Feline Digestive System: How Cat Supplements Are Beneficial?

A pet owner wants their cat to be happy and thriving in digestion. To maintain their health, cats are generally fed a wide range of foods containing different nutrients. But even after being fed healthy foods, cats need a little extra support. 

Furthermore, cats are provided with extra support through supplements to bridge nutritional gaps, and dietary restrictions, or address specific health conditions. These supplements must suit every cat, from kittens to older cats who need additional support.    

Why Cat’s Digestive Wellness Matters?

Just like humans, a cat’s digestive wellness is crucial in maintaining overall well-being. A good digestive system ensures that cats absorb all essential nutrients from the food, maintain a strong immune system, and stay energetic and happy. However, poor digestive system health leads to different health issues such as:

• Nutrient deficiencies

• Unexplained weight gain or loss

• Skin damage and coat problems

• Decreasing energy levels 

• Digestive discomforts like gas, bloating, or constipation

Thus, maintaining a strong gut is considered the foundation for a cat's overall health, making it important to prioritize their digestive well-being. 

Types of Cat Supplements

Supplements for cats are mainly recommended by vets to improve mobility issues, digestion and joint health, immune system, and skin health. National Animal Supplement Council (NASC), a nonprofit organization, was formed to regulate dietary supplements for animals and ensure supplement safety for cats and other pets as well. 

Supplements are provided to cats based on their health and life stage. If the cats are on an AAFCO-approved diet, consuming supplements will be beneficial. Vitamins and Supplements contain ingredients to boost different body parts and their related functions. Therefore, the types of supplements to boost a cat’s digestive system:

• Probiotics: They are live microbes, usually from yeast or bacteria. These microbes help restore and improve gastrointestinal systems. Probiotics reduce gas and bloating problems from an unhealthy GI tract. Furthermore, such supplements also resolve chronic diarrhea, vomiting, inability to maintain a healthy weight, and gut health restoration.

• Prebiotics: Prebiotics are generally non-digestible fibers feeding the good bacteria already present in the cat's digestive tract. The growth of these bacteria allows prebiotics to improve overall digestion and gut health. Lastly, the prebiotics are sometimes combined with probiotics for greater effect. 

• Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Omega-3 fatty acids like DHA and EPA contain anti-inflammatory nutrients. They are mostly found in foods like flaxseed and fish oil. Such acids are fed to maintain coat and skin health, but some of them support gut health and reduce inflammation in the digestive system. Thus, these features make them essential for cats suffering from inflammatory bowel conditions.   

• Hairball Control Supplements: These supplement types generally come in gel form offering lubrication to help excessive hair pass through digestive tracts. However, there are few hairball remedies containing herbs supporting a healthy gastrointestinal tract.  

What Cat Supplements Target?

Besides a cat’s digestive system, the supplements also target different other body areas to maintain overall health. Let’s look into the targeted areas and their after-effects:

• Joint & Mobility Support: As cats age, they develop joint problems like arthritis, stiffness, or decreased mobility. Thus, the supplement ingredients like chondroitin, glucosamine, and omega-3 fatty acids combat inflammation problems. These ingredients repair cartilage and increase flexibility in the joint. Lastly, feeding such supplements keeps the cats active, pain-free, and comfortable. 

• Skin and Coat Health: The coats of cats are the indicators of overall health. But a cat’s well-nourished body is identified with their shiny coat and healthy skin. Thus, coat and skin supplements provide additional benefits if the cat has dry skin or dull fur. These supplements contain the right quantity of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, and biotin combined with skin health, less shedding, and a shiny coat. 

• Liver Health Support: A cat has a healthy liver if it detoxifies and metabolizes nutrients properly. Thus, supplements containing smoothies and antioxidants like milk thistle extract are used to maintain a healthy liver. Such supplements bring more improvement to the liver functionality and detoxify the body. The supplements are essential for cats with liver diseases or any other medications.   

How to Use Supplements?

The supplements are designed in a way to cater to the cat’s specific needs or health problems. There are different supplements easy to administer and create eating formats. The uses are:

• Chewable Tablets: The cat supplements mostly come in chewable tablets or treats for easy consumption. They are considered easy options for cats loving treats and daily use. Thus, provide them with these supplements in the form of treats, and the cat will love their daily dose of nutrition. 

• Liquids and Powders: For cats who are picky eats, powder or liquid supplements are convenient options. The powdered supplements can be sprinkled over their food and liquids are mixed with their drinking water. They are formulated in such a way that the feline gets the right nutrients without any spillage. 

  
  

Conclusion

Cat supplements are a powerful and easy option to maintain health, from mobility to a healthy digestive system. The supplements are designed to meet a feline’s individual health needs on a daily basis. Furthermore, the supplements are available for both kittens and older cats making sure they are taken care of properly.