Good quality shop-bought cat food should contain all the nutrients a cat needs for good health though sometimes you may wish to supplement it.
Some people like to give their cats homemade food which is fine as long as it contains everything a cat needs for a balanced diet. Cats can occasionally suffer from diarrhea and anxiety.
You’ll find a huge variety of pills, powders, and potions for cats on the market. This article highlights 10 of the best supplements and vitamins you can give your cat.
Cats are precious so please consult your vet before administering any of the items detailed below to your cat, especially if you have any concerns about its health.
Best Supplements and Vitamins available for Cats
| Brand | Product |
| Purina | Pro Plan Fortiflora |
| Billion Pets | Pure Organic Hemp Oil |
| Zesty Paws | Pure Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil |
| Vetri Science | Lysine Plus Bite-Sized Chews |
| Viralys | L-Lysine Supplement |
| Pet Ultimates | Probiotics for cats |
| Vetoquinol | Zylkene Behavior Support Capsules |
| LifeLine | Icelandic Ocean Kelp |
1. Purina Pro Plan FortiFlora
This is a food supplement that many people use to successfully treat mild diarrhea in cats and kittens. It contains a safe and effective strain of friendly bacteria that promotes normal intestinal microflora.
Purina Pro Plan FortiFlora (click the link to read reviews on Amazon) is a popular brand often prescribed by veterinarians. It’s simple to administer – just sprinkle one sachet per day on your cat’s food.
2. Billion Pets Pure Organic Hemp Oil
Hemp oil is widely used to treat a variety of conditions in cats including:
- Anxiety and aggression relief
People have noticed hemp oil improves mood, anxiety and aggression problems, particularly in recently adopted cats. - Hip and Joint health support
Hemp has helped to improve mobility in cats with joint problems. - Pain and Inflammation relief
Hemp extract is believed to be a natural pain killer with anti-inflammatory properties so can relieve swelling and stiffness, and improve mobility. - Gastrointestinal (GI) distress
Hemp oil may help to relieve GI conditions such as diarrhea and vomiting. - Skin disorders
Hemp oil can soothe discomfort caused by allergies, dermatitis, eczema and dry nose.
Billions Pets Pure Organic Hemp oil (click the link to read reviews on Amazon) is a favorite with many cat owners. It comes with clear dosage directions, and can be added to food or dropped directly in your cat’s mouth.
3. Zesty Paws Pure Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil
Wild Alaskan salmon oil contains all-natural Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA + DHA) which are great for:
- Heart and immune health
- Healthy skin
- A shinier coat
- Joint mobility
Zesty Paws Pure Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil (click the link to read reviews on Amazon) is easy to mix into daily food and cats love the flavor.
4. Vetri Lysine Plus Bite-Sized Chews
If you like to give your cat daily treats these are perfect as they contain L-Lysine, an amino acid that supports antibody, hormone and enzyme production.
Vetri Lysine Plus Bite-Sized Chews (click the link to read reviews on Amazon) are suitable for cats and kittens. A daily dose helps to support immune system function, eye and respiratory health and overall well-being.
5. Vetoquinol Viralys L-Lysine Supplement
If your cat isn’t keen on chewy treats then here’s a powdered form of L-Lysene with all the benefits of the chews above. Viralys L-Lysine (click the link to read reviews on Amazon) comes with a scoop to ensure you give your cat or kitten the correct daily dosage.
6. Pet Ultimates Probiotics
Each dose of PetUltimates Probiotics contains five billion bacteria that support regular digestion, healthy skin, and renewed vitality.
These microorganisms guard against inflammation and infections from other unhealthy microorganisms. Among other benefits are less smell from the litterbox, reduced shedding, and firmer stools.
Ultimates Probiotics (click the link to read reviews on Amazon) guarantees this product to be risk-free. The scoop provided ensures the exact measure is administered every day.
7. Vetoquinol Zylkene Behavior Support Capsules
This calming natural milk protein supplement helps cats cope with changes to their environment and noise-related stress. It is lactose-free so is suitable for cats with sensitive stomachs.
If you have a cat that hates traveling, visiting the vet, fireworks, parties or any change to its daily routine then Zylkene Behavior Support Capsules (click the link to read reviews on Amazon) could be the perfect solution.
Just administer 1 or 2 capsules (depending on your cat’s weight) for 1 or 2 days leading up to a known trigger.
8. LifeLine Organic Icelandic Ocean Kelp
Ocean kelp is an ideal way to provide a pure, rich source of natural vitamins and minerals. It also helps to reduce the buildup of plaque and tartar on your cat’s teeth so keeping its teeth and gums healthier and ensuring fresher breath.
Icelandic Ocean Kelp (click the link to read reviews on Amazon) is 100% Certified Organic
Essential Supplements for Homemade Cat Food
There are plenty of different recipes for homemade cat food but one thing they should all have in common is this list of essential supplements. Without these, your cat will not have all the nutrients it required for good health:
- Taurine is an essential amino acid necessary for normal heart muscle function, vision, digestion, and reproduction. Add a teaspoonful of Thomas Labs Felo Taurine (click the link to read reviews on Amazon) to your homemade cat food every day to ensure your cat receives the recommended daily amount. If you are feeding your cat meats that contain taurine naturally (such as hearts) you need to add less than a teaspoon.
- Wild salmon oil – as mentioned earlier, Zesty Paws Pure Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil (click the link to read reviews on Amazon) is the perfect oil to give your cat the essential fatty acids it needs each day.
- Vitamins B and E – These can be found in a balanced multivitamin for cats such as Nutri-Vet Multi-Vite Multivitamin Paw Gel (click the link to read reviews on Amazon)
- Lite salt with iodine – the real purpose of this is to get the right level of iodine in your cat’s diet. Iodized salt contains specific amounts of iodine so it’s easy to know how much iodine you are giving your cat. Iodine is important for many of your cat’s bodily functions so ensure you add the amount of salt listed to any recipes you use. You can buy this at your local food store.
Conclusion
There are many supplements available for cats, all of which should be used exactly as instructed by the manufacturers and after seeking the advice of your cat’s vet, who will have a full record of your cat’s health and a good understanding of its requirements.
By the way, if you find your cat is drooling more than average then check out my post on exactly why this happens here!
