In a hurry? Here is our top pick:
Purina Fortiflora Nutritional Supplement for Cats
Whether you want to promote your cat’s immune system or to support her intestinal health and balance, this nutritional supplement is ideal for your cat.
Summary
- Contains a guaranteed level of a unique strain of live probiotics (SF68®)
- Helps support intestinal health and balance
- Assists in promoting a healthy immune system
Having a healthy feline is a must for all cat owners that’s why investing in some of the best cat vitamins and supplements is a priority.
Some cats don’t process vitamins and minerals properly, others need help keeping their coat healthy and shiny.
This is where vitamins and supplements come into play. They give your cats a certain boost and help them maintain their health.
However, just because your cat has supplements, doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t take her to your vet. Moreover, the vet will tell you which supplements and vitamins suit best your cat.
For instance, Purina Fortiflora Nutritional Supplement for Cats is ideal if you want to promote your cat’s normal intestinal microflora.
If you decide to stick with us, we will list you the advantages and disadvantages of 8 best cat vitamins and supplements provided with some administering tips.
Without further ado, let’s jump right into it!
All products featured on Cat Travel Guide are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our links, we may earn a small affiliate commission.
Quick summary
| Purina Fortiflora Nutritional Supplement for Cats |
| Check on Amazon |
 | Nutramax Cosequin Capsules |
| Check on Amazon |
 | VetriScience Vetri Lysine Bite-Sized Chews |
| Check on Amazon |
 | Tomlyn Immune Support L-Lysine Supplement Powder for Cats |
| Check on Amazon |
 | Nordic Naturals Omega-3 Pet for Cats |
| Check on Amazon |
 | Grizzly Salmon Oil for Cats |
| Check on Amazon |
 | Pet Ultimates Probiotics for Cats |
| Check on Amazon |
 | UroMAXX Urinary Tract, Kidney & Bladder Formula for Cats |
| Check on Amazon |
Before you buy: 5 Things to consider before buying cat supplements and vitamins
1. Types of cat supplements
When it comes to cat supplements, you’d do well to differentiate between 3 types of them: probiotics, general vitamins and minerals, and essential fatty acids.
Probiotics are healthy, ‘good’ bacteria that help improve digestive health.
They contain microorganisms such as Lactobacillus acidophilus or Lactobacillus casei, which control the overgrowth of “bad” bacteria in the large intestine.
General vitamins and minerals are a variety of single or multivitamin products available for cats.
Most cat foods contain all the necessary vitamins and minerals that your cat needs.
Essential fatty acids or omega-3 fatty acids are known for their ability to keep a cat’s coat shiny and to prevent shedding.
They also protect a cat’s immune system, liver, eyes, brain, and joints. Additionally, omega-3 fatty acids boost heart health and fight high cholesterol.
2. Consult with your vet
Our recommendation is to always consult with your vet before giving your cat any of the products you might come across in this article.
Your vet will know whether your cat needs the vitamins and supplements you plan to give to your cat.
Giving unnecessary vitamins or supplements to your cat can do her more wrong than right.
3. Vitamins and supplements are not cures
Vitamins and supplements are merely an addition to the cure, they help support it, in case your cat is having health issues.
This means that supplements should never replace formal medicinal treatment for any diseases or conditions.
4. Vitamin and supplement ingredients that can help your cat
You shouldn’t believe everything that’s on the market. But, if you see these ingredients on the box, you should stick to them:
- Probiotics
- Omega 3 fatty acids
- Vitamin E
- Mineral oils
- Antioxidants
- Glucosamine
- Chondroitin
- Milk thistle extract
All of these ingredients can be beneficial to your cat.
5. Ingredients you should avoid
Just like there are ingredients that you should look for, there are also ingredients that you should avoid, and those include:
- Energy supplements
- Calcium supplements
- Doubling up daily vitamins
- Supplements and vitamins that weren’t tested
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin C
- Garlic
- Onion
Sometimes less is more, and that also applies to cat vitamins and supplements
The 8 Best Cat Vitamins and Supplements
1. Purina Fortiflora Nutritional Supplement for Cats
Number one on our list is Purina Fortiflora Nutritional Supplement for Cats.
