How to choose vitamins for cats
The correct selection of vitamins for an animal determines whether they will help maintain the pet’s health or cause more harm.
Every cat, regardless of its size and age, may have a genetic predisposition to a particular disease. During life, other characteristics of the body are added to this - already acquired ones.
The animal may have problems with its fur or skin, allergies or a recent injury, excess weight or hormonal imbalance. Each case will require its own corrective vitamins for complex therapy.
The age of the animal must also be taken into account:
- Kittens, as well as cats during pregnancy and lactation, need complexes with a high content of minerals.
- Older pets will require special multi-complexes with calcium, vitamin D and phosphorus for healthy bones and joints.
To be absolutely sure that the drug is suitable for your cat, consult your veterinarian before purchasing vitamins.
The frequency of supplementation depends on the pet's diet. With a full diet of premium or holistic food, it is enough for purr to drink one or two courses per year. When feeding naturally or choosing economy-class formulas, vitamins should be given more often.
Recommendations: 10 best foods for kittens
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17 Best Vitamins for Dogs
The need to take vitamins
Unfortunately, those foods that end up in cats’ bowls do not always contain all the necessary micro- and macroelements to maintain the health of pets. That is why you should include vitamins for cats in your animal’s diet, which will help compensate for the deficiency.
Cats definitely need to take vitamins
Note! Poor, monotonous food causes pets' fur to become dull, teeth lose their sharpness, and claws deteriorate.
The best vitamins for kittens
Vitamin complexes should be given to kittens from 6-8 weeks to one year. At this time, babies especially need minerals and trace elements for harmonious development and growth.
Beaphar Kitty's Protein and Junior – for the harmonious development of babies
5
★★★★★
editorial assessment
97%
buyers recommend this product
See review▶
Kitty's Junior vitamins can be given to kittens from 6 weeks of age. Each tablet contains B vitamins, niacin, potassium, sodium, calcium and phosphorus for the proper formation of the pet's skeleton, as well as biotin for the shine of the baby's coat.
The composition also includes at least 4% cod fillet, so there is no need to force the kittens to eat these vitamins - they will gobble it up with pleasure.
The supplement is available in packs of 150 and 1000 tablets in the shape of small hearts. The dosage depends on the pet's health condition. For 1 kg of weight, up to 8 tablets per day may be required, which means that the consumption of vitamins in each case will be completely different.
Pros:
- pleasant taste and smell of tablets;
- balanced composition;
- convenient dosage;
- the coat shines even after a short course.
Minuses:
- price 350 rubles for 150 tablets.
Owners note the high cost of these vitamins, but for kittens of miniature breeds the packaging lasts for several months. But for owners of large babies, such therapy is not cheap.
Doctor ZOO “Healthy Kitten” - the best budget vitamins
4.7
★★★★★
editorial assessment
75%
buyers recommend this product
Doctor ZOO is a representative of Russian-made economy class vitamins. You can start giving this supplement to kittens from 3 months.
It contains bone meal and milk powder, so kids eat the tablets with great pleasure. In addition, the ingredients include yeast, amino acids, 8 minerals and 12 vitamins.
Doctor ZOO is sold in a compact cardboard package; additional vitamins are placed in a sealed bag. The daily norm is from 6 to 20 tablets.
Pros:
- pleasant taste;
- convenient packaging;
- natural composition;
- price 75 rubles for 120 tablets.
Minuses:
- Allergy possible.
The Doctor ZOO “Healthy Kitten” complex is loved by many owners of young cats because it has the optimal price-quality ratio. However, when taking it for the first time, you need to monitor the baby’s body’s reaction to the supplement. If an allergic reaction occurs, it is better to stop taking it immediately.
Benefits and harms
Vitamins for cats against hair loss
Mustached pets require the same vitamins as humans. However, giving animals products from a human first aid kit is strictly prohibited, since, despite the fact that the substance is the same, its concentration is different. Therefore, it is necessary to visit a veterinarian who will help you choose the optimal complex.
Carotene
Each vitamin has its own effect on the animal’s body. Carotene (vitamin A) helps your pet maintain visual acuity and promotes normal growth and development of kittens. With its deficiency, the condition of the coat worsens, and diseases of the lungs and genital organs may occur. Dry eyes develop. Kittens begin to lag behind in development. Immunity deteriorates. The daily requirement is 1800-2000 IU (international units).
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is especially important for those animals that do not have access to the outdoors. It is produced by the body under UV rays. The shortage leads to the following problems:
- rickets;
- skeletal development disorders;
- increased bone fragility;
- problems with the absorption of calcium in the body.
The norm is 4 IU per 1 kg of pet weight.
Without vitamins, normal life for cats is impossible.
Tocopherol
Tocopherol (E) is the vitamin of youth. It normalizes metabolic processes, without it the animal will not be playful and active. If there is a shortage, the reproductive system suffers; kittens may experience delayed development, convulsions, and miscarriages in cats. Males become infertile. With prolonged deficiency, cells of the nervous system, liver, and heart begin to die. For a cat weighing 4 kg, you need to receive 2.5 mg daily.
Vitamins K, C, B
Vitamin K will help the animal maintain a strong skeleton and flexible ligaments. Also good for the kidneys and circulatory system. The norm is 82 mcg per 4 kg of animal weight.
Note! If your pet loves fresh cucumbers, this is a symptom of a vitamin K deficiency.
Ascorbic acid helps strengthen the animal's body's resistance to disease. If there is a lack of it, the immune system will noticeably deteriorate. In addition, only vitamin C contributes to the normal absorption of iron by the body.
B vitamins have a beneficial effect on the state of the animal’s nervous system and fur. Necessary for the normal functioning of the cardiovascular system. With a deficiency, pathologies of the musculoskeletal system and gastrointestinal tract develop.
The best vitamins for healthy skin and coat of cats
The condition of the skin and coat are the first indicators of a pet’s overall health. But sometimes they don’t look good due to an unbalanced diet. Special vitamins can shorten the shedding period, add shine to a cat's coat and reduce tangling, which is especially important for long-haired breeds.
AniVital FeliDerm – German quality
5
★★★★★
editorial assessment
98%
buyers recommend this product
Vitamins from the famous German brand are suitable not only for improving the appearance of your pet, but also for combating allergic dermatitis and other diseases of the skin and coat. The recommended dosage for a pet weighing 5 kg is 3-4 tablets per day. AniVital is sold in dark plastic packages with a hermetically sealed lid of 140 and 260 tablets. The duration of treatment is usually 4-6 weeks.
The composition of the drug is very rich and gives a complex effect. Amino acid zinc chelate heals skin cracks. Biotin accelerates the synthesis of keratin - the main component of the epithelium, wool and claws. It reduces dryness, brittleness and hair loss, and helps treat dandruff and infections. Yeast is known for its high content of B vitamins and beneficial microelements.
In addition, FeliDerm contains fish oil as a source of fatty acids for shiny coat, as well as meat, poultry liver and herring to give vitamins a pleasant taste and aroma.
Pros:
- rich natural composition;
- taste and smell attractive to cats;
- low consumption;
- hypoallergenic;
- convenient packing and packing.
Minuses:
- for 140 tablets you will have to pay at least 1.5 thousand.
AniVital FeliDerm quickly eliminates skin irritation and itching - the main symptoms of allergic reactions.
Farmavit Active “Beauty and Health of Wool” - inexpensive vitamins with fruit enzymes
4.9
★★★★★
editorial assessment
95%
buyers recommend this product
Farmavit Active is indicated for use to alleviate shedding, restore brightness of color, treat fragility and hair loss, prevent dryness, dandruff and flaking, as well as activate hair follicles.
Each tablet contains 11 vitamins plus 8 minerals and trace elements. The course of treatment is 2-4 weeks. For small cats, one tablet per day is enough, for large pets - two. Farmavit Active is sold in plastic packaging.
Pros:
- excellent price-quality ratio;
- economical consumption;
- wide range of indications;
- convenient packaging;
- Suitable for cats of any age and size.
Minuses:
- Strong smell.
Despite the fact that the manufacturer does not limit the age of pets who are recommended to take these vitamins, veterinarians do not recommend giving them to babies under 3 months and older cats. The tablets are quite strong and can aggravate dental problems.
8 in 1 Excel Brewer's Yeast – universal vitamins for cats and dogs
4.8
★★★★★
editorial assessment
88%
buyers recommend this product
A multifunctional vitamin complex based on brewer's yeast normalizes metabolism, strengthens the immune system and supplies the body of four-legged pets with B vitamins.
The composition was developed together with veterinarians and includes tuna oil (a source of Omega-3), garlic for the proper functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and protection against viral diseases, as well as a complex of oils for shiny coat.
The supplement is recommended for use during shedding, when recovering from illness and taking medications, as well as when you have an unbalanced diet.
Pros:
- packaging with screw cap;
- accelerates the molting process;
- improves the general condition of the coat;
- can be given to kittens from 2 weeks of age;
- balanced composition.
Minuses:
- Not all animals like the taste.
8 in 1 Excel Brewer's Yeast is suitable for cats and dogs of all breeds and all ages, which is especially convenient for owners of several pets.
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Beafar kitty junior hearts
A tasty treat for six-month-old kittens. It contains all the necessary vitamins and minerals. Has a positive effect on the kitten's skin and fur.
Ingredients: calcium, sodium, potassium, phosphorus and biotin.
Price: from 46 to 79 UAH. – 150 pcs. from 198 to 392 UAH. — 1000 UAH. in Ukraine; in Russia: from 1165 to 1182 rubles. – 1000 tablets; 272 rub. – 150 tablets.
Review.
Diana, Vinnitsa.
After comprehensive feeding with premium food and vitamin Beafar, the cat’s coat is excellent and he has become more playful and healthy. I don’t know what helped more, the food or the vitamin complex, but I think that kittens can buy hearts for pleasure.
The best vitamins for healthy bones and teeth in cats
Supplements to strengthen the skeleton and teeth are especially needed for purrs up to one year old - during the period of active growth of the pet. They will not be superfluous in old age, as well as during pregnancy and lactation. With an unbalanced diet, veterinarians also recommend giving cats calcium and phosphorus-based supplements several times a year.
Canina Cat Mineral Tabs – mineral complex for daily use
4.9
★★★★★
editorial assessment
96%
buyers recommend this product
Cat Mineral Tabs are formulated to support musculoskeletal and dental health. This mineral supplement has the optimal combination of calcium and phosphorus, necessary for maximum absorption of such useful elements - 2 to 1. Each tablet also contains yeast for balanced metabolism and normalization of digestion, as well as seaweed for the brightness of the pet's color.
The composition is completely natural - it can be given to kittens from the first month of life. The daily dosage depends on the size of the animal: usually it is 5-8 tablets; for weakened pets it can be doubled. Vitamins are sold in a plastic container with a snap-on lid, 150 or 300 pieces.
Pros:
- natural composition;
- high degree of absorption of vitamins and minerals;
- sealed packaging.
Minuses:
- Concomitant use with vitamin D2 is not recommended;
- the price is about 560 rubles for 150 pieces.
Canina Cat Mineral Tabs complex is recommended for daily use by kittens over 4 weeks of age, pregnant and lactating cats, as well as natural-fed animals.
Vitomax – natural formula with calcium and phosphorus
4.9
★★★★★
editorial assessment
93%
buyers recommend this product
See review▶
Vitomax is a protein product with plant extracts, consisting only of natural ingredients. It is based on calcium phosphate and stearate, skimmed milk powder, plant and animal proteins, larkspur extract, glucose, ascorbic acid, barley malt extract, DL-methionine, niacinamide. This composition ensures that the animal’s body receives 7 vitamins (C, E, PP, D3 and group B) and 4 minerals that are essential for the health of teeth and bones - calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and zinc.
The complex is used to prevent rickets and other skeletal diseases or can be used as part of a complex treatment. Veterinarians also prescribe vitamins for fractures and high physical activity in cats.
The shelf life of the drug is 18 months. But since the tablets are completely fat-free, they will not oxidize or go rancid after this time - they will simply become less effective.
Pros:
- natural ingredients without dyes or flavors;
- long shelf life;
- composition rich in vitamins and minerals.
Minuses:
- difficult to find in veterinary pharmacies.
Vitomax is sold in packs of 300 and 1000 tablets. The price for a large pack is more favorable. However, you will have to order it in advance, since it is very difficult to find these vitamins on the shelves.
Beaphar Irish Cal – suitable for cats and dogs
4.8
★★★★★
editorial assessment
91%
buyers recommend this product
Irish Cal can be given to kittens from 2 months of age. The manufacturer claims that thanks to the balanced formula, these vitamins can be taken constantly, and not in courses several times a year. But this is just an advertising gimmick - in fact, 1-2 courses are enough for the animal.
