for even the most seasoned cat parent.
To help you keep your cat feeling purr-fect for the long haul, here are seven areas of feline wellness to watch out for, along with some solutions you should try!
Mobility
I find that a lot of my clients that come in with cats who are experiencing trouble getting in and out of their litter boxes, which is often a sign of joint problems or even arthritis.
So, to keep your cat pouncing with ease, be sure to keep those joints moving and grooving by giving your cat Glucosamine and Chondroitin.
These two ingredients are typically given together as they work together to support joints and cartilage. While they cannot cure arthritis, these ingredients are still a fantastic way to support joint function!
Taurine Deficiency
This one tends to go under the radar, but it's a big one.
Taurine deficiency often occurs when cats fail to eat cat food and rely on dinner scraps. If left unchecked, it can potentially compromise vision, digestion, heart muscle function, and the immune system.
But, good news! This can be easily resolved. All it takes is ensuring that your cat gets a proper diet to prevent nutrient deficiencies, along with adding a high-quality supplement or two for an additional boost.
Butterflies in their Stomach
Some cats are spooked easier than others! So, it's always important to give them the soothing support they need.
That said, calming supplements are beneficial for cats' behavioral challenges, so be sure to go with a non-drowsy product that keeps your cat calm, cool, and collected.
You might also want to make sure your cat's stomach feels good, too.
Digestive supplements with probiotics are a great way to help maintain normal gut health to avoid pesky tummy troubles, so I advise speaking to your vet for more information.
Skin Health
Have you noticed your cat’s coat becoming dull and rough over time or an increase in their shedding?
If so, try an Omega-3 supplement, as these products promote a healthy, shiny coat and may even cut down all that excess shedding. But, the benefits don't stop there!
Omega-3 fatty acids are also known for supporting the feline immune system, liver, brain, joints, eyes, and heart. So long story short, adding Omega-3s to your cat's diet is an absolute must!
Urinary Troubles
When it comes to male cats, unluckily for them, they’re more prone to urinary obstructions that can happen at any age. Not good!
Why, you may ask? Because inflammatory materials and mucus can start to form in their kidneys, which then and passes down into the bladder.
This is why it's incredibly important to find natural bladder-friendly ingredients and supplements into their diet to keep them feeling their finest when nature calls.
Pregnancy Woes
If your cat is expecting (especially if they're less than 10 months old), you might want to lend a hand in ensuring they're nourished for the journey.
As I mentioned before in my Taurine deficiency section, it's absolutely crucial to make sure that your cat gets a great nutrient-rich diet to help them feel their best, and that's even more true during a pregnancy!
I definitely recommend talking to your vet to find the right supplements for the feline mom-to-be that you love, which may include joint, heart, or vitamin-rich health supplements.
Immune System Support
Us humans aren't the only ones that can feel under the weather. Cats are just as likely to face nasal and throat troubles, which (understandably) can leave them feeling pretty irritable.
We might not know how to cure or prevent cats from feeling unwell, but that doesn't mean there aren't any ingredients that can help!
I recommend giving your cat an L-lysine supplement to help reduce any inflammation, while also supporting their immune system function. L-lysine is also helpful for calcium absorption and promotes healthy skin!
So, there you have it. Even if your cat is generally healthy, it doesn’t hurt to begin using supplements as a form of preventative care to ensure your cat continues to feel their zesty best!