Purina Fortiflora is a probiotic supplement for both kittens and cats. It minimizes digestive upsets caused by an imbalance in the gut flora.
It contains live ‘friendly’ bacteria that help promote intestinal health and balance and a healthy immune system.
It can also be useful to help nutritionally manage digestive upsets or poor stool quality caused by an imbalance in the intestinal bacteria.
One sachet is given daily and although improvements in signs of digestive upset may be seen within a few days.
For maximum effect, it should be fed for 30 days. The supplement will provide them with billions of friendly bacteria to help keep their guts healthy.
FortiFlora is particularly beneficial for kittens during weaning and after vaccination and when they are going to new homes.
This supplement is ideal when traveling, during changes in their home environment, such as the introduction of new pets, hospitalization, and cat shows.
If you have an elderly cat who’s more susceptible to changes in their intestinal flora, Fortiflora is guaranteed to help.
There is no need to adapt the quantity of FortiFlora to the weight or size of your cat. It is important to give the entire sachet at one feeding.
This supplement is palatable and very easy to feed – simply sprinkle one entire sachet once daily over your cat’s regular food, whether canned or dry.
As it is so palatable, your pet can even eat it alone without any food.
The only downside of this nutritional supplement is its expiration date. Be very careful to check the date on every box you purchase.
Pros
- Contains a guaranteed level of a unique strain of live probiotics (SF68®)
- Helps support intestinal health and balance
- Assists in promoting a healthy immune system
Cons
- Expiration date short if ordering online
Bottom Line
Whether you want to promote your cat’s immune system or to support her intestinal health and balance, this nutritional supplement is ideal for your cat.
2. Nutramax Cosequin Capsules
If you are looking for a supplement that will help your cat maintain healthy joints, look no further then Nutramax Cosequin.
Cosequin can play an important role in maintaining the optimal joint function of your cats.
Cosequin helps support cartilage production and protect existing cartilage from breakdown.
According to Cosequin, it is the only supplement that contains an exclusive combination of high purity glucosamine, low molecular weight chondroitin sulfate, and manganese ascorbate.
And it is the only glucosamine/chondroitin sulfate supplement that has been shown effective, safe, and bioavailable in published, controlled U.S. studies.
Cosequin is manufactured following standards similar to those practiced by the pharmaceutical industry.
Additionally, some vets recommend Cosequin to help support urinary bladder health.
The inner lining of the bladder wall is protected by a layer, which contains some of the same compounds as are found in cartilage.
This layer prevents urine and the waste products contained within it from seeping into and damaging the lining.
These capsules contain a flavored powder and they can be opened and contents mixed with or sprinkled over the food. Also, the capsule may instead be “pilled” if more convenient.
Pros
- Maintains your cat’s optimal joint function
- Helps with bladder health
- Easily administered
Cons
- May cause mild gastrointestinal upset
Bottom Line
This supplement is the top recommended brand of vets to support and maintain the health of your cat’s joints and to additionally support your cat’s healthy bladder.
3. VetriScience Vetri Lysine Bite-Sized Chews
A daily dose of Vetri Lysine can help your cat with eye and respiratory health and can just as well, support her immune system.
So, if you want your cat to be healthy and happy, use Vetri Lysine chews. Vetri Lysine Plus is formulated with L-Lysine, an essential amino acid for cats.
L-Lysine helps defend the body from upper respiratory issues by stimulating the production of antibodies, enzymes, and hormones.
Also, it supports collagen formation and tissue repair to encourage healthy growth and development.
Dimethylglycine, also known as DMG is an intermediary metabolite that improves cellular metabolism, especially under stressful conditions.
It provides the building blocks for the synthesis of vitamins, hormones, and antibodies and supports all aspects of the immune response.
And for picky cats, Vetri Lysine bite-sized chews come with chicken liver flavor.
If we count in the flavor and size of these chews, you won’t have any problem making your cat eat them!
If you have an adult cat you should give her 1 or 2 chews, twice daily.
