Supplements for cats are additional sources of nutrition administered to increase the pet's quality of life. Although routine grooming benefits pets of all ages and breeds, supplements enhance the cat's skin and coat and help them maintain optimal health. Since nutritional supplements have certain drug interactions, it's necessary talk with your vet about supplements suited to the cat's age, breed and underlying health conditions.
Diets for Healthy Coat and Skin
Most commercially available cat food products contain vitamins and minerals necessary for growth and proper nutrition. However, it's best to read package labels and determine if the components of food such as proteins, carbohydrates and fatty acids are present in adequate amounts. Homemade cat food in particular should contain an adequate proportion of nutrients necessary for growth. Healthy cats have fur coats that are shiny and skin that's free from dermatitis or other conditions. In order to ensure that the cat's dietary requirements are met, it's often necessary to administer certain supplements that contain essential fatty acids and minerals.
Guidelines to Choose the Best Coat Supplement:
- Take the cat for a vet check to detect underlying skin conditions that require treatment.
- It's necessary to consider the pet's age and current diet before incorporating additional supplements to the diet.
- Read package labels to determine the ingredients present in the supplement. Antioxidant supplements may not benefit older pets.
- Supplements rich in Omega-3 fatty acids are highly recommended, as they maintain proper joint function and promote healthy vision.
- Regardless of the brand available, pet owners should look for supplements that contain the highest quality ingredients.
- It's necessary to administer supplements labeled for use in cats, as dog coat supplements may contain higher amounts of minerals that aren't safe for use in felines.
- Before using supplements, prior vet approval is necessary if the pet is currently administered other prescription drugs.
- Older pets may also benefit if they're administered glucosamine supplements along with skin and coat supplements.
Commercially Available Feline Coat Supplements Include:
- Nordic Naturals Omega-3 Pet
- Lipiderm
- Brite Coat XS
- Omega Caps for Cats and Small Dogs
- Omega 3, 6, 9 by Vetri Science
- Derm Caps for Cats
Components of Skin and Coat Supplements
Increasing research suggests that cats suffering from coat and skin problems benefit from salmon oil, omega 3 and 6 fatty acids. Although supplements are available in tablet or powder form, there are certain coat supplements that can be sprayed on the body to reduce itching, soothe skin and improve the quality of the coat. Apart from nutritional supplementation it's also important to adopt routine grooming techniques to keep the skin and coat clean and free from infection.
Home Care
Pet owners should routinely brush cat fur to remove excess hair and prevent hairballs. Although cats engage in daily self grooming, it's best to occasionally bathe the pet in warm water and pet shampoo, suited to the coat and skin. In addition, pet owners should check the fur, skin and ears to detect dermatitis, allergies or infections present. Matted fur should be managed with appropriate techniques to avoid tugging at the skin and causing discomfort.
Healthy pets generally have a healthy and shiny coat. If the cat suffers from excessive shedding and itching, it's best to seek medical help to determine the primary cause present.