The complex was created to saturate the body with minerals and restore balance in the animal’s natural diet. Beaphar vitamins increase the strength of bone tissue and are suitable for the prevention of rickets and anemia in cats. Each serving contains calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and B vitamins.
The additive is available in the form of an odorless powder so that it can be mixed with food. This will be appreciated by owners of capricious animals who do not want to swallow pills. The daily dosage is 0.5-1 teaspoon.
Pros:
- contains essential minerals for healthy bones and teeth;
- can be given to animals of any size and age;
- compatibility with other vitamins and medications;
- low powder consumption;
- convenient release form;
- measuring spoon included.
Minuses:
- preservatives included.
Irish Cal is a universal vitamin complex that is suitable for both cats and dogs. Taking this drug gives maximum effect in young animals up to one year old, as well as during pregnancy and lactation in females.
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With vitamin D
Canina Cat-Mineral Tabs
pros
- develop bone mass in young animals
- help reproductive function
- stimulate healthy growth of kittens
- have a positive effect on digestion
- stabilize the nervous system
Minuses
- cats don't eat on their own
From 550 ₽
Vitamin D for cats strengthens teeth, claws and skeleton. Helps young individuals grow, supports older individuals, and reduces bone fragility. Hair falls out less and a healthy shine appears. Suitable for any age, pregnant women, young people, unhealthy people (an alternative to injections).
Polidex Gelabon plus Glucozamine
pros
- help old animals with kidney and joint problems
- promote bone tissue restoration
- makes teeth and claws stronger
- improve the condition of chronic diseases
- normalize digestion
Minuses
- awkward lid on the jar
From 912 RUR
Russian-made vitamins restore health after illness. Contains glucosamine, which restores cartilage and joints. Helps young animals during the growth period, gives strength to older animals, and improves tone. Suitable for cats of any age, good for the postoperative period, after fractures.
The best vitamins for neutered and neutered cats
After castration or sterilization, the animal's metabolic processes in the body slow down. Such pets are recommended to have special diets and regular intake of vitamin complexes. They will serve as the prevention of urolithiasis and hormonal imbalances.
Veda - inexpensive phytocomplex
5
★★★★★
editorial assessment
98%
buyers recommend this product
Natural Veda vitamins for neutered cats, when taken regularly, reduce the likelihood of obesity and urolithiasis in your pet. Phytomines are produced in tablets, which are given to animals 2 times a day, 2 pieces.
The complex includes camelina oil, a source of phytosterols and fatty acids that prevent excess weight gain. Bean leaves deliver arginine to the animal’s body for the proper functioning of the kidneys. Plantain improves cholesterol metabolism. Extracts of birch, meadowsweet and dandelion leaves have a beneficial effect on the functioning of the urinary system. St. John's wort and mint are added to calm the cat's nervous system.
Pros:
- natural composition;
- taste pleasant for cats;
- economical consumption.
- low cost (from 70 rubles for 100 tablets).
Minuses:
- In stores, phytamines are quickly sold out - it is better to order them.
Veda tablets are tightly compressed, so cats with weakened teeth are advised to crush them before administration.
Radostin is a domestic drug for castrated cats
4.9
★★★★★
editorial assessment
93%
buyers recommend this product
Radostin has a balanced composition and an affordable price - for 100 tablets you need to pay about 200 rubles. The daily dosage is up to 6 tablets per day, depending on the weight of the animal. Vitamins have a general strengthening effect on the body, help establish metabolic processes and perform the functions of mineral therapy for the prevention of diseases.
The complex includes prebiotics that have a beneficial effect on digestion and prevent the pet from becoming overweight, taurine to regulate the functioning of the nervous system, as well as components of plant and animal origin. Crushed raspberry leaf fights inflammation, spirulina removes waste and toxins, and mussel particles increase the animal’s immunity.
Pros:
- balanced composition;
- reasonable cost;
- does not contain preservatives or artificial additives;
- has a beneficial effect on the entire body of the animal.
Minuses:
- high consumption, especially in the case of large breeds;
- Not all cats like the taste and smell of tablets.
Radostin has no contraindications or restrictions based on the age or breed of the pet. Its course of treatment can be started immediately after the procedure of sterilization or castration of the animal and continued until old age.
Symptoms of hypovitaminosis in a cat
With a prolonged deficiency of essential substances, pets develop vitamin deficiency, which depletes the animal and leads to disruption of the vital functions of the body. The pet becomes vulnerable to various diseases.