And in case you have kittens, give them 1 chew, twice daily. You should consult your veterinarian if conditions worsen.
The drawback of these chews is their smell. Some cat owners said that the smell was so bad their cats wouldn’t get close to these chews.
Pros
- These chews support your cat’s immune system
- They support collagen formation, tissue repair, and antibody production
- Their size is just right for cats
Cons
- Can smell bad
Bottom Line
These chews have all the necessary ingredients to help support your cat’s immune system.
Moreover, they support collagen formation, tissue repair, antioxidant activity, antibody, and lymphocyte production.
And all this in an ideal size and flavor, that even picky cats won’t refuse. You get both healthy and tasty chews in the same box!
4. Tomlyn Immune Support L-Lysine Supplement Powder for Cats
Another vet-recommended supplement that supports the immune system of your cat is Tomlyns Immune Support L-Lysine Supplement.
Just as the one above, this supplement helps support normal respiratory function and maintain normal eye function and health.
It contains high levels of L-lysine which help cats to manage conditions responsive to L-lysine.
Additionally, it comes in a tasty fish-flavored powder that cats will love. Just sprinkle it over dry food or mix it with a small amount of canned food.
If your cat is 6 months and older, 1 rounded scoop should be given to her twice a day. And if you have a kitten under 6 months, you should give it 1/2 scoop twice per day.
Some cats, even the non-picky ones won’t eat this powder because of its smell or the flavor.
Pros
- Supports normal respiratory function
- Maintains normal eye function and health
- High levels of L-lysine
Cons
- The powdered substance
Bottom Line
High levels of L-lysine are good for your cat. They help support the immune system, normalize respiratory health and maintain your cat’s eye function.
It’s easy to administer and it has a tasty flavor – all the important things in one package!
5. Nordic Naturals Omega-3 Pet for Cats
This daily supplementation with Omega-3 oils is a proactive way to help support overall health for your furry friends.
Nordic Naturals provide your cat with omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA.
Both EPA and DHA help keep your cat’s skin and coat healthy. They also support the health of her joints, heart, immune system.
And even cellular health, and brain and eye development and maintenance. Omega oils in this product come from wild-caught anchovies and sardines.
The manufacturer assures that their formulas are produced in true triglyceride form to ensure optimal absorption and results.
All Nordic Naturals pet products are made with the same exceptional quality oil as our human products but have been specially formulated for cats.
Suggested daily use for cats depends on their weight this means that if your cat weighs 2-4 lbs you should give her 0.25 ml of this product.
Then if your cat has 5-9 lbs give her 0.5 ml. For cats weighting 10-14 lbs: 0.75 ml, 15-20 lbs: 1.0 ml, over 20 lbs: 1.25 ml.
You can give liquid fish oil to your cat, by putting a few drops on top of her food.
This way she will consume the fatty acids while eating. But be careful, since fish oil can have a strong smell and taste.
So it is best to start with a small dose and continue adding until your cat has become comfortable.
Pros
- Contains Omega-3s, EPA, and DHA
- Helps keep your cat’s overall health
- Has triglyceride form for optimal absorption
Cons
- Strong smell and taste of fish oil
Bottom Line
This product offers many benefits. It supports everything from your cat’s healthy joints to her brain function.
You can’t go wrong with this product. You can be sure that your cat will be protected from head to toe!
6. Grizzly Salmon Oil for Cats
Another product that contains omega 3 fatty oils is Grizzly Salmon oil.
This oil is derived from a wild Alaskan Salmon. It contains a balanced blend of fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins that are naturally found in the salmon.
Grizzly Salmon Oil provides your cat with a daily supplement rich in EPA and DHA. This helps support your cat’s immune system, and it’s also good for your cat’s heart.
It helps relieve dry, itchy skin and it keeps your furry friends coat shiny.
Grizzly Salmon oil is easy to give to your cat – just add it daily to your cat’s food according to the weight chart.
For fast results, use regularly on a long-term basis.
For 4 oz and 8 oz bottles, one pump stroke equals approximately 0.07 fluid ounces / 2 ml.
When ordering online be sure to check the expiration date, you don’t want to give your cat rancid oil.
Pros
- Supports your cat’s heart and immune system
- Helps with dry skin and makes coat luscious
- Contains a valuable balanced blend of fatty acids
Cons
- Price and expiration date
Bottom Line
Another excellent product that supplements your cat with healthy ingredients like fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins.
It supports your cat’s overall health and can be easily added to their food.
7. Pet Ultimates Probiotics for Cats
Pet Ultimates Probiotics is ideal for your cat if she suffers from diarrhea and vomiting.
Pet Ultimates Probiotics for Cats contains billions of bacteria known to support regular digestion, healthy skin, and renewed vitality.
Protective microorganisms in this product guard your feline’s colon against mucosal inflammation and infections by yeast, toxic bacteria, and other opportunistic microorganisms.
The benefits of this product include less litterbox smell, reduced shedding, firmer stools, and suppression of allergic symptoms such as itching, scratching, and hot spots.
Also, Pet Ultimate Probiotics is easy to use, just sprinkle one tiny 1/8th teaspoon scoop on their food twice day.
And for even better results, start gradually with a quarter-scoop on day one, a half-scoop on day two, and then a full scoop thereafter and you’ll see the benefits in no time!
Pros
- Helps with diarrhea and vomiting
- Suppresses allergic symptoms
- Reduces shedding
Cons
- Cats may not like the taste
Bottom Line
We love our cats and we don’t want to see them suffer – this is merely one reason to try out this product.
It will stop your cat’s digestive problems, and it will help support her overall health!
8. UroMAXX Urinary Tract, Kidney & Bladder Formula for Cats
Urinary tract infections are a common occurrence in cats and UroMAXX can help your cat cure those problems faster than ever.
This product also helps treat cystitis, E. Coli, hematuria (blood in the urine), struvite crystals and urinating out of the litter box.
And if used daily, UroMAXX will help prevent and eradicate biofilm on the bladder and discourage struvite/oxalate crystal formation.
UroMAXX contains cranberry juice extract which prevents the ability of microorganisms from adhering to the epithelial cells that line the urinary tract of cats.
Glucosamine helps nourish and strengthen the protective barrier, called the glycosaminoglycan layer, which covers the urinary tract.
It also contains vitamin-C as ascorbate acid and herbal extract and amino acid support.
The formulas used in these products are designed with no contra-indications for animals being treated for other illnesses.
As another benefit is the fact that is easy to give, you just need to drop it directly on your cat’s wet or dry food.
And if your cat allows, it can be administered directly into the mouth with the dropper.
Pros
- All-natural ingredients
- Helps urinary tract infections
- Treats E. coli and other urinary problems
Cons
- Some cats don’t want to even try it
Bottom Line
A cat with urinary problems is an unhappy cat, plus having your house stink like cat urine is not pleasant.
Now, you can eradicate this. UroMAXX will help with your cat’s urinary problems and your cat will no longer be unhappy!
Do Cat Supplements and Vitamins Really Work?
Sometimes we have questions and doubts when it comes to these kinds of substances. Do they help? Are they necessary?
Some will tell you that these products should be seen as an extension to your cat’s diet and for her longer and happier life.
Others will tell you that giving your cat quality food is enough. So, who do we believe?
It is a fact that some cats have inherent problems in creating certain vitamins or have a certain condition that may warrant a supplement.
Vitamins and supplements were designed to fill in nutritional gaps.
If you notice that your cat is not behaving like her usual self, or that she isn’t eating the usual amount of what she normally consumes, consult your vet for supplements that can help them recover.
If in some cases, your cat eats a home-cooked or raw diet, she will most definitely need a supplement.
Certain vitamins and minerals are necessary for your cat and a home-cooked meal can’t guarantee all these ingredients.
Simply add a vet-approved supplement for home-cooked meals to make sure your pet gets all their necessary nutrients.
However, if your cat eats commercial food and doesn’t have any health problems, then it’s most likely that she won’t need a vitamin or supplement.
Cat Supplements vs. Nutraceuticals
Nutraceuticals are herbal or natural food products that improve diet and treat or prevent diseases.
However, these products aren’t tested or regulated like pharmaceutical drugs.
People who advocate for nutraceuticals claim that these products simply improve the cat’s natural diet. This is not the case.
Nutraceuticals are also, as mentioned above, products that treat or prevent diseases, which means that they are drugs and not nutritional supplements.
Nutraceutical products are found in the supplement section in pet stores and online. Some of the top sellers for cats are:
Glucosamine helps increase joint mobility and is often used as a treatment for arthritis, although it doesn’t relieve its pain.
Chondroitin is also for healthy bone and joints and it is often found with glucosamine.
Milk thistle extract helps remove toxins from the cat’s liver. It may be used for cats with liver disease.
How to give vitamins and supplements to your cat
Assess your cat’s overall health
– Take her to your vet and he will tell you which supplements your cat needs or does not need. Your veterinarian will likely warn you to not overdo it with supplements.
Give your cat only the necessary vitamins and minerals it needs – Giving it too many vitamins and minerals can hurt her health as well. If your vet agrees that your cat needs vitamins and supplements, you should buy quality products only.
If possible, buy the supplements from your vet – This way you can rest assured you’re getting a safe, quality product. Many pet stores will stock supplements for pets and you can buy them online.
Read the label carefully – When buying supplements somewhere other than your veterinary office, be sure to read all the ingredients so that you are not giving your cat more ingredients than it needs.
Follow proper dosage – When administering supplements and vitamins, it should be given according to the directions provided on the packaging or following your veterinarian’s suggestions for dosage.
Mix the supplements to your cat’s food – There are various ways that you can give supplements to your cat. Most supplements are given in forms that are easier to give to a cat, such as oils or powders that are put on food.
Health problems and which supplements and vitamins help
Heart Problem
If your cat suffers from a heart problem, there are supplements that can be given to her to improve their health, such as omega-3 fatty acids, which are usually given to cats in the form of fish oil.
No matter where you decide to purchase these products, their quality will vary and dosing information may not always be supplied.
In this case, you should look at the label to make sure the product is pure and you should discuss the dosage with your vet.
Liver Problem
If your cat has a liver problem, antioxidants might be beneficial because it can help protect liver cells.
Also, vitamin E, vitamin C, S-adenosyl-methionine, and milk thistle help in these cases. Discuss the use of these supplements with your vet before giving them to your cat.
Kidney Problem
Kidney problems can cause your cat to lose a large number of vitamins because excess urination draws water-soluble vitamins out of the body.
In order to prevent this problem, your vet may suggest supplementing your cat with vitamins B and C. Most foods are made for cats with retinal failure – this means that these foods have vitamin B and C in them.
Bone Problem
With age, your cat might develop arthritis. This is why it’s a good idea to discuss the supplements that might help its agility with your veterinarian.
The vet might suggest supplementing your cat’s diet with glucosamine and chondroitin. While these supplements will not get rid of arthritis completely, they can help to improve joint function.
Multivitamin Intake
If you give your cat multi-vitamins, there’s a chance you can create a toxic level of certain vitamins in her system.
This can occur because most cat foods provide a sufficient amount of all necessary vitamins, so giving your cat a multi-vitamin in addition to its diet can lead to an excess of vitamins.
Final Thoughts
In the long run, vitamins and supplements are helpful only when they fill in the gaps where your cat’s nutrition is lacking.
Consultation with your vet is the best way to make sure that you’re doing everything right where your cat’s health is concerned.
Whether that means cutting out on the daily vitamins or upgrading your supplement care. In the end, all we do is always for the benefit of our furry friends!
We hope we managed to answer some of your questions and concerns regarding cats’ vitamins and supplements.
Have you ever given vitamins and supplements to your cat? If so, which products did you use? Did your cat like it?
Share with us your experience and opinion. We love to hear from you!
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE:
3 Best Cat Dewormers For All Worms
7 Best Cat Urine Odor Removers And How To Use Them Properly
