6 Essential Feline Vitamins

Feline vitamins are typically included in the pet’s diet, provided the diet contains quality ingredients. To function properly, the cat’s body will require a number of essential vitamins. If these vitamins lack from the pet’s diet, they can be supplemented; however, if these vitamins are missing from the diet, the cat may suffer from various conditions and will also have a poor skin and coat quality. There are 2 types of vitamins, water soluble and fat soluble; cats require both types of vitamins for a harmonious growth and health.

1. Vitamin A

Vitamin A is a fat soluble vitamin and is necessary for the health of the skin and coat. The vitamin is also essential when the cat is in his stages of development.

Some natural sources of vitamin A include oil, vegetables (i.e. carrots) and dairy products.

2. Vitamin B

Vitamin B is a broad term that covers 8 vitamins that are water soluble:

  • B1 can be important to give the pet energy
  • B2 should be administered in growing kittens, but may also regulate metabolism and the formation of red blood cells
  • B3 is essential for the central nervous system and the circulation
  • B5 provides immune system support
  • B6 and B9 can help in the metabolism of proteins
  • B12 can help in the development of the pet
  • Biotin, also important for the central nervous system , maintaining the skin and coat healthy

3. Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a water soluble vitamin and is important for the well functioning of the cat’s metabolism. Vitamin C can also support the immune system.

Natural sources of vitamin C include fresh fruits and vegetables as well as dairy products and seeds.

4. Vitamin D

Vitamin D is also a fat soluble vitamin that is also important for the health of the skin and teeth. However, the vitamin will also maintain the cat’s bones healthy, helping in the assimilation of calcium. Vitamin D may be found in fish and dairy products.

5. Vitamin E

Another fat soluble vitamin, vitamin E is important to strengthen the immune system. The immune system is the cat’s defense mechanism and if this is functioning properly, the cat can avoid several infections and diseases. Green leaf vegetables, meat and oils are a good source of vitamin E.

6. Vitamin K

Vitamin K helps in the coagulation of the blood is also a fat soluble vitamin. The vitamin will also support the pet’s metabolism and may be effective in reducing the toxins in the cat’s body. Find this vitamin in egg yolks.

The water soluble vitamins can be supplemented without affecting the cat’s health, as these will be eliminated in the urine. However, the fat soluble vitamins should be administered only in the prescribed doses, as an excess of fat soluble vitamins will be deposited in the fat tissues and will not be eliminated by the body, being potentially toxic.

 

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