Important! The immunity of domestic cats depends entirely on the food offered to them. Wild representatives regulate the supply of nutrients, as they obtain food on their own.
The following factors cause vitamin deficiency are called:
- poor diet;
- weakened immunity;
- chronic diseases;
- infections, injuries and other pathological processes;
- negative external factors, for example, insufficient drinking water, drafts;
- pregnancy and lactation;
- prolonged stress state;
- parasitic infestation;
- endocrine and immune diseases;
- antibiotic treatment.
The severity of vitamin deficiency depends on its stage. As a rule, symptoms become noticeable when the deficiency of beneficial components is critical.
Important! At the initial stage, vitamin deficiency progresses latently. Pathology can be detected by performing a biochemical blood test.
In the second stage of deficiency of nutrients, the following signs can be noted:
- lethargy;
- apathy;
- weight loss;
- deterioration in wool quality with the appearance of bald patches;
- refusal of food, games;
- itchy skin and dandruff;
- unsteadiness of gait and disorientation in the dark.
The appearance of these symptoms is a reason to contact a veterinarian, who will determine the deficiency of specific nutrients. In some cases, vitamin deficiency is complex.
Attention! Nutrient deficiency can only be determined using laboratory diagnostic methods.
Vitamin deficiency often accompanies the formation of bald patches
The Best Vitamins for Aging Cats
Upon reaching 7-8 years of age, cats require more careful attention to health and enhanced vitamin therapy. With age, energy reserves become less and less, metabolism slows down, the coat ceases to shine, and the immune system weakens. To maintain the quality of life of aging pets, manufacturers offer special lines of vitamins.
Farmavit Neo – complex for cats over 8 years old
4.9
★★★★★
editorial assessment
93%
buyers recommend this product
The domestic drug Farmavit Neo was developed taking into account the characteristics of cats over 8 years old. It is designed to prevent hypovitaminosis and the occurrence of age-related diseases of the animal, if possible, slow down the aging process and strengthen the immune system.
Each tablet contains yeast, which is a source of 11 vitamins necessary for an elderly pet (A, D3, E, group B), taurine, good for vision and heart, biotin and spirulina. The manufacturer also added microcellulose and inulin to maintain the balance of intestinal microflora and strengthen the immune system.
The effectiveness of the drug has been clinically proven: a positive result after administration was noticeable in all 195 cats tested. Farmavit Neo is sold in 60 tablets, packaged in cardboard packs with a sealed bag inside.
Pros:
- well-chosen composition;
- 100% efficiency;
- convenient packaging;
- low consumption and affordable price - 150 rubles per pack.
Minuses:
- Not all cats like the taste and smell of the tablets.
The manufacturer's recommended course of taking Farmavit is 2 months every other month. Dosage – 1 tablet per 3 kg of animal weight.
Side effects and overdose
A doctor should prescribe vitamin complexes in accordance with the results of laboratory diagnostics. An excess of components is no less dangerous than its deficiency.
Side effects arise as a result of intolerance to individual components and include:
- bowel dysfunction;
- vomiting;
- itching of the skin;
- the appearance of patches of baldness.
Exceeding the dosage and using drugs without a specialist’s prescription can provoke an overdose, against the background of which disturbances in the functioning of various organs and systems are noted. Animals show signs of:
- dehydration;
- lethargy;
- vomit;
- refusal of food.
Useful tips and tricks
Before choosing vitamins for a cat in a beautiful jar, they analyze the pet’s nutrition, age and physical indicators. If your pet has some kind of disease, or the animal lives with a diseased liver, then before starting a course of supplements, consult a veterinarian; he will probably recommend a highly specialized vitamin product.
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Focusing on the preferences of your own animal, you can choose the taste of the product and its structure in the form of tablets, capsules, liquid vitamins, injections, suspensions, mixtures.
Kholin
What is it needed for. Choline is a hepatoprotector - it is beneficial for the liver and prevents its obesity. Choline is also involved in metabolism and the functioning of the nervous system.
What is the threat of a shortage? Lack of choline causes fatty liver, which can lead to the development of necrosis and deterioration of the kidneys.
Where it is kept. There is a lot of choline in meat products - liver, brain, heart, as well as in egg yolk, legumes, cod.
There is a lot of choline in organ meats, such as